The Hobby

The Hobby is a proper woodland walk just outside Bideford, the kind of place locals know about but tourists often miss. It's not dramatic - no waterfalls or clifftop views - but it's exactly what you need if you want to shake off the campsite and get among the trees for an hour or so.

You're walking through mixed forest with decent paths that don't require specialist kit. The light filters through in that way it only does in older woodland, and there's enough space to actually breathe without bumping into crowds. It's good for families who've had enough of beaches, and walkers will appreciate the straightforward terrain without the tourist infrastructure that makes some beauty spots feel like theme parks.

The reality is you won't find much signage or facilities - this feels like genuine local woodland rather than a polished attraction. That's its strength. Allow an hour to ninety minutes depending on which paths you take and how often you stop to actually look around. Go early on a weekend if you can, because Bideford draws visitors and the nearby car parks can fill up.

If you're based at Roeys Retreat or Broad Park, The Hobby slots in perfectly as a morning or late-afternoon break from the coast. It's close enough to do without overthinking it, far enough from the holiday parks to feel like you've actually gone somewhere. Not life-changing, but honest and unpretentious - which counts for something.