Geoffrey's Oaks

Geoffrey's Oaks is a proper woodland walk just outside Minehead, where you're surrounded by ancient oak trees and the kind of quiet you don't get anywhere near the seafront. It's the sort of place that feels like you've stumbled off the beaten track, even though you're only a couple of miles from the town centre.

The oaks themselves are the main attraction - gnarled, massive things that have clearly been standing for centuries. There's something humbling about walking among them, particularly on a grey Somerset afternoon when the light filters through the canopy in that specific way it does in autumn. The forest floor is soft underfoot and the air smells properly green.

This works well for families who want a straightforward woodland stroll without the crowds you'd find at major beauty spots. Kids can run about among the trees, and it's the kind of place where a moderately energetic walk takes an hour or so without anyone complaining they're bored. History types will appreciate the age of the oaks themselves, though there's not much in the way of interpretation boards.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Hoburne Blue Anchor, Butlins, or the Caravan and Motorhome Club site - it's worth the short drive as a break from family entertainment or seaside time. Spring and autumn are best; the forest gets genuinely lovely when the light's good. Bring wellies if there's been rain. It's not dramatic or wildly scenic, but it's a breath of actual fresh air.