Lodge Hill Wood

The woodland around Cheddar isn't what you'd expect if you've only driven through on the way to the gorge. Lodge Hill Wood sits just outside town and feels properly separate from the tourist hustle - you're in among tall conifers and broadleaf cover, with paths that actually go somewhere rather than looping back on themselves after twenty minutes.

It's a working forest rather than a manicured nature trail, which means it has character. The ground can be boggy in places and the paths aren't always obvious, so bring decent boots and know roughly where you're heading. The light through the canopy is genuinely lovely in autumn, and in spring the bluebells put on a show if you're lucky. You won't find picnic tables or a visitor centre - this is proper walking territory.

Families with young kids might find it a bit samey after an hour or so, unless they're the type who'll spend an afternoon building dens and hunting for wildlife. Serious walkers and anyone after a decent woodland ramble will get far more out of it. It's also free and you can access it pretty much whenever suits you.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Cathedral View Glamping or Castle Farm Campsite are both top-rated and minutes away - Lodge Hill Wood makes a solid alternative to another lap around Cheddar Gorge. Combines well with a day exploring the limestone and caves, then you've got somewhere genuine to stretch your legs that actually feels like a break from the crowds.