Road Copse

A proper woodland walk rather than a tourist attraction, Road Copse sits just outside Crediton and delivers exactly what you'd hope for from a Devon forest - tall trees, decent paths, and genuine quiet. The beech and oak canopy is thick enough to feel like you've stepped away from the world, even though you're only minutes from town.

It's ideal for walkers wanting something straightforward without the crowds of the bigger woodland sites. The paths are well-trodden but never rammed, and you can knock out a solid hour's ramble without breaking a sweat. Kids won't find anything spectacular - no play areas or visitor facilities - but they'll burn energy running between trees, which counts as a win.

There's no entry fee and no formal opening hours, so you can rock up whenever suits. Early morning is genuinely lovely, before other walkers arrive. Allow an hour for a decent loop without rushing.

If you're based at Yeatheridge Farm Caravan Park nearby, this makes a cracking half-morning outing before heading into Crediton town proper for lunch. It's the sort of place you'll visit once during a week-long park stay, not the headline attraction, but it fills a gap nicely when you want woodland without the fanfare. Bring wellies if it's been wet - it can get boggy in spots.