Mincinglake Valley Park

The moment you step into Mincinglake Valley Park, you're in proper Devon woodland - the kind where the light filters through ancient oaks and the ground squelches pleasantly underfoot. It's a nature reserve just outside Exeter, which means it's been left largely to its own devices, and that's precisely what makes it worth a visit.

You've got woodland walks threading through the valley, with streams running alongside paths that are generally easy going but can get muddy after rain. The real draw here is spotting wildlife. Bring binoculars if you're serious about birdwatching - you'll see woodpeckers, nuthatches, and if you're lucky, sparrowhawks quartering the trees. The whole place has that slightly wild feel that nature reserves do, not manicured, just properly left alone.

It's ideal for families who want their kids to burn off energy without the regimented feel of a theme park, and for serious walkers wanting a quiet couple of hours among the trees. Allow two hours maximum - it's not vast, and that's part of its charm. Go early if you can; the valley quietens down and you'll have better chances of spotting the good stuff.

If you're based at Devon Heaven Hideaways - the glamping site just five miles away - this makes a brilliant morning out before heading back for lunch and that hot tub. Combines nicely with exploring Exeter itself, which is close enough for an afternoon if the weather turns.