Cliff Wood

Walking into Cliff Wood feels like stepping behind a velvet curtain - suddenly you're away from Wells and its tourist hordes, surrounded by proper woodland that actually feels wild. The forest sits on sloping ground, so paths wind through a mix of mature trees and younger growth, with the canopy thick enough that even on grey Somerset days it feels atmospheric rather than gloomy.

It's a walker's wood rather than a scenic viewpoint or heritage site. You won't find marked trails or interpretation boards, just the kind of place where you can lose an hour following whatever path appeals, listening for birds, spotting fungi in season. Families with energetic kids will appreciate the space to roam, though there's nothing that screams 'activity' - no rope courses or play areas. Serious woodland types, though, will find it genuinely rewarding.

The wood itself is free to access, and there's no time pressure - you can stay as long as you fancy, though most people find two hours is enough to get a proper feel for it. Best visited on drier days when the forest floor isn't a bog, and early morning if you want any chance of spotting wildlife.

If you're staying at Cathedral View Glamping or Old Oaks Touring nearby, Cliff Wood works perfectly as a morning walk before heading into Wells itself. It's close enough to be convenient, far enough away to feel like an actual escape. The glamping sites give you that base camp comfort, then Cliff Wood gives you the woodland credentials to go with it.