Cross Park Copse

A proper woodland walk through Devon's quieter side, Cross Park Copse sits just inland from Sidmouth and delivers what you'd hope from a forest - tall trees, soft ground underfoot, and genuine peace. There's nothing fancy about it, which is rather the point. You get mixed woodland with plenty of shade, the kind of place where you actually notice birdsong instead of fighting through crowds.

It's ideal for walkers who want a straightforward ramble without navigating complex trails or map-reading. Families with younger children will manage fine here - the ground's reasonably even and it doesn't demand a full day's commitment. An hour to ninety minutes covers it comfortably, though you can stretch it if you're in no rush. The copse works particularly well as a morning walk before heading to the coast at Sidmouth, which sits just a few miles away.

If you're staying at Oakdown Touring and Holiday Caravan Park or Hartridge Springs Spa Glamping, both within five miles, this makes a convenient escape from the caravan. It's the sort of place you'd visit on the quieter days when everyone else is chasing the beaches. No admission fees, no opening times to chase - just turn up and walk. Bring decent shoes in winter though; Devon woodland gets boggy fast. Nothing revolutionary, but sometimes a simple wood is exactly what you need.