Newnham Park

A proper nature reserve just outside Plymouth that actually delivers on the promise of getting you away from the city buzz. Newnham Park is the sort of place where you can spend a couple of hours wandering through woodland and open grassland without feeling like you're on a theme park trail.

What you get here is genuine countryside - native trees, scrubland, the occasional glimpse of wildlife if you're quiet enough. It's not dramatic or showy, which is precisely why it works. There's something refreshing about a reserve that hasn't been over-designed with themed walks and interpretation boards at every turn.

Families with restless kids might find it a bit thin after the first hour, but anyone who actually enjoys walking will appreciate the space to roam. History types won't find much to grab onto here - this is nature for nature's sake rather than heritage wrapped up in a bow.

If you're based at Dartmoor Domes just 1.6 miles down the road, it's an easy morning venture before heading out properly into Dartmoor itself. The glamping at Hidden Hill Devon is further out, but still within easy reach if you want a gentle warm-up walk before tackling the moor proper.

Bring decent shoes - the ground can get boggy - and go when you've got weather on your side. Late afternoon light through the trees is worth timing for.