Raleigh Wood

A proper woodland walk rather than a manicured attraction, Raleigh Wood sits just outside Barnstaple and delivers what you'd hope from a Devon forest - tall trees, dappled light filtering through the canopy, and enough space to actually breathe. It's the sort of place where you can lose an hour without trying, wandering between oak and beech with the soft forest floor underfoot.

Walkers will get the most from this. The paths wind through genuine woodland, not a visitor centre in sight, which means you're getting something real rather than packaged. Take an hour, maybe ninety minutes if you're the type who stops to identify birds or photograph fungi. Kids will either love it or get bored depending on whether they're the exploring sort or the "are we there yet" sort - there's not much in the way of play facilities, so come prepared with a sense of adventure rather than expecting entertainment.

The wood sits within easy reach of several good holiday bases. HARTA Retreat, five miles out, offers luxury glamping if you want proper comfort between walks, while Stowford Farm Meadows is a solid mid-range option if you're after a more traditional setup. Longlands, slightly further at six miles, gives you those five-star glamping vibes if budget allows.

Free to wander, open whenever daylight permits. Best in autumn when the colour changes things, though spring brings birdsong and energy. It's not the flashiest woodland in Devon, but that's rather the point.