Melbury Plantation

The woodland at Melbury stretches across Devon's quieter northwest corner, just outside Bideford - a proper mature forest if you're after an escape from the seaside crowds. It's the sort of place where you can actually hear yourself think, with paths threading through established trees and enough green to lose an afternoon without trying too hard.

Walkers will find their legs and lungs tested in places. The terrain isn't flat, and some sections get muddy after rain, so proper boots matter. Budget two to three hours if you want to see what the plantation's got to offer without rushing. It works well as a half-day outing alongside a morning in Bideford itself - browse the high street, grab lunch, then head into the trees.

Families with younger children might manage the easier perimeter routes, though there's not much in the way of facilities once you're in. No cafes or visitor centres to my knowledge, so bring what you need. Birdwatchers and nature types will genuinely enjoy this more than casual strollers - it's working woodland rather than a manicured attraction.

Camping nearby is easy enough - Roeys Retreat and Broad Park are both within a few miles if you're basing yourself in the area for longer. The forest fits nicely into a broader North Devon trip without needing to book ahead or pay entry fees, assuming it remains freely accessible. Just go prepared for weather and mud in equal measure.