Newlands Plantation

The woodland paths through Newlands Plantation feel properly removed from the world, even though Bridgwater is barely a stone's throw away. This is working forest rather than manicured parkland - mature conifers and mixed trees create a cool, shaded canopy overhead, and the soil underfoot stays soft most of the year. It's the sort of place where you can actually hear yourself think, which counts for something in Somerset.

Walkers will find the most value here. The paths are decent and relatively flat in places, though some sections get muddy after rain, so proper boots are sensible. Allow an hour or two depending on which routes you take - it's not vast, so you won't get properly lost, but there's enough woodland to avoid feeling rushed. Children old enough to enjoy a proper walk without needing constant entertainment will have a decent time spotting wildlife and scrambling over fallen logs. Toddlers might get restless after thirty minutes.

It's the sort of spot that works brilliantly as a half-morning outing when you're based at one of the nearby caravan parks - The Hideout is just 1.7 miles away, or Thornhills at 3.5 miles. Pair it with a visit to somewhere with more obvious attractions rather than making it your main event of the day. The real appeal is getting outside and moving about in proper woodland without having to travel far from camp. Free access, no facilities to speak of, and genuinely useful if you're after somewhere to walk without crowds.