Bickenhall Wood

A proper woodland walk through Somerset's quieter side - Bickenhall Wood isn't the sort of place you'll find mobbed with day-trippers, which is exactly its appeal. The reserve sits just outside Taunton and offers something straightforward: mixed woodland with decent paths, plenty of native trees, and enough space to actually hear birdsong without fighting through crowds.

It's woodland walking at its most uncomplicated. You get the trees, you get the air, you get on with it. The wood runs to a nice size - enough for a proper ramble without requiring a map and compass skills. Spring brings bluebells that are genuinely worth the trip; autumn's when the colours actually justify the Instagram effort. Walkers will have the most obvious time of it here, though it's accessible enough that families with younger children can manage a reasonable loop without complaints.

Who should bother? Anyone staying at one of the nearby glamping spots - 5 Acres on the Somerset Levels or Dimpsey Shepherd's Hut - will find this a genuine bonus rather than a wasted drive. It pairs well with exploring the broader area around Taunton without needing to commit to major attractions. A couple of hours works perfectly; you won't need all day.

Bring decent shoes rather than trainers. The ground gets boggy. Early mornings are best if you want any chance of wildlife spotting rather than just exercise. Admission appears to be free, which keeps it honest.