Blanchard's Plantation

A proper woodland walk rather than a manicured attraction, Blanchard's Plantation sits just outside Bridport and delivers exactly what you'd want from a Dorset forest - tall trees, decent paths, and enough space to actually breathe. The plantation spreads across enough ground to keep you occupied for a solid hour or two, depending on how many wrong turns you fancy taking.

It's walkers' territory, really. The paths wind through mixed woodland with the kind of dappled light that makes you forget you're close to a town. On a quiet weekday morning, you could have the place nearly to yourself - weekends bring a few more locals who know what they're doing. Kids will manage it fine if they're used to woodland, though it's not a destination in itself; it's more the sort of place you slot in as a morning walk during a wider Dorset break.

The nearest glamping spots - Dorset Valley (4.4 miles away) and Hidden Valley (5.2 miles) - make reasonable bases if you're planning a proper forest-focused holiday. From there, Blanchard's is close enough for an easy outing without the commitment of driving miles. Bring decent boots; it gets muddy after rain. Free to access, though facilities are basically non-existent, so grab a coffee in Bridport first if you need one. The walk clears your head without demanding anything from you - which, honestly, is often what a forest should do.