Old Wood

Walking into Old Wood feels like stepping back in time. This Somerset forest near Glastonbury has the kind of ancient atmosphere you don't find everywhere - gnarled oaks that have clearly seen centuries go by, and paths that wind through dense woodland in ways that make you feel properly removed from the world. The trees are genuinely old here, which changes the whole character of a walk. It's dark even on bright days, and the ground is soft with centuries of leaf litter.

This is walkers' territory. Families with young kids will enjoy a gentle amble, though it's not the kind of place where you can burn off energy on wide, manicured trails. History enthusiasts get a real kick out of it because you're literally walking through forest that's probably older than most settlements in the area. The canopy is thick enough that you won't get bored quickly, and there's something meditative about it.

Allow a couple of hours minimum if you actually want to explore rather than just dash through. There's no obvious visitor infrastructure, so go prepared - decent boots help, and don't expect a cafe or facilities. The mood shifts depending on the season, but autumn is genuinely special when the light gets low and everything goes golden.

If you're based at Tall Trees Glamping or Old Oaks Touring for a park holiday, Old Wood makes a proper alternative to your standard forest walk. It's close enough to Glastonbury for a quick visit, but feels wonderfully remote once you're among the trees.