Loocombe Ponds

Two quiet ponds sitting in the Somerset countryside near Mells, Loocombe offers exactly what it says on the tin - water, trees, and peace. There's a modest walking circuit around them, taking in reed beds and open stretches of water where you might spot mallards or the occasional heron if you're lucky enough. It's the sort of place that rewards a slow pace rather than a rushed visit.

This works best for walkers wanting a gentle 30-minute amble, or anyone keen on spotting birds and dragonflies during summer months. Families with young kids might find it a bit limited - there's no playground, café, or facilities to speak of. It's more 'bring a flask and binoculars' than 'bring the buggy and expect entertainment'.

The appeal lies in its simplicity and the fact you'll rarely bump into crowds. Spring and early summer are cracking times, when the water teems with life and the surrounding woodland is properly green. Autumn brings migrating birds worth a watch too.

For those staying at Glamping on the Hill just 2.7 miles away, it's a proper convenient addition to a Somerset break - the kind of spot you'd slot in between longer walks elsewhere. It slots neatly into a loose itinerary rather than being worth a dedicated day trip from further afield. The Mells area has other walks and sites worth exploring if you're in the region longer than an hour, so treat this as one piece of a broader countryside ramble rather than the main event.