Crandons Copse

A proper woodland walk in rural Devon, Crandons Copse sits just outside Chard and delivers the kind of quiet forest experience you'd half-expect to be overrated. It isn't. The trees are genuinely tall, the canopy thick enough that you lose track of time, and the ground stays reasonably dry even after rain thanks to the leaf litter doing its job. Allow 45 minutes to an hour for a gentle loop, longer if you're the type to stop and listen for birds.

You'll get the most from this if you're a walker wanting something low-key without the crowds you'd face at bigger beauty spots. Kids aged seven upwards will probably enjoy it; younger ones might find 20 minutes enough unless they're keen on hunting for sticks and jumping in leaf piles. It's free to access and there's no visitor centre or facilities, so come prepared.

What makes Crandons work is its plainness. No interpretation boards, no car park attendant, just woods being woods. It's the sort of place that fits perfectly into a longer Devon weekend - pop here for a morning walk before heading to nearby Hartridge Springs Spa Glamping or Dimpsey Shepherd's Hut Glamping for lunch and a soak. If you're staying locally and want to escape without driving 20 minutes to somewhere 'proper', this does the job. Worth the detour from Chard town centre? Only if you've got the time. Essential? No. But restful, and that counts for something.