Blackdown Hills National Landscape

The Blackdown Hills roll across the Devon-Somerset border like a proper wrinkle in the landscape - nothing dramatic, but oddly compelling once you're up there. It's not a single viewpoint or attraction; it's an entire area designated as a National Landscape, which means the whole region gets protected status because the scenery and character matter. From Taunton, which sits to the north, you're looking at getting up into hills that max out around 800 metres but feel considerably higher because of how exposed they are.

Walkers absolutely thrive here. The network of footpaths is generous, the views across Devon and Somerset valleys shift constantly, and you won't fight crowds like you might at more famous spots. Spring brings wildflowers to the commons; autumn turns everything golden-brown. The villages scattered through - places like Ottery St Mary and Hemyock - are real lived-in communities, not tourist theme parks, which makes the whole thing feel less performed.

It works brilliantly alongside a glamping holiday. Hartridge Springs Spa Glamping sits just 5.6 miles away and gives you that luxury-camping comfort as your base. Spend mornings exploring the high footpaths, afternoons in villages with decent pubs, evenings back at the glamping with whatever pampering facilities you've booked. Three or four days here is ideal - enough to hit different sections without feeling rushed.

Bring proper walking boots. It's free to roam, and you won't need tickets or set hours. It's not Instagram gold, but it's proper Devon landscape, which is exactly the point.