Winsley Wood

The woodland around Winsley stretches thick and proper ancient, the sort of place where Devon's inland character reveals itself beyond the cream teas and coastal postcards. You're walking under beech and oak canopy, with the ground soft underfoot and the kind of quiet that makes you realize how little of this is left. It's less than two miles from Bideford, so easily combined with a trip to the town's harbour without feeling like you're driving halfway across the county.

This is walker's territory rather than a formal attraction with visitor facilities or entry fees. There are proper trails threading through, though you'll want decent boots after rain - the paths hold water like you wouldn't believe. Most people allow an hour or two depending on how deep you want to go and whether you're stopping to actually look at things rather than just marching through. Families with young kids will manage fine on the easier routes, though older children who like proper exploring will get more satisfaction here than toddlers.

Winsley works well as a morning detour if you're staying at Roeys Retreat Campsite or Coastal Cabins Glamping - both within striking distance. It's the sort of place that doesn't demand hours but gives you real woodland without pretension. No cafe, no gift shop, just trees and tracks. That's actually rather refreshing. Best visited when it's dry; post-rain it becomes more of a muddy commitment than a casual stroll.