Churchstanton

The village itself is the draw here - a proper Somerset settlement that sits in the Blackdown Hills with genuine character rather than the theme-park cuteness you sometimes get. There's a church that anchors the place, as the name suggests, and the surrounding countryside rolls away in a way that makes you understand why people actually choose to live out here rather than commuting from somewhere more fashionable.

Walkers will find this a decent base for exploring the hills themselves. The landscape around Churchstanton has that gentle Somerset feel - not dramatic like Exmoor, but genuinely pleasant for a few hours on foot. The village isn't trying to be anything other than what it is, which is refreshing. You won't find gift shops or tearooms fighting for space, just a quiet rural community.

It's about twenty minutes south of Taunton if you're coming from that direction. Free to visit, obviously - there's no entrance fee to a village. Allow an hour or so for a walk around if you're combining it with the nearby glamping options. Hartridge Springs Spa Glamping and Dimpsey Shepherd's Hut Glamping are both within striking distance, making this a logical stop if you're staying in the area for a couple of nights.

Honestly, Churchstanton works best as part of a wider park holiday rather than a destination in itself. It's the sort of place that benefits from a leisurely wander, a bit of exploring the footpaths, then moving on. Don't expect grand attractions - just authentic village England.