Abbey Park

The River Brue winds through Abbey Park like it's got somewhere important to be, and honestly, that's half the appeal. This Somerset nature reserve sits just outside Street - close enough for a morning visit from any of the nearby campsites, far enough to feel properly rural. The park itself is open space and woodland where you actually see something changing with the seasons: birds darting between willows, wildflowers in spring, that particular quality of light filtering through the trees in autumn.

Walkers will find it straightforward. There's no scrambling or technical bits, just gentle paths along the water and through the trees. It's the sort of place where you can spin out a 90-minute amble or dash around in 45 minutes depending on your mood. Kids won't be bored if they're the type who like spotting things - dragonflies over the water, different birds - but it's not a theme park with rides and entertainment. This is proper nature reserve territory.

The beauty of staying at Bobsfield or Old Oaks just down the road is that Abbey Park becomes your easy warm-up before heading to Wells or the bigger attractions. Free admission, as far as I can tell, which means zero barrier to popping in. Best visited when the light's good - early morning or late afternoon - rather than midday when everything looks a bit washed out. Not a destination you'd plan a whole trip around, but absolutely worth the short drive from your campsite.