Filcombe Wood

Ancient beech trees tower overhead as you follow the winding paths through this proper woodland retreat just outside Bridport. Filcombe Wood feels like stepping into a Tolkien tale, with gnarled trunks and dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy onto the forest floor below.

Families will find plenty here to keep everyone happy - the kids can scramble over fallen logs and hunt for interesting fungi while you enjoy the peace that only deep woodland can provide. The paths aren't too challenging, making it accessible for pushchairs on the main routes, though venture off the beaten track and you'll find steeper sections perfect for more adventurous walkers.

What strikes you most is how quiet it gets once you're properly into the trees. Even on busy summer days, the wood seems to swallow sound, leaving just birdsong and the crunch of leaves underfoot. It's the sort of place where an hour can easily stretch to three if you're not careful.

Being so close to Golden Cap Holiday Park and the other coastal sites around West Bay, it makes for a lovely contrast to beach days. When the sun gets too much or the children need a change of scene, this woodland offers proper shade and a completely different pace. Worth packing a thermos and making an afternoon of it.