Adder Wood

Adder Wood is a modest forest walk near Holford, the sort of place where you can actually hear yourself think. The woodland trails wind through mature trees and bracken, offering genuine quiet rather than the manufactured kind. It's nothing flashy - no visitor centre, no gift shop, just trees and paths.

Walking here works best in spring or early summer when the light filters properly through the canopy and the undergrowth hasn't got completely wild. Allow an hour for a decent walk without rushing. It's straightforward enough for families with older children, though younger kids might find it a bit samey after twenty minutes or so. Serious nature spotters might clock adders during warmer months - hence the name - so keep your eyes peeled if that sort of thing appeals.

The bigger draw for most people staying at Haven Doniford Bay or Warren Bay is that it breaks up the beach-and-caravan-park routine without requiring a massive drive. Pop over to Adder Wood for a leg-stretch, then back for fish and chips. Middle Stone Farm Glamping visitors will find it even more convenient.

There's no charge to walk here, which is refreshing. Park thoughtfully at the entrance and don't expect facilities - there aren't any. It's the kind of place where you genuinely don't need much beyond a decent pair of shoes and maybe a waterproof if the forecast looks dodgy. Real woodland, proper Somerset.