Mount Wood

You won't find Mount Wood on every Devon visitor list, which is precisely why it's worth seeking out from Plymouth. This is proper woodland walking country - dense trees, decent elevation, and paths that actually feel like you've left civilisation behind rather than shuffled round a managed tourist trail.

The forest itself offers a cracking spot for a couple of hours' rambling, especially if you're staying at Hidden Hill and fancy something more energetic than a gentle stroll. Kids will get into it if they're the type who like exploring rather than sitting still; younger ones might find it a bit relentless underfoot. The woodland canopy keeps things cool on hot days, which is useful if you're visiting in summer.

There's no visitor centre or facilities that I'm aware of, so come prepared - proper shoes essential, and bring water. It's the kind of place you go to walk, breathe, and not check your phone for an hour. Not a scenic viewpoint situation or a destination in itself, but rather a solid natural escape within easy reach of Plymouth's urban sprawl.

If you're based at a luxury spot like Hidden Hill, this works nicely as an antidote to all that pampering - get the mud on your boots, stretch your legs, then head back to the hot tub. Budget two to three hours depending on how far you fancy venturing in.