Badgers

The forest at Badgers is proper woodland - dense, green, and genuinely atmospheric. It's the kind of place where you can properly lose an hour wandering between the trees without seeing another soul, which in itself is worth the journey from Bideford. The paths wind through mixed woodland with enough height variation to keep legs engaged, and the canopy's thick enough that it stays cool even on warmer days.

This works best for walkers rather than families with young children - there's no playground infrastructure, and toddlers will struggle with the uneven ground. Serious hikers will find the terrain satisfying but not dramatic. Bring proper boots and expect mud, especially after rain. Allow two to three hours if you're doing a proper loop, though you can dip in and out for shorter spells.

The forest sits well within a broader park holiday around here. You're close to Coastal Cabins Glamping and Atlantic Horizons if you want proper accommodation, or Roeys Retreat if camping's more your speed. Use Badgers as a half-day activity - get out early, walk until lunchtime, then move on to the coast at Bideford itself or explore other parks in the network. Don't expect visitor facilities - there's no cafe, no car park amenities, just woodland. That's actually its strength.