King's Wood

The moment you step into King's Wood, you understand why locals keep coming back. This Devon forest sits just north of Plymouth, far enough out to feel genuinely wild but close enough for a proper half-day trip. The woodland floor is thick with moss and leaf litter - walk quietly and you might spot deer between the tall pines and deciduous trees.

It's the sort of place that rewards a slow wander rather than a rushed loop. Bring a decent pair of boots because the terrain can get boggy after rain, and paths aren't always obvious. The canopy is thick enough that even on scorching summer days it stays cool and shadowy, which families with younger kids will appreciate. Plan for two to three hours if you want to actually explore rather than just dash through.

Walkers and nature photographers get the most from King's Wood. Bird watchers occasionally have luck too, particularly in early morning. The forest doesn't have the manicured feel of a managed country estate - it's genuinely forested, which some people love and others find a bit too untamed.

If you're staying at Hidden Hill Devon's glamping site nearby, King's Wood makes an excellent morning excursion before returning for lunch. The contrast between luxury hot tubs and proper forest rambling is oddly perfect. No facilities within the wood itself - bring water and snacks. Free to access, which is increasingly rare.