Leigholt Wood

Walk into Leigholt Wood near Street and you're straight into proper Somerset woodland - the sort of place where you actually notice the quiet. It's a working forest, not some manicured nature reserve, so you get the real deal: dense trees, muddy paths that get worse when it's rained, and enough green to make you forget the M5 is only a few miles away.

There's no visitor centre or facilities to speak of, which is either brilliant or annoying depending on your mood. You can wander the paths for an hour or lose half a day in there if you're the type who stops to look at things. It's decent for families with older kids who don't need constant entertainment - little ones might find it dull after the first twenty minutes, to be honest. Walkers and anyone after a bit of peace will get more from it.

The wood works well as a circuit from either Bobsfield Campsite or Orchard Farm Luxury Glamping, both just down the road. If you're based at either, it's a straightforward morning walk without needing to drive anywhere. Check conditions before you go though - the paths can be churned up, and wellies aren't optional in winter.

Free to access, naturally. Allow two to three hours if you're taking it slowly, less if you're just after a quick stomp. Go early or midweek if you want to avoid whoever else has had the same idea.