Windwhistle Wood

The woodland path rises steadily through Windwhistle Wood, beech and oak closing in overhead until the Devon sky disappears altogether. It's the kind of forest that feels properly old - gnarled trunks, moss-thick banks, the occasional surprise of a small stream cutting through the leaf litter. You won't find visitor centres or signposted trails here; this is just good, honest woodland about five miles from Plymouth, the sort of place locals know and visitors miss.

Walkers will get the most from it. The terrain is gentle enough for a family outing but dense enough to feel like an escape - you're not walking round a manicured nature reserve, you're actually in a wood. Allow an hour or so to meander without rushing. The air's damp and green even on dry days, and there's proper peace in the canopy. It's worth visiting after rain when everything's dripping and alive, though the paths can get boggy.

Stay at Hidden Hill Devon - their luxury glamping with hot tubs is less than six miles away - and you've got easy access for an afternoon walk without the drive. It's ideal if you're doing a broader park holiday but want to break up the site time with something less structured. Children who'll happily roam for an hour will enjoy it; those who need marked routes and facilities might find it a touch underwhelming. Bring wellies. The wood doesn't charge admission, and there's no obvious car park, so you'll likely leave from a layby or nearby road.