Gristclose Coppice

A proper woodland walk rather than a manicured attraction, Gristclose Coppice sits just outside Minehead and delivers exactly what you'd expect from a Somerset forest - quiet paths, decent tree cover, and room to actually think. The coppice itself is working woodland, managed for timber, so you'll notice the signs of that if you're paying attention. It's the kind of place where you can spend an afternoon rambling without bumping into crowds.

Walkers will get the most from this. It's not dramatic - no waterfall moments or clifftop views - but the paths are walkable and the greenery properly soaks up the noise from the nearby holiday parks and caravan sites. An hour will get you a solid loop; two hours if you're taking it slow and stopping to listen. Kids won't get bored if they're the type who like exploring rather than climbing things, though there's no playground or café to fall back on.

Going in autumn when the light filters through differently is worth timing your visit for. Summer can feel a bit airless under all that canopy. The coppice is free to access - this isn't a ticketed spot - and you can rock up whenever suits.

If you're staying at Hoburne Blue Anchor or any of the other holiday parks dotting the Minehead seafront, this gives you a proper change of scenery without driving far. It works as either a morning outing before beach time or a quieter alternative to the crowds at the seafront itself.