Harcombe Woods - Forestry England

The woodland floor at Harcombe is thick with moss and fallen branches - proper forest floor stuff that squelches underfoot when it's been wet. This Forestry England site just outside Exeter spreads across several hundred acres of mixed woodland, with pathways ranging from gentle loops to more ambitious rambles through the trees.

It's a straightforward spot for walkers who want a dose of woodland without faffing about. The trails wind through beech and oak, and on a decent day the light filters through the canopy in that way that makes people take photos of trees (deservedly, actually). You'll see the occasional fallen log used as a bench, little streams, and if you're lucky, woodland birds doing their thing. There's no visitor centre or café, so come prepared - it's just you, the trees, and whatever weather Devon decides to throw at you.

Families with young kids will manage the easier routes fine, though there aren't playgrounds or attractions to keep under-fives engaged beyond "look, a big tree." Older children who enjoy exploring independently do better here. Serious walkers use it as a proper training loop or incorporate it into a wider day out around Exeter.

The site sits roughly four to five miles from the holiday parks clustered around Dawlish and Cofton - Leadstone Camping, Lady's Mile, and Welcome Family Holiday Park are all within spitting distance. Perfect pairing if you're staying in the area and need a morning walk before heading elsewhere. Access appears free, though as with most Forestry England sites, the main ask is respect for the woodland and the paths themselves.