Dawe's Wood

Walking into Dawe's Wood near Okehampton feels like stepping through a door into proper old Devon. Ancient oaks and beeches tower overhead, their trunks thick enough to wrap your arms round - which, if you've got kids, they absolutely will try to do. The woodland floor is soft with generations of leaf fall, and in spring the bluebells make the whole place glow blue-purple.

It's the kind of place where you can lose yourself for an hour without trying. There are gentle paths threading through, though nothing particularly signposted, so you won't feel herded along like cattle. The quietness is the real draw - you genuinely might not bump into another soul, which is rare in Devon these days.

This works best for families wanting a proper woodland mooch rather than anything structured. Toddlers cope fine on the main paths, but older kids who like exploring will be happier here than younger ones who need constant entertainment. If you're into fungi or birdwatching, autumn and winter are your best bets. Summer can feel a touch damp and airless, though the shade is welcome on scorching days.

Stay at Lydford Caravan & Camping Park just down the road - it's excellent and gives you easy access to Dawe's Wood plus the Lydford area proper. Wolf Wood Treehouses is slightly further but worth it if you fancy something different. Allow two hours minimum, though you could stretch it to three if you're not in a rush. Best done mid-week if you can, when it's properly peaceful.