Loggins Wood

A proper woodland walk just outside Bideford, Loggins Wood is the sort of place you head to when you want green quiet without the fuss of a managed visitor attraction. It's genuinely just trees - ancient Devon woodland with decent paths that wind through and open out onto what feels like genuine countryside rather than a manicured park. The canopy's thick enough that even on drizzly days it stays relatively dry underfoot, which matters more than you'd think in Devon.

Walkers will get the most from this one. It's not dramatic - no waterfalls or viewpoints that'll make your camera earn its keep - but that's rather the point. You can spend forty minutes or two hours here depending on which trails you fancy, and the pace means you'll actually notice things: moss on the north side of trees, the particular smell of damp woodland, birds doing their thing. Family groups with younger kids might find it a touch dull unless they're already keen on nature spotting.

There's no visitor centre or facilities to speak of, so come prepared. It's free and always open, though honestly, conditions underfoot can get boggy after rain so pick your moment.

Stay at Roeys Retreat or Broad Park - both within a few miles - and you've got yourself a solid day combining woodland walks with the prettier coastal bits around Bideford. It's low-key Devon done properly, without the crowds that gather at the showier spots.