Great Copse

The woodland at Great Copse sits just outside Exeter, a proper working forest that feels miles away from the city despite being barely a stone's throw. You're walking through mature trees, mostly beech and oak, with the kind of dappled light that makes you forget you're in Devon's main urban area. There are trails threading through - nothing too demanding, mostly flat paths that let you move at your own pace.

It's the sort of place that rewards a slow wander rather than a rushed tick-box visit. The canopy is thick enough that even on drizzly days it stays relatively dry underfoot, and in spring the woodland floor comes alive with bluebells. Autumn is equally good if you like that rich gold-and-bronze light filtering through the leaves.

Families with young walkers get the most from Great Copse - the paths are manageable and there's something calming about letting kids loose in a proper forest without worrying about getting hopelessly lost. It's free to access and takes a good hour to explore without rushing. Birdwatchers find it worthwhile too; you'll hear far more than you see, but that's half the charm.

If you're staying at Sunsets & Marshmallows Glamping or Barley Meadow just down the road, Great Copse makes an excellent morning or afternoon break from the campsite. It won't blow your mind as a standalone destination, but as part of a broader Devon holiday it fills a quiet day perfectly well.