Redlynch Park

The woodland paths at Redlynch Park wind through proper Somerset countryside, about three miles south of Wincanton. It's a nature reserve rather than a formal park, so you won't find manicured lawns or playground equipment - what you get instead is genuine habitat for wildlife and a chance to see the place as it actually is.

Walking the trails takes between one and two hours depending on which route you choose. The mix of woodland and open ground means you'll spot birds year-round, and spring brings bluebells that make the effort worthwhile. It's the kind of place where you can hear yourself think, which is reason enough to visit if you're after a break from the park campsite crowds.

Families with younger kids might find it a bit lacking in obvious attractions - there's no cafe, no visitor centre, no marked viewpoints with information boards. But if your children are old enough to appreciate a proper woodland walk without needing constant entertainment, they'll learn more about how the place actually functions than they would at somewhere more developed.

Stay at either Sunnyhill Campsite or Hadspen Glamping - both within three miles - and you've got a solid morning or afternoon activity that breaks up the holiday routine. Redlynch works best as part of a wider Somerset exploration rather than a destination in itself, but that's not a criticism. Sometimes the best bits of a holiday are the quiet ones.