Pearce's Copse

A proper woodland walk rather than a formal attraction - Pearce's Copse sits just outside Bideford and gives you the kind of forest that makes you remember why you bothered to leave the caravan. Ancient oaks and beech trees create this cathedral-like canopy, the light filtering through in that particular way that makes everything feel a bit timeless.

You're looking at a couple of hours here if you take it slowly, which I'd recommend. The paths are manageable - nothing too technical - but it's genuinely peaceful. Families with kids who don't mind walking will get something out of it; those after a quick photo opportunity should probably save the petrol. There's a real sense you're among old growth, and the woodland floor is thick with moss and fern in the right season.

Access appears to be free, though facilities seem minimal - no visitor centre or café that I could find. Bring a proper pair of shoes because it can get muddy and rooty underfoot. Spring and early autumn are when it's most worth your time; winter's dark and damp, summer brings the midges.

It slots nicely alongside a park holiday near Bideford - Braddicks Holiday Park is just a few miles away, or Owl Valley Glamping if you want something with more character. The copse works as a half-day adventure between beach trips to the North Devon coast or as something to do on a rainy afternoon when everywhere else feels overrun.