Furze Wood

You'll find Furze Wood just outside Wells, a proper Somerset woodland that doesn't try to be anything it isn't. It's a straightforward walk through mixed forest - nothing manicured or packaged, just trees doing what trees do. The paths are decent enough, though they can get muddy after rain, and there's a genuine sense of being away from things despite the proximity to town.

This works best for people who actually enjoy walking, rather than those expecting a theme park experience. Families with younger kids might find it a bit dull after half an hour - there's no playground or fancy facilities. But if you're after some proper woodland air and a chance to stretch your legs away from the main tourist drag, it's worth the detour. Bring decent footwear and expect to spend an hour or so wandering about.

The main draw is that it's genuinely local and unremarkable in the best possible way. No entrance fees, no queues, no Instagram crowds. Perfect if you're staying at Cathedral View Glamping down the road and want a morning or afternoon out without heading into Wells itself. The wood offers a nice contrast to the cathedral town - green, quiet, and refreshingly ungoverned. It's the sort of place you'd stumble upon yourself rather than tick off a list, which is rather the point.