Westweek Plantation

Walking into Westweek Plantation feels like stepping into proper Devon woodland - dense, slightly damp, and genuinely quiet. It's a sprawling forest near Okehampton that rewards you with a genuine escape from the tourist trail, though you'll want to bring decent boots because the paths can be boggy after rain.

The plantation itself is mixed woodland, the sort of place where you wander for the sake of wandering rather than tick off a specific viewpoint. Ancient oaks stand alongside younger plantings, creating that layered canopy that makes the light do interesting things even on overcast days. There's something restorative about it - no playground announcements, no gift shop, just trees and paths and the occasional bird call.

This is best for walkers and anyone after a proper forest ramble rather than a quick photo stop. Families with younger kids might find it a bit samey after half an hour unless they're already keen on nature spotting. Allow a couple of hours if you're going to properly explore without rushing. The woodland floor keeps things soft underfoot, which is either brilliant or miserable depending on weather.

It pairs nicely with a stay at Wolf Wood Treehouses just three and a half miles away - you could easily spend a morning here and still have the afternoon free. The Dartmoor proximity means you could combine this with bigger walks if you want variety. Okehampton's close enough for supplies, which matters if you're based out here for a few days.