Harwood Plantation

The woodland around Harwood Plantation stretches across Somerset in a way that feels properly removed from the seaside crowds of nearby Minehead. You're walking among dense trees and forest floor that's soft underfoot, the kind of place where an hour disappears without you noticing. It's working forestry as much as recreation space, so don't expect manicured paths or visitor facilities - this is the real thing.

Walkers will find it rewarding. The terrain is manageable for families with older kids, though younger ones might struggle with the uneven ground and lack of defined trails in places. You'll see native woodland and planted conifers mixed together, which gives it a varied feel. On a clear day you can pick out glimpses toward the coast, a reminder that Minehead's promenade is only a few miles south.

If you're staying at the Minehead Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite or Butlins Minehead, this makes a proper morning or afternoon outing without any stress. It's free to walk, which is the main attraction - you're not paying for the privilege of being among trees. Allow two to three hours if you're taking it slowly and exploring the quieter corners. Go when the ground's dry though. After rain it becomes proper boggy in patches.

For serious hikers it's a pit stop rather than a destination. For families wanting fresh air and a break from park activities, it works well.