Wild Oaks Copse

The woodland here feels properly remote despite being within striking distance of Exeter. Wild Oaks Copse is one of those forests that rewards you for turning off the main road and actually going in rather than just driving past. You'll find yourself among tall oaks and a decent spread of undergrowth - it's the kind of place where you notice things. Bluebells in spring are worth timing a visit for, and the light filtering through the canopy on a clear day genuinely lifts the mood.

Walkers will get the most from this, especially anyone after a two to three hour loop without the constant climb of Dartmoor or the crowds of more famous spots. It's not dramatic - no waterfalls, no rare geological formations - but that's rather the point. Families with younger kids might find it a bit samey after an hour, though there's proper exploring to be done if they're into bug hunting or building dens.

I'd recommend going mid-week if possible and definitely avoid peak summer weekends when the car park fills quickly. Early morning light is cracking, and the forest smells richest after rain. Since Yeatheridge Farm Caravan Park sits only five and a half miles away, this works nicely as a morning excursion if you're basing yourself there - easy to fit in before heading elsewhere in Devon. The admission situation isn't clearly signposted, so ring ahead or check locally in Exeter first.