Cranham Wood

Walk into Cranham Wood and you're immediately struck by how quiet it is - proper peaceful after the coastal bustle of Bude, which is only a short drive away. The woodland wraps around you with mixed hardwoods and conifers, creating that soft green light that makes you feel miles from anywhere, even though you're not. Paths thread through the trees at a gentle pace, manageable for families with kids but never boring for walkers who want a proper stretch of legs.

This isn't a destination that demands half your day. An hour to ninety minutes is about right, though you could easy linger longer if the mood takes you. The woodland floor is uneven in places - wear decent shoes - and there's something satisfying about the simple act of walking among the trees without needing to navigate a visitor centre or interpretive signs. It's just you and the wood.

Combine it with a coastal stay at Atlantic Horizons or Coastal Cabins, both within easy reach, and you've got a solid morning activity before heading to the beach. The glamping sites nearby mean you can do proper outdoor holidays - wake up in a cabin, spend the morning in the forest, afternoon at one of Bude's excellent beaches. Cranham Wood works best for people who like their nature straightforward and unvarnished rather than packaged. If you're after woodland walks without the rigmarole, it delivers.