Hibbitt Woods Nature Reserve

A proper walk through ancient woodland, Hibbitt Woods Nature Reserve sits just outside Yeovil and delivers exactly what you'd want from a Dorset nature reserve - quiet paths, decent wildlife spotting, and the kind of peace you won't find in the car park. The reserve protects a mix of broadleaf woodland and open glades where you'll spot everything from nuthatches to muntjac deer if you're lucky enough. It's the sort of place where you can actually hear yourself think.

Walkers will get the most from this one. The paths are manageable - nothing too arduous - and you can spend anywhere from forty minutes to a couple of hours depending on how thorough you want to be. Birdwatchers and serious nature types will find plenty to occupy them; families with younger kids might get restless after an hour unless you're the sort to stop every five minutes and examine moss.

If you're camping or glamping in the area - and there's no shortage of options within a few miles, from Swallowfield Glamping to Dorset Forest Garden Glamping - this is a solid afternoon filler rather than a full day out. The nearest real facilities are back in Yeovil itself, so come prepared with water and maybe a packed lunch if you plan to linger. Early morning is your best bet for wildlife and the place to yourself. Rain doesn't ruin it here - the woodland offers decent cover - but spring and early summer are when the place properly comes alive.