French Weir Park

The River Tone flows through this bit of Taunton like it's got somewhere to be, and French Weir Park is where you go to slow down and actually watch it happen. It's a proper nature reserve - green space, riverside paths, the sort of place where you can hear yourself think for once. The weir itself is the main event: water cascading over stone, genuinely impressive when the river's running high. You get meadows and woodland paths threading through, decent for a walk without needing to commit to a full hike. If you've got kids, they'll kick about on the open grass for a bit, though it's not a playground destination - more of a respite from the Taunton streets.

The whole thing works well as a breather between bigger attractions. Pop in for an hour or so, stretch your legs, let the children burn some energy. Walkers will appreciate the riverside paths without finding them taxing. It's free, obviously, and the beauty is you can call by whenever suits - no ticket offices or opening hours nonsense. Spring and early summer are nicest when the wildflowers are doing their thing, though honestly it's fine any time you're in the area.

If you're based at Cornish Farm Touring Park just two miles away, or any of the other caravan sites dotted round Taunton, French Weir makes a natural morning stroll. Not transformative, but solid value for a free green space that actually lives up to its name.