River Exe County Park

The River Exe winds through this county park just outside Exeter, and it's one of those places where you can actually breathe properly again. The park runs along the river valley with proper walking trails through woodland and open meadows - nothing too demanding, but enough to get you away from the city noise in about ten minutes.

You'll see water birds, dragonflies in summer, and if you're lucky, the occasional heron fishing along the banks. The trails are reasonably well-marked, though after heavy rain some sections get boggy. Bring decent footwear. It's free to access, which is always a bonus, and you can spend anything from an hour to a full afternoon depending on how many of the different paths you fancy.

This works brilliantly as a morning or late-afternoon walk if you're staying nearby - Castle Brake Holiday Park is only a short drive away. It's the sort of place families with younger kids will enjoy for a couple of hours, though teenagers might find it a bit low-key unless they're genuinely into birdwatching. Walkers should come in spring or autumn when the light's better and you won't be boiling up. Winter's moody and atmospheric if you like that sort of thing.

The park doesn't have much in the way of facilities - no café or visitor centre - so sort yourself out before you arrive. It's not dramatic or spectacular, but it's honest, unpretentious walking, and sometimes that's exactly what you need.