Butterhill Wood

Ancient oaks and beech trees tower overhead as you follow winding paths through this proper North Devon woodland, just a short drive from Ilfracombe's busy harbour. The forest feels wonderfully wild - bracken sprawls between the trunks, and on quiet mornings you might spot deer picking their way through the undergrowth.

Dog walkers will love the freedom here, though keep leads handy during nesting season. The paths aren't waymarked, which adds to the adventure but means it's easy to lose your bearings for an hour or so. Kids who like scrambling over fallen logs and hunting for interesting fungi will have a field day, but toddlers might find the uneven terrain a bit much.

Expect to spend a good hour here if you're just having a gentle wander, longer if you're the type to follow every promising side track. The wood connects to footpaths heading towards the coast, making it a lovely starting point for more ambitious walks.

Staying at one of the holiday parks around Woolacombe or the smaller sites near Ilfracombe puts you perfectly placed for morning forest walks before heading to the beach. It's particularly atmospheric on drizzly days when the coastal crowds thin out - proper Devon woodland at its most atmospheric.