Norton Wood

The woodland around Norton stretches quiet and green, a proper escape from the seafront bustle of Paignton just a few miles north. Walking through here feels like finding something locals know about but tourists miss - the kind of place where you actually hear birdsong instead of arcade machines.

It's a mixed woodland of beech and oak, with footpaths threading through that range from gentle rambles to slightly more challenging routes depending on which way you head. The paths can get muddy after rain, so proper boots matter. You won't find facilities or cafes out here, which keeps the crowds down but means you need to plan ahead with water and snacks.

Walkers and families with kids who can manage a couple of hours will get the most from it. The woods themselves don't take long to traverse, but the real appeal is just being among the trees - it's restorative in a way that feels earned rather than packaged. History enthusiasts might find interest in the old woodland management, though there's not much interpretation on site.

Base yourself at Start Bay Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite, six miles away, and you've got a proper mix - seaside access mixed with woodland time. Allow two to three hours if you're making a morning of it. Summer's pleasant, but autumn when the canopy thins is when the light gets interesting. There's no charge and no gates, so you can visit whenever suits. It's the kind of place that rewards turning up without a schedule.