Triscombe Woods

The paths through Triscombe Woods feel properly wild for somewhere so close to Minehead. Ancient oaks and beeches create a cathedral effect overhead, dappled light filtering down in a way that makes you forget the coast is only a few miles south. You're looking at a genuine working woodland here - not a manicured country estate, but the real thing with fallen trees, muddy sections and enough space that you can actually get lost in the quiet.

Walkers will get the most from this. The terrain varies depending which way you venture - some routes are gentle forest floor rambles, others climb properly steep sections that'll test your legs. Bring decent boots unless you visit in a dry spell. Allow two to three hours if you want to explore properly rather than just potter about for twenty minutes.

The woods work brilliantly as a morning walk if you're based at Minehead Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite. Get in early before other people arrive. It's free to access, naturally, and there's usually some basic parking though don't expect facilities. Families with young kids might find it too muddy or unstructured compared to managed parks, but serious walkers and anyone after a bit of genuine woodland atmosphere will find it worth the short drive inland from Minehead. The forest has real character - no railings, no visitor centre, just trees and paths doing what they've done for centuries.