Knapp Copse Local Nature Reserve

Walk into Knapp Copse and you're immediately surrounded by proper woodland - the sort of place where you can actually hear yourself think. This local nature reserve near Sidmouth is a quiet affair, nothing flashy, just mature trees, woodland paths, and if you're lucky, a decent chance of spotting birds and small mammals going about their business.

It's the kind of spot that appeals to anyone who wants a gentle woodland stroll without the crowds. Walkers will appreciate the network of paths threading through the reserve, though don't expect dramatic vistas or dramatic elevation changes. Families with younger kids might find it engaging for an hour or so - there's something satisfying about searching for wildlife - but it's not a destination in itself. Bird watchers and nature enthusiasts, though, could happily spend a couple of hours here with binoculars and a field guide.

The reserve is free to access and there's no formal opening hours to worry about, so you can visit pretty much whenever suits you. Allow a good hour for a proper wander, longer if you're genuinely interested in what lives here. Spring and early summer are when you'll see and hear the most activity.

If you're staying at Oakdown Touring and Holiday Caravan Park or Cuckoo Down Farm Glamping, both just a few miles away, this makes an easy morning outing before heading into Sidmouth proper. It's the sort of place that rounds out a holiday nicely rather than dominates it - decent woodland therapy without any fuss.