Mamhead - Forestry England

Mamhead sits just outside Exeter as a proper woodland escape run by Forestry England - think mature conifer plantations mixed with older broadleaf trees, the sort of place where you can actually hear yourself think. The main draw is straightforward: a network of walking trails through the forest that range from gentle loops suitable for families to longer, more demanding routes through the trees.

The woodland itself feels older than it actually is, with enough established growth to create that genuine forest atmosphere rather than a planted-yesterday vibe. On a quiet weekday morning, you'll have the place largely to yourself. Weekends get busier but never rammed. Allow anywhere from 45 minutes for a quick stroll to three hours if you're tackling the longer circuits.

Families with young walkers will find the terrain manageable - it's woodland, so naturally uneven in places, but nothing that requires serious scrambling. Older kids and adults interested in just getting some proper fresh air and moving their legs will rate it highly. History enthusiasts might find less to grab onto here compared to other Devon attractions, though the landscape itself tells a story about mid-20th century forestry management.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Devil's Haven Hideaways is barely three miles away, or Cofton Holidays similarly close - Mamhead makes an excellent half-day option without needing a major expedition. It's the kind of place that fits neatly into a broader Devon holiday rather than being a destination in itself, which is exactly what it should be.