The Rookery

Ancient oaks tower overhead while jackdaws caw from their untidy nests - this patch of woodland near Dawlish feels properly wild despite sitting just off the main road. The Rookery lives up to its name with corvids ruling the canopy, their raucous calls echoing through the trees as you follow the meandering paths below.

Families will find it manageable for little legs, though the uneven ground means pushchairs are a no-go. Dog walkers love it here - plenty of interesting smells and space to roam without the crowds you get at more famous Devon beauty spots. The woodland changes character with the seasons: bluebells in spring, dappled shade in summer, proper autumnal colours come October.

Expect to spend an hour wandering the main circuit, though keen explorers could easily stretch it longer by following the smaller trails that branch off into deeper woodland. It's free to explore and always open, making it a handy stopgap when the kids need burning off or you fancy a leg stretch.

If you're staying at one of the holiday parks around Dawlish - Cofton Holidays and Devon Cliffs Resort are both nearby - The Rookery makes a lovely morning walk before hitting the beach. Not spectacular enough to plan a whole day around, but a proper slice of Devon countryside that costs nothing and delivers exactly what it promises.