Coldridge Coppice

The woodland around Coldridge Coppice is the sort of place you find yourself without planning to - turning off the lane near Seaton and suddenly surrounded by proper Devon forest. It's not dramatic or vast, but it's genuine working woodland with the feel of somewhere that belongs to the locals rather than the tourist trail.

Walking through here, you'll find yourself on decent paths that wind between mature trees, with enough light filtering through to make it pleasant rather than gloomy. It's the kind of spot where you can stretch your legs for an hour without needing specialist kit or a detailed map. The coppice itself - that's the managed woodland where trees are cut and regrow - gives it a lived-in character, though you're unlikely to encounter much activity when you visit.

This works best for people who actually enjoy a quiet woodland walk rather than wanting a spectacular destination. Families with younger children might find it a bit samey after 45 minutes, but if you've got kids who'll scramble over fallen logs and hunt for wildlife, they'll get on fine. Walkers using it as a leg-stretcher between Beer Head Holiday Park or Oakdown will find it does the job without fuss.

There's no visitor infrastructure to speak of - no car park notices or entrance fees that I'm aware of - which is part of its appeal. The nearest proper facilities are back in Seaton, so plan accordingly. Spring's lovely here when the woodland floor comes alive, though frankly any season beats sitting at the caravan.