Westcott Plantation

The woodland around Westcott Plantation spreads across rolling terrain just inland from Bude, a proper escape if you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks and fancy something quieter than the beaches. It's a working forest rather than a manicured attraction, so expect timber tracks, dense tree cover, and the occasional forestry vehicle rather than a visitor centre with a gift shop.

Walkers will find the most value here. The trails wind through a mix of conifer and broadleaf woodland, offering a decent stretch of legs without the crowding you'd get at the more famous coastal spots around Bude. You're looking at a couple of hours if you want to properly explore it, though you can do a quick thirty-minute circuit if time's tight. The forest floor is uneven and can be boggy after rain, so waterproofs and decent boots are essential.

Historically it's nothing spectacular - it's the woodland itself that matters rather than any particular landmark. Families with young kids might find it a bit dull after a while unless they're the type to genuinely enjoy being among the trees. Serious birders and forest ecologists would get more from it than casual visitors.

Free to access as far as I can tell, though there's no formal infrastructure. Bude itself is the nearest town if you need to stock up on supplies or grab lunch. It works best as a half-day addition to a coastal holiday rather than a destination in itself.