Ashton Windmill

Ashton Windmill stands on the Somerset Levels near Wedmore like something out of a children's picture book - a proper working windmill with a tall white tower that you can spot from miles around. It's a functioning flour mill, one of the last of its kind in the region, and the mechanics of the thing are genuinely impressive if you're into how stuff actually works.

This is primarily a spot for people who appreciate industrial heritage and traditional craftsmanship rather than somewhere for a three-hour family expedition. You'll want to call ahead to check opening times and whether tours are available that day - details are thin on the ground online, which is typical of these lesser-known attractions. Allow an hour, maybe ninety minutes if you get into a conversation with whoever's minding the place.

Walkers will find it useful as a landmark on a Levels circuit, particularly those based near Cheddar - the caravan parks at Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa and Cheddar Bridge are within easy reach for an afternoon ramble. The windmill photographs well if you're the type who cares about that sort of thing, and the flat terrain around it makes for straightforward walking even in less-than-ideal weather.

It's not a destination that'll consume your holiday, but it's worth the detour if you're camping locally and fancy something a bit different. Free or paid admission - you'll have to ring and find out. The Levels can feel relentless if you're not careful, so having a specific thing to aim for breaks up the walk nicely.