Heath Park

You won't find manicured gardens or visitor facilities at Heath Park - this is proper wild Devon moorland, the sort of place that reminds you why the South West's countryside still feels genuinely untamed. Just outside Ilfracombe, it's a nature reserve where heather, gorse and heathland grasses stretch across rolling ground, attracting everything from adders to hobby falcons if you know what to look for.

The walking here suits people who actually want to walk rather than queue for a tea room. Routes meander through open heath with decent views across the North Devon landscape, and the terrain demands a bit of attention - nothing technical, but muddy patches and uneven ground mean proper boots matter. Allow a couple of hours for a proper explore, though you can do a quick circuit in forty minutes if time's tight.

It's ideal for anyone genuinely interested in heathland ecology or those wanting something quieter than the coastal tourist spots Ilfracombe itself attracts. Families with young children might find it a bit exposed and featureless unless they're keen spotters, though teenagers who can read a map will enjoy the sense of being properly out there.

The reserve is free and there's a car park. Nearby, you've got Longlands Devon and Lakeview Farmhouse within striking distance if you're basing yourself for a park holiday - this makes a decent morning excursion before heading to the coast. Spring and summer are best when you can actually spot the wildlife it's managed for.