Rosedown Wood

The woodland walk at Rosedown Wood, just outside Bideford, is the kind of place that rewards you for leaving the car behind. Ancient oak and beech trees tower overhead, and the forest floor stays damp even in dry spells thanks to the streams that cut through. You're looking at a proper woodland experience rather than manicured paths - it's real enough that you'll need decent boots if there's been rain.

Walkers will get the most from this. The paths wind through without being signposted to death, which keeps things quiet. Kids usually enjoy it for an hour or so before asking how much further, though the stream crossings tend to hold their attention. History types will appreciate the old woodland management patterns - you can read the age of the forest in how the trees grow.

Allow two to three hours if you're taking your time. There's no visitor centre or café, so bring what you need. The wood is free to access and worth working into a broader loop around north Devon rather than treating as a standalone trip.

Staying nearby, Coastal Cabins Glamping sits just 1.2 miles away and offers proper comfort after a muddy ramble. Roeys Retreat Campsite, 2.6 miles out, gives you a more traditional setup if that's your style. Both are excellent bases for exploring the wider woodland and countryside around Bideford.