Ramscombe Great Wood

Deep woodland paths and beech trees dominate this Somerset woodland, and you're immediately struck by how quiet it gets once you're a few minutes in from the car park near Holford. Ramscombe Great Wood isn't a manicured tourist trap - it's proper forest, the kind where you can actually hear yourself think and spot the occasional deer if you're lucky.

The main appeal here is straightforward: walking. There are established trails that wind through mature trees and down into valleys, with views across the Quantock Hills if you pick the right route. It's the sort of place where families with older kids will have a decent time, though toddlers might struggle with muddier sections. Walkers absolutely thrive here - the paths are well-trodden enough not to need GPS but quiet enough to feel genuinely remote.

Allow two to three hours if you want a proper explore rather than just a quick stroll. The woodland is free to access, which is refreshing. Spring brings bluebells, autumn turns it golden - genuinely worth timing your visit around. Winter's actually lovely too, less humid and the trees open up the views.

If you're based at Moorhouse Campsite or Secret Valley for a week, this sits perfectly as a morning or afternoon outing within easy reach. It breaks up a park holiday without requiring much planning. Bring waterproofs though - it drains okay but can be squelchy after rain. The nearby village of Holford has a pub or two if you want lunch before or after.