Widworthy Park

You'll find Widworthy Park tucked away in the rolling Devon countryside near Honiton, a proper slice of the South West that doesn't get anywhere near the attention it deserves. It's a nature reserve, so don't expect manicured lawns or gift shops - this is genuine habitat land, the kind of place where you actually see wildlife instead of queuing behind fifty other visitors to photograph it.

The park itself is a mix of woodland and open spaces, excellent for walkers who want something quieter than the honeypot trails. If you're into birds and insects, bring binoculars and a notebook. The trees are mature, the undergrowth is thick enough to feel properly wild, and the whole spot has that unhurried Devon atmosphere that makes you actually breathe slower.

It works brilliantly as a break during a park holiday - you could easily knock out a couple of hours here without feeling rushed. If you're staying at Hartridge Springs Spa Glamping just down the road, this is your local escape when you fancy leaving the site for a walk. The reserve is particularly good in spring and early summer when breeding birds are active and wildflowers are out.

Bring waterproofs. Devon being Devon, it's often damp underfoot even when it's not actively raining. The paths are reasonably clear, though navigation is straightforward enough. Families with young kids might find it a bit quiet and feature-light - it's really for people who enjoy observation and solitude rather than playgrounds and spectacle.