Piley Copse

Walking into Piley Copse feels like stepping into one of those quiet corners of Somerset that most visitors drive straight past. It's a proper woodland, the sort where you can actually hear yourself think - towering beeches and oaks create a cathedral-like canopy, and the forest floor is soft with decades of leaf litter.

The main draw here is straightforward: peaceful woodland walking. Paths wind through at a gentle pace, and it's not so vast that you'll get lost or frustrated. You're looking at an hour or so for a decent wander, maybe less if you're just after a quick leg-stretch. The location, just outside Taunton, makes it useful when you want greenery without driving halfway across Exmoor.

Historically minded walkers might appreciate the sense of continuity - Somerset woodlands like this have been managed for centuries - but if you're hoping for dramatic vistas or historic ruins, you'll be disappointed. It's fundamentally about the trees themselves and a bit of quiet.

For families, younger children could manage it fine on a dry day, though it's not a playground or attraction in the conventional sense. Teenagers interested in woodland ecology would find it more engaging than those after entertainment. If you're staying at Waterrow Touring Park or Middle Stone Farm Glamping, it's worth a morning visit to break up the holiday routine, but don't expect it to be the centrepiece of your trip.

Go early or midweek if you prefer solitude. That's when Piley Copse shows its best face.