Clumpit Wood

Clumpit Wood sits on the outskirts of Exeter, a proper bit of Devon woodland where you can actually lose yourself without needing a sat nav to find the car park. It's the kind of place locals know about but most visitors miss entirely - dense forest with good walking paths that wind through a decent mix of mature trees and younger growth.

The woodland's best for people who actually like walking rather than just posing for Instagram shots. Families with older kids will get a solid hour or two out of it; younger ones might find it a bit samey after a while since there's no visitor centre or obvious focal point. The paths are reasonable, though muddy patches are guaranteed after rain - proper footwear matters here.

There's something refreshing about woods without the theme park treatment. No gift shop, no café, likely no entry fee. Just trees, air, and space to think. On a decent day it's lovely; on a grey one it's honestly a bit gloomy and feels longer than it is.

If you're staying at Haven Devon Cliffs or Haven Devon Cliffs Resort just down the road, Clumpit Wood makes an easy morning escape when the holiday parks get rammed with families. It won't take your whole day, but it beats another hour round the amusement arcades. Spring and early autumn work best here - summer can feel airless, winter proper damp. Worth a visit if you're in the area and fancy a walk without crowds.