Quarts Moor

The drive up to Quarts Moor takes you through proper Somerset countryside - rolling fields and narrow lanes that wind their way upward until suddenly the landscape opens up. You're standing at one of the highest points around here, with views that stretch across the county in all directions. On a clear day it's genuinely impressive; you can see right across to the Quantock Hills and beyond. In winter when the light's sharp and the air's clean, it's absolutely worth the trip from Taunton.

There's not much infrastructure here - it's essentially a viewing platform and a car park - but that's precisely why it works. No queues, no gift shop nonsense. Just you and the view. The walk from the car park takes maybe ten minutes, and it's gentle enough for most abilities. Families with young kids will manage fine, though toddlers might find the wind a bit much on exposed days.

This is a free stop, which means you can linger as long as you like without guilt. Allow an hour if you're actually going to take in the view properly rather than snap a photo and leave. It's the sort of place that works brilliantly as part of a wider Somerset loop - hit this in the morning, then head down to one of the local parks like Holly Bush Caravan Park or Cornish Farm Touring Park for a proper base. Works well with a broader Quantocks explore too. Less crowded than you'd expect for somewhere this accessible, which rather makes it feel like a proper find.