Marsh Wood

Marsh Wood sits just outside Wells, a proper woodland walk that doesn't pretend to be anything grander than it is. It's a working forest, which means you're dodging timber operations and recent felling, but that also means it feels lived-in rather than manicured. The paths are decent enough, threading through mixed woodland with enough space between the trees to see what's actually growing - hazel, oak, ash, the lot.

You'll get a solid hour to ninety minutes here depending on how much you want to poke around. It's good for families who aren't expecting a theme park experience, and considerably better for anyone who just wants a straightforward walk without crowds. The forest floor is soft underfoot after rain, which is either brilliant or annoying depending on your boots. The views aren't dramatic - this isn't Exmoor - but there's something refreshing about a woodland that knows what it is.

Historically minded visitors will find it less compelling than, say, a proper country estate, but locals clearly use it and it's free to access, which counts for something. Timing-wise, spring and early summer are when it actually looks alive rather than grey. Winter's fine if you're after solitude.

If you're staying at Cathedral View Glamping nearby, it's an easy addition to a walk around Wells itself. Not the main event, but worth the detour if you've got the time and need a proper outdoor break without the postcard location.