Henrietta Park

The walk into Henrietta Park from Bath takes you down a proper country lane, and suddenly the Somerset landscape opens up - open grassland, scattered trees, and the kind of quiet that makes you realise how close you've been to the city. It's a nature reserve that doesn't shout about itself, which is partly its charm. You'll find yourself on well-maintained paths threading through meadows and woodland, the sort of place where you might spot woodland birds or, if you're lucky, a deer slipping between the trees. The park works best if you've got a couple of hours to kill between exploring Bath's Georgian terraces and getting back to your accommodation. There's no café or visitor centre, so bring water and whatever snacks you fancy. It's free to wander in, and there's parking nearby - though I'd check locally for the current details. Families with younger children might find an hour enough before restlessness sets in, but proper walkers and birdwatchers could happily spend half a day here. The paths aren't taxing, which makes it ideal for older visitors or anyone wanting a gentler outing. If you're based at Bath Mill Lodge Retreat or Campwell Farm, it's a straightforward drive or even a longer walk if you're energetic. The reserve fits neatly into a wider Somerset break - you get your nature fix without dedicating a whole day to it. Worth the detour if you're after a bit of green space away from the city bustle.