Occombe Woods

Dog walkers and families looking for proper woodland adventures will find themselves well served by this sprawling forest that stretches across the hills above Paignton. The network of marked trails winds through mixed woodland where ancient oak trees tower over brambles heavy with blackberries come late summer. You'll likely have the place largely to yourself on weekdays.

Children who love den-building and scrambling over fallen logs will be in their element here. The terrain varies from gentle slopes perfect for pushchairs to steeper climbs that'll get the heart pumping. Several clearings offer space for picnics, though you'll need to bring your own provisions as there are no facilities within the woods.

From what I could tell during my visits, access appears to be free and the woods are open year-round. Allow at least two hours if you want to explore properly - the main circular route takes about an hour at a leisurely pace, but there are plenty of offshoots worth investigating.

Location-wise, you're well positioned if you're staying at any of the holiday parks around Paignton. Hoburne Devon Bay and Waterside Holiday Park are both within easy driving distance, making this a cracking spot for burning off energy before heading back to your accommodation.