Stone Plantation

A proper forest walk rather than a manicured attraction, Stone Plantation sits inland from Plymouth and delivers what you'd want from a Devon woodland - tall conifers, decent paths, and enough quiet to actually hear yourself think. The trees tower overhead in that way that makes you realise how small you are, and there's something satisfying about the straightforward nature of it all. No visitor centre, no gift shop, just forest.

It's ideal for walkers who want to stretch their legs without the crowds you'd get at more famous beauty spots. Families with kids aged six upwards will manage the terrain fine, though younger ones might find it a bit relentless if you're after a proper ramble rather than a gentle potter. The paths are generally well-maintained, and you'll likely spot the odd dog walker or local out for their constitutional.

The real value here is as part of a broader Devon woodland tour - combine it with a morning at Hidden Hill Devon, that luxury glamping spot five miles away with the hot tubs, and you've got a proper day sorted. Forest walks in the morning, relax in the evening. The beauty of Stone Plantation is it doesn't demand much planning. Turn up, park, walk for an hour or two, leave. Allow two to three hours if you want to explore properly without rushing.

Timing-wise, autumn is glorious here - the light filtering through the canopy is worth the trip alone. Summer's fine if you go early to beat the heat under all those trees.