Dunstone Wood

The woodland walk through Dunstone proper feels like stepping back into someone's private garden - all gnarled oaks, dappled light, and paths that clearly get walked rather than manicured. It's tucked inland from Plymouth, and honestly, it's the sort of place you'd stumble upon rather than plan for. Dense enough to lose the sound of traffic, open enough that you won't feel hemmed in.

What you're doing here is walking. There's no visitor centre, no cafe, no interpretive boards explaining soil pH. It's just you, the trees, and whatever wildlife bothers to show itself. That's precisely why it works. Kids get bored if you let them lag, but keen walkers will appreciate the quietness. Autumn's the time - the colour's decent and the ground's properly textured underfoot rather than dusty.

Getting there from Plymouth takes twenty minutes or so depending on traffic. If you're based at Hidden Hill Devon - that glamping spot about five miles away - Dunstone makes a cracking morning outing before heading back for a hot tub. It's not a full day activity unless you're genuinely into woodland rambling. An hour to ninety minutes does it justice.

Free entry, naturally. No facilities to speak of, so bring water. The paths are fine in decent weather but can get churned up when it's been wet. Worth the detour if you want to break up a park stay without driving an hour.