The Dog Park Hemyock

The Dog Park at Hemyock is exactly what it claims to be - a proper off-lead space where your dog can actually run around without you having a minor heart attack every time they spot a rabbit. Set in Devon's countryside between Honiton and the Blackdown Hills, it's a straightforward nature reserve that gets the job done without any fuss.

You'll find open grassland, some tree cover, and enough space that dogs won't spend the whole time sniffing the same fence line. It's not dramatic scenery - no jaw-dropping vistas or rare birds to tick off - but that's rather the point. This is a working space for dogs to burn energy, and it does that well. Bring a ball, bring treats, watch your dog properly play for once.

Planwise, allow 45 minutes to an hour depending on how knackered you want your dog to be. The reserve is free to access, which is refreshing. It suits anyone with a dog who needs a proper run-around without the postcode lottery of finding decent free spaces. Fair warning: it'll be muddy after rain, so wellies aren't optional.

If you're staying at Hartridge Springs Spa Glamping nearby, this sits nicely as a morning activity before settling back for the luxury bit of your holiday. It's not a destination in itself, but as a dog-friendly pit-stop in Devon, it beats most park alternatives. Simple, functional, and your spaniel won't complain.