Bushclose Plantation

A proper woodland walk rather than a manicured visitor attraction, Bushclose Plantation sits in the countryside south of Exeter and feels like you've stumbled onto someone's personal woodland project. The forest floor is thick with moss and leaf matter, and the canopy does an excellent job of blocking out the world - even on grey Devon days it feels atmospheric rather than gloomy.

It's the sort of place where walkers will spend a contented hour picking their way through the trees, following whatever paths exist, rather than following a rigid trail system. Dog walkers and families after a straightforward woods ramble will get the most from it; if you're after visitor facilities or waymarked routes you'll be disappointed.

The nearest information point is Exeter itself, just a few miles north, so you could easily slot this into a wider day exploring the area. Barley Meadow Touring Park sits less than three miles away and would make a solid base - it's well-reviewed and convenient for both this woodland and the broader Exeter region.

Go when the weather's reasonable and you've got proper boots on. There's no admission charge to access the woodland, which is worth knowing. Allow an hour minimum if you're just browsing, longer if you're a proper botanist type keen to identify what's growing there. It won't set your pulse racing, but it's exactly what you need if you're after genuine woodland peace rather than another theme-park experience.