Breech Wood

Breech Wood sits right on the edge of Othery, a proper pocket-sized forest that locals have known about for years but somehow never makes it into the glossy guides. It's the sort of place where you can lose an hour without trying - walking trails wind through mixed woodland, and there's genuine quiet here, which is rare enough these days.

The trees are a mix of oak, ash, and conifers, offering decent shelter even when Somerset's being typically damp. The paths are well-trodden but not manicured to death, and you'll spot wildlife if you're patient - birds mostly, and the occasional deer if you're lucky. It's manageable for families with young walkers, though there's nothing particularly dramatic about it. No dramatic viewpoints, no ancient monuments, just proper woodland walking.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Thornhills is less than two miles away, Thorney Lakes a bit further - Breech Wood makes a solid morning or afternoon addition to your itinerary rather than a destination in itself. The sort of place to stretch your legs between the caravan and lunch, or to let the kids burn off energy before heading out for the evening.

Free to access, no facilities on site, so come prepared. Best visited autumn through spring when the woodland floor's most interesting and you won't be competing with too many other walkers.