Longpark Copse

The woodland around Newton Abbot doesn't shout about itself, which is rather the point. Longpark Copse is a proper working forest - the kind of place where you actually see coppiced hazel and managed woodland rather than just wandering through trees. It's a straightforward walk through Devon's inland countryside, nothing dramatic or packaged up for tourists.

You'll find dappled paths that work well for families who can manage uneven ground. The copse itself isn't vast - most people do it in an hour or so - but it's the sort of woodland where you might spot a greater spotted woodpecker or simply notice how quiet it gets once you're properly in among the trees. Bring decent boots if there's been rain; the ground can be boggy in places.

It's worth combining with Ashbourne Woods just five miles away if you're staying at the nearby holiday park - that's rated exceptionally highly and gives you a proper morning or afternoon walk. The two woodland areas complement each other well without feeling repetitive. Newton Abbot itself is handy for lunch and supplies, though it's a working town rather than a pretty village.

Free access and no formal opening hours as far as I can tell - just turn up and get on with it. This isn't Instagram-ready woodland, but that's exactly why it's worth the trip. Real walkers will appreciate the lack of hype. Kids will either love the freedom of it or find an hour quite enough. Either way, it does what it says on the tin.