Blackmore Gardens

The walk into Blackmore Gardens from Budleigh Salterton takes you through proper Devon countryside before you hit the reserve itself. It's a modest spot - not sprawling grounds with manicured paths, but a genuine nature reserve where you're there to look for wildlife rather than admire landscaping. The gardens sit on the edge of moorland, and depending on the season you might clock heathland birds, adders sunning themselves on the paths, or wildflowers that make the place feel genuinely wild.

This is for the patient naturalist rather than the casual stroller. Bring binoculars, a field guide, and at least an hour. If your kids are still at the "spot something and tick it off" stage of birdwatching enthusiasm, they'll get a kick out of it. Teenagers might find it a bit slow. The ground can be boggy in winter, so proper boots matter.

Budleigh Salterton's just down the road, which means you're well positioned for a coastal day if the wildlife watching proves thin. The nearby holiday parks - Ladram Bay is your closest at 2.3 miles, followed by Oakdown at 3.1 miles - are solid bases for exploring this bit of the Devon coast properly. Both rate top marks from visitors. You could easily combine Blackmore with walks along the cliffs and a cream tea in town without feeling rushed.

Free to access, as far as I can gather, though facilities are basic. Go early in the morning for the best wildlife spotting, and don't expect crowds.