Stert Head

You'll find Stert Head a proper working woodland rather than a manicured tourist spot, which is exactly why it's worth the drive from Holford. It's an ancient forest that sits on the edge of the Quantock Hills, and walking through it feels like stepping back into Somerset's past - gnarled oaks, thick undergrowth, the kind of place where you half expect to stumble on something medieval.

The woodland itself isn't huge, so don't plan a full day around it. Two hours is realistic for a proper explore, maybe three if you're the type to stop and photograph every moss-covered branch. There are rough paths through, though they can get muddy and uneven underfoot - proper walking boots recommended rather than trainers. The canopy is dense enough that it's cool even on warm days, which makes it a relief if you're visiting in summer.

History buffs will get the most from this one. The forest has been around for centuries, and there's genuine character in the landscape rather than interpretation boards explaining it all. If you've got kids under eight, they'll likely get bored within the first hour - it's not a playground situation. Older children or teenagers who actually enjoy a woodland walk will be fine.

If you're based at Moorhouse Campsite or Haven Doniford Bay, Stert Head works as a morning or early afternoon slot before heading elsewhere. It slots neatly between a Quantock Hills ramble and the coast - you're only a few miles from Holford, which has decent amenities for lunch or supplies.