Erridge Wood

The woodland walks around Erridge Wood near Minehead offer proper respite from the seaside crowds without requiring a long drive inland. Ancient oak and beech dominate the canopy here, creating that particular gloom and cool that only mature forest gives you - brilliant on a hot day, less appealing when the drizzle sets in.

It's a straightforward spot for families wanting to stretch legs between beach days or park activities. Kids will be entertained by fallen branches and the general woodland business for a good hour or so, though there's nothing staged about it - no playground equipment, no visitor centre. You're just walking through trees. That's either refreshing or dull depending on what you're after.

Allow a couple of hours for a decent loop walk, longer if you're the sort to stop and identify plants. Spring is when it really sings - bluebells carpet the forest floor in April and May. Summer gets muggy beneath the dense canopy. Autumn's actually the most underrated time - fewer people and that particular light slanting through bare branches.

From either Butlins Minehead or the Minehead Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite it's an easy jaunt, making Erridge Wood a solid alternative activity when you've had enough of the funfair and the shore. Worth combining with a walk down to Porlock or exploring Exmoor proper if you're there for a week. Don't expect facilities - bring supplies and decent boots.