Beam Wood

A proper woodland walk rather than a manicured forest trail, Beam Wood sits just outside Bideford and gives you that feeling of having stumbled somewhere locals actually use. The trees are dense enough to feel like you've genuinely left the North Devon coast behind, even though you're only minutes away. Paths wind through mixed woodland - nothing too demanding, though mud is inevitable after rain so come prepared.

This works best for anyone who wants a straightforward forest ramble without the visitor centre crowds. Families with young kids will manage it fine; there's enough space to let them loose without worrying about steep drops or traffic. History types won't find much here - it's just trees and air - but that's rather the point. You're after woodland quiet, not stories etched into plaques.

Allow 45 minutes to an hour depending on how aimless you're feeling. It's free and accessible pretty much whenever, which makes it ideal for those misty Devon mornings when the big attractions feel too much. The real strength is location. You're close enough to Owl Valley Glamping or Broad Park if you're basing yourself in the area, meaning you can slip in a woodland walk without derailing a day that's meant for beaches or coastal paths. Winter's actually rather lovely here - fewer people, better light between the bare branches. Spring brings bluebells if you time it right.