Lyland Wood

You'll find yourself in proper woodland the moment you step into Lyland Wood near Crediton - the sort of place where the canopy gets thick enough that you genuinely need to watch your footing on the paths. It's a straightforward forest walk through Devon countryside, nothing fancy, just trees and the occasional opening where you can breathe a bit. The wood runs for a decent stretch, so you can do as little or as much as you fancy depending on energy levels.

For families with younger kids, an hour here works well before they start getting restless. The paths are manageable enough that you're not wrestling with pushchairs, though it's not perfectly flat either. Walkers will appreciate the quietness - you won't find crowds - and there's something genuinely restorative about old woodland when you're craving a break from the usual attractions. History enthusiasts won't find much to get their teeth into, but that's not really the point.

The nearest proper base is Crediton itself, about four miles away. If you're staying at Yeatheridge Farm Caravan Park, Lyland Wood makes an ideal morning or afternoon outing without needing to plan a major expedition. It's free and accessible most days, though obviously winter weather can make the ground a bit boggy. Go midweek if possible to avoid what little foot traffic there is at weekends. Don't expect facilities or signs pointing out rare birds - it's just woodland doing what woodland does. Sometimes that's exactly what you need.