Cross Park

Cross Park sits just outside Bideford and feels like the sort of place locals know about but visitors often miss. It's a proper nature reserve - the kind where you're actually seeing something wild rather than walking round a manicured garden. The whole point is the habitat itself: woodland, grassland, and wetland all doing their thing without much faffing about from us.

You'll spot birds here - lots of them if you time it right - and in spring the wildflowers take over. There's no visitor centre with gift shops or any of that nonsense; it's genuinely for people who want to walk quietly and watch what's about. Expect muddy boots and patience rewarded.

This works brilliantly for serious birdwatchers and anyone sick of the beach for five minutes. Kids will get something out of it if they're the type who actually enjoy spotting things rather than wanting a playground. Walkers will appreciate the trails without the crowds you get at more famous Devon spots.

The reserve is free to access - one of the pleasures of public nature reserves. Allow a couple of hours minimum if you're doing it properly, though you can whip round in 45 minutes if you're just after a quick outing. Spring and early autumn are your best bets for wildlife.

Staying at Roeys Retreat Campsite just down the road means you're positioned perfectly for this and the broader Bideford area without being slung into a sprawl of tourist attractions. It's a sensible base for exploring North Devon properly.