Widdicombe Wood

A proper woodland walk tucked away near Kingsbridge, Widdicombe Wood offers exactly what you want from a forest in South Devon - tall trees, decent paths, and the kind of quiet that feels rare these days. It's not dramatic or famous, which is rather the point. You get ancient woodland feel without the crowds of better-known spots, and the canopy's thick enough that even on hot days it stays reasonably cool.

The walk itself takes about an hour depending on how often you stop to poke around the undergrowth. There's a decent network of paths that loop through, so you're not forced into a particular route. Kids generally enjoy it - enough variety to hold their attention, but not so vast they'll get properly lost. Families based at Start Bay Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite (barely half a mile away) should add this to their list, especially if the weather's dodgy and you need shelter.

It's free, naturally, and there's no entrance fee nonsense. Allow a couple of hours if you're not rushing, maybe an hour if you've got restless youngsters in tow. The wood's at its best in late spring when the bluebells are doing their thing, or autumn when the light cuts through differently. Winter's moody too, if you don't mind damp.

Worth a detour? Only if you're already in the area - it's not the reason you'd drive to Devon, but it's absolutely the reason you'd be glad you went when you're staying nearby.