Furze Close Plantation

A thick belt of conifers and broadleaves south of Crediton, Furze Close Plantation is the kind of woodland that makes sense if you're already in the area rather than worth planning your whole trip around. The walk itself is straightforward - paths wind through the trees with decent visibility once you're in, and it's quiet on weekdays, which is the main draw really.

The ground's damp most of the year, so proper boots are essential. You'll find the usual woodland creatures if you're lucky - nothing exotic, but the peace is genuine. On a grey Devon afternoon it feels properly rural, even though Crediton's only a few miles away.

Walkers and anyone after a break from caravan parks benefit most. Kids will manage an hour without complaint if they're the type to enjoy a stomp through trees, but there's no playground or visitor centre to speak of. It's free and open access, which helps - you can pop in for a quick circuit without committing to a full day out.

If you're staying at Yeatheridge Farm Caravan Park, it's just under five miles away - perfectly reasonable for a mid-week breather. Don't expect dramatic views or rare plants. This is functional Devon woodland that does the job of clearing your head before you head back to the van for tea.