Lowermead Copse

A proper woodland walk rather than a destination in itself, Lowermead Copse sits just outside Minehead and offers a decent stretch of legs if you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks. The forest floor is soft underfoot, with decent tree cover and the kind of quiet you don't get in town.

What you're getting is straightforward - mixed woodland with paths running through it. There's no visitor centre or facilities to speak of, and honestly, it's not the sort of place you'd drive across Somerset to visit. But if you're based at Hoburne Blue Anchor or Butlins Minehead and fancy a morning walk without heading up Exmoor proper, it fills the gap. Kids will find it fine for an hour or so - sticks to collect, trees to explore - though it won't hold their attention all day.

The real pull is convenience. After a few days of holiday parks and beach time, this gets you into something green and quiet without faffing about. It works well as a warm-up walk before tackling the bigger coastal paths around Exmoor. The access appears to be free and unrestricted, though facilities are minimal.

Timing-wise, morning visits tend to be quieter. Avoid peak school holidays if you value solitude. It's the sort of place that rewards a casual stroll rather than serious ambition - perfect if you're staying locally and want to break up the day, but don't expect anything remarkable. Go for the peace rather than the views.