Rush Hill Wood

The woodland around Rush Hill isn't going to stop you in your tracks with dramatic vistas or rare flora - it's a proper working forest, and that's exactly what makes it worth an afternoon. Near Mells in Somerset, it's the kind of place where you can actually walk without bumping into crowds of school groups or Instagram tourists.

What you get is straightforward: woodland trails that meander through mixed trees, reasonable for families with older kids who don't need constant entertainment, and genuinely peaceful. The paths are firm underfoot most of the time, though winter can turn them boggy. Allow two hours if you want to loop around without rushing.

Historically-minded types might appreciate the industrial heritage tucked into these woods - old quarrying scars and stone workings remind you this landscape has been worked hard over centuries. But come here for the walking, not the sightseeing. Bring proper boots.

It slots well into a wider forest holiday in Somerset. If you're staying at Glamping on the Hill six miles away, this sits nicely as a morning walk before heading elsewhere. The nearby Mendip Hills offer steeper terrain and sharper views if you want drama, but Rush Hill Wood is the gentle option - good for clearing your head without feeling like you're ticking off a checklist. Free to access, no visitor centre, no facilities to speak of. Just trees, quiet, and the occasional muddy scramble.