Newberry Wood

Walk into Newberry Wood near Bideford and you're into proper woodland - the kind where the light filters through in shafts and you can actually hear yourself think. It's a forest rather than a manicured country estate sort of place, with paths that wind through decent-sized trees and enough cover that you won't get soaked if there's a drizzle on.

This is walkers' territory, mainly. Families with young kids will get a good hour or so out of it before someone asks "are we nearly done yet", though older children who actually like being outdoors will find enough to keep them occupied - fallen logs to scramble over, things to identify. Dog walkers seem to love it. There's something refreshing about a wood that doesn't feel designed for maximum footfall.

The beauty here is its proximity to the accommodation options around Bideford. You're minutes from Coastal Cabins Glamping, Roeys Retreat, and Atlantic Horizons, so it works perfectly as a morning walk before breakfast or an evening stretch to shake off the travel. Not a "destination" attraction in itself - you won't plan a trip around it - but exactly what you want when you're based nearby and need to get outside without faffing about.

No facilities that I'm aware of, so bring water and sensible shoes. The paths are manageable but uneven in places. Go in autumn when the light's golden and the crowds are thin.