Holly Wood

A proper woodland walk rather than a tourist trap, Holly Wood sits just inland from Plymouth and feels genuinely removed from the city bustle. You're walking through mature deciduous forest - oak, ash, and yes, plenty of holly - with the kind of dappled light that makes you actually want to be outdoors rather than scrolling your phone.

The woodland itself isn't massive, so don't expect hours of tramping about. An hour to ninety minutes gives you time to loop through without rushing. The main draw is the peace of it. Paths are reasonably clear, though they can get muddy after rain, so proper boots matter. It's the sort of place where you'll see woodland birds and the occasional deer if you're quiet enough.

Walkers will get the most from it, particularly those who want a gentle woodland ramble without the crowds you'd find at bigger nature reserves. Kids won't get bored if they're the type to poke about in undergrowth looking for interesting things, but it won't have them bouncing off walls with excitement either.

Free to access, as far as I can tell - no gates or admission fees. Close enough to Plymouth that you could slot it in as a morning activity before exploring the city proper. If you're staying at Hidden Hill Devon's glamping site nearby, this is an easy addition to your itinerary. A solid, unpretentious bit of Devon woodland that does what it says on the tin.