Coronation Park

The wooded slopes above Paignton hide a proper little nature reserve that most holiday makers miss entirely. Coronation Park sits tucked away from the seafront chaos, offering something altogether quieter - a chance to spot woodland birds, wander the paths, and actually hear yourself think. It's the kind of place you stumble upon by accident and then keep coming back to.

What you get here is straightforward: paths through mature trees, open grassland, and enough elevation to make the coastal views worth the climb. It's not demanding terrain, but it's genuine countryside within striking distance of town. The reserve functions as a proper wild space rather than a manicured attraction, which is either its greatest strength or its main drawback depending on what you're after. Families with younger kids might find it lacks the structured activity of a formal park, but if your crew enjoys a ramble and spotting wildlife, you'll get a good hour or two out of it.

Timing-wise, spring and early autumn are best - less oppressive heat than summer, better chances of seeing birds on the wing. Go mid-week if you can; weekends bring the local Paignton crowd out looking for shade.

Staying at South Bay Holiday Park or Waterside Holiday Park puts you three to four miles away, an easy drive or determined walk if you're after a break from the holiday park routine. It's the sort of place that rounds out a seaside week properly - nature without the theme park feel.