Leigh Wood

Leigh Wood sprawls across the hills just outside Taunton, a proper chunk of mixed woodland that's genuinely worth an afternoon if you're staying in the area. The walk in is straightforward enough - mostly well-trodden paths through beech and oak, with enough variation to keep things interesting rather than monotonous. On a clear day you get decent views across the Somerset Levels, though I'll be honest, they're not exactly dramatic.

It's ideal for families who want something low-key. Kids can potter about for a couple of hours without it feeling like a forced march, and the terrain won't have you clambering over boulders or fording streams. Walkers after a proper leg-stretcher might find it a touch tame - it's the sort of place you'd do in under two hours comfortably. The woodland itself is lovely in autumn when the beech turns, less remarkable in high summer when it's just solid green.

If you're based at Middle Stone Farm Glamping or Moorhouse Campsite nearby, it makes sense as a morning outing before heading elsewhere. Don't expect visitor facilities - bring water and a packed lunch. The paths are generally clear but can get muddy after rain, so decent boots are sensible. Honestly, it's a straightforward woodland walk rather than a destination in itself, but that's not a criticism. Sometimes that's exactly what you need.