Castle Plantation

A proper woodland walk rather than a castle, Castle Plantation is a mixed forest just outside Bideford where locals go to stretch their legs without faffing about. The plantation itself is unremarkable - coniferous trees, the usual forest floor, nothing that'll make you gasp. But it's exactly the sort of place that works brilliantly if you're staying at one of the nearby campsites like Broad Park or Owl Valley and need to burn off some energy without driving anywhere.

The main draw is the walking. Trails wind through the trees, and while it's not dramatic, it's peaceful enough. You'll get a genuine break from the coast and the campsites, which matters when you've had a week of seaside chaos. Kids will find it fine for an hour or so - there's enough to explore, enough to feel like an adventure, without the boredom that can set in on completely flat paths. Adults after proper hiking will probably find it a bit tame, truth be told.

I'd allow 90 minutes if you're taking it slowly with children, less if you're just after a quick circuit. Spring and early summer are better than winter when it gets muddy and dark. There's no visitor facility that I'm aware of, so come prepared. It's free access and genuinely useful as a filler activity during a Bideford-area holiday rather than a destination in itself. Combine it with a proper walk along the coastal paths nearby and you've got a decent day sorted.