Longtimber Woods

Ancient woodland south of Plymouth that feels properly removed from the tourist circuit. Longtimber Woods is the kind of place you stumble upon rather than plan for - tall conifers mixed with native broadleaves, decent walking trails cutting through the lot, and the sort of quiet you don't get near the coast.

It's a forester's landscape really, so don't expect manicured paths or interpretation boards. What you get instead is genuine woodland - good underfoot after dry weather, muddy as hell after rain. The trees tower above you, and on overcast days especially it feels almost atmospheric. There's a network of trails, some pushing deeper into the reserve than others, and most walkers can loop round in an hour or so without breaking a sweat.

This works best for people who actually like woods rather than those after photogenic Instagram moments. Dog walkers get plenty from it. Families with older kids will find enough to explore, though toddlers might struggle with the terrain. It's also straightforward enough that you don't need specialist kit or advance research.

Based near Plymouth, it sits well within a week exploring the surrounding area - the Dartmoor Domes glamping site is just 5.4 miles away, and Hidden Hill Devon's luxury offering with hot tubs sits even closer at 4.2 miles. Pop in for a morning wander if you're staying in the region, rather than making a special trip from afar. Admission appears to be free, which at least makes it a low-risk addition to your itinerary.