Preston Park

The path through Preston Park kicks off gentle enough, but don't be fooled - this nature reserve near Yeovil is a proper walk if you're after the full circuit. It's one of those places where the Dorset landscape actually makes sense; rolling grassland, woodland patches, and enough wildflower meadows to keep a botanist happy for an afternoon.

What you're really here for is the birds and the peace. It's a designated nature reserve, so expect plenty of twitchers with expensive binoculars, but honestly there's room for everyone. The walking trails are well-marked, though some sections get muddy after rain - standard Dorset countryside stuff. Allow two to three hours if you want to see it properly rather than just dash round.

Families with older kids will get on fine here; younger ones might flag on the longer walks. It's the kind of place that rewards a slow pace - sit on one of the benches and wait for the wildlife to come to you rather than charging about.

The real draw is combining Preston Park with a base at one of the nearby glamping spots. Esme's Escape and Swallowfield are both within easy driving distance and offer that luxury camping vibe without sacrificing comfort. You could easily structure a few days around local walks and reserves, building Preston Park into a proper countryside break rather than treating it as a standalone tick-off.