Blackborough Woods

The moment you step into Blackborough Woods near Honiton, you're in proper woodland - ancient trees, dappled light, the works. It's a genuine nature reserve rather than a manicured park, so expect paths that feel lived-in, not sanitised. The woodland here is dense in places, which means real shade on hot days and that lovely musty smell that comes with old growth. What makes it worth the trip is the sense that you're walking through something that's been here for centuries, not something designed for footfall. Families with young kids will manage fine on the main routes, though pushchairs might struggle after rain when the ground gets soft. Walkers and nature spotters get the most out of a visit here - you're likely to see woodland birds and insects if you move quietly. Allow a couple of hours if you're doing a proper circuit rather than just a quick stroll. The reserve is free to access and open year-round, though spring and early autumn are when it feels most alive. It sits well within a park holiday centred around Honiton. Hartridge Springs Spa Glamping, just 5.5 miles away, offers comfortable base for exploring the area. The woods themselves are intimate rather than spectacular - don't expect dramatic vistas - but they're exactly what a nature reserve should be: genuine, accessible, and genuinely good for clearing your head.