Felton Common

There's something almost defiant about Felton Common. It sits stubbornly green between Bristol's sprawl and the Somerset countryside proper, refusing to be swallowed by either. The reserve itself is a patchwork of grassland, scrubby woodland and boggy bits that change character depending on the season and how much rain has fallen recently.

You won't find manicured paths or visitor centres here. What you get instead is proper lowland heath - the sort of place where you might spot adders if you're lucky, or at least the evidence they've been through. Walkers tend to enjoy it precisely because it doesn't try too hard. It's honest ground, good for a couple of hours if you're based nearby, nothing that demands a special journey on its own.

The appeal lies in escaping Bristol's noise without travelling far. From the edges you can see the city rising in the distance, which sounds grim but actually makes you appreciate the quiet bit you're standing in. Winter and early spring are best - the ground dries out enough to walk comfortably and bird populations shift with the season.

If you're staying at Somerset Glamping or The Batch Campsite, both within easy reach, Felton Common works well as a morning ramble before heading to proper attractions elsewhere. It's the sort of place you'd enjoy with children old enough to navigate uneven ground without complaining, or with anyone who actually prefers their nature a touch wild and untended.