Bincombe Beeches Hill

The beech woodland at Bincombe rises steeply from the Dorset countryside, and once you're up there the views back across the Somerset Levels are proper rewarding. It's a nature reserve that doesn't shout about itself - no visitor centre, no car park signs, just a stretch of mature beech and mixed woodland that locals clearly know well.

You're looking at a solid walk of an hour or so to get the most from it, depending on how far you venture into the trees. The slopes are genuine - not ankle-breaker steep but enough to feel like actual exercise. Children will cope fine if they're used to woodland rambling; younger kids might find it a bit much. The real appeal here is the walking itself and the quiet. You won't find crowds, and that's the point.

It sits roughly between Crewkerne and the higher ground inland, making it a natural stop if you're camping locally. Wytch Wood Camping is barely three miles away, and Dorset Forest Garden Glamping not much further - both excellent bases if you want to explore this stretch of Dorset without the seaside rush. The reserve is free to access and there are no set hours, though early morning or late afternoon gives you the best light and fewest other walkers.

Worth the trip if you're already in the area and fancy proper woodland rather than coastal attractions. Don't expect facilities or interpretation boards. Do expect peace and genuine countryside.