Monk Wood

A walk through Monk Wood is what you do when you want to escape the cream teas and gift shops of the Mendips for an hour. This Somerset woodland sits just outside Mells, a handsome little stone village, and it's the sort of place that rewards a proper wander rather than a quick lap.

The trees here are old. Really old. Ancient oaks and beeches stand among younger growth, creating the kind of layered canopy where light filters through in that particular way that makes you understand why people write poetry about forests. In spring the bluebells are worth timing a trip around. Summer brings a cool shelter when everywhere else is baking. Autumn's the best-looking season, honestly - the colours proper stunning.

It's a decent spot for walkers who don't need dramatic viewpoints or marked trails. Families with kids will find it peaceful rather than thrilling - there's no playground, no cafe, just trees and paths. That's either exactly what you want or completely boring, depending on how old your children are and how much screen time they've had.

If you're staying at Glamping on the Hill nearby, Monk Wood makes an easy morning excursion before heading into Mells village proper for lunch. The woodland does the job - it's genuine Somerset countryside without the tourist machinery. Allow an hour, maybe ninety minutes if you're the sort to sit on logs and listen.