Stourhead Stableyard

The Stableyard at Stourhead sits quietly behind one of Somerset's grandest estates, and it's the sort of place that rewards wandering without a set itinerary. You're looking at converted farm buildings and open grounds that have been left largely to nature - rough grassland, scattered trees, the occasional pond catching light. It's free to roam about, which is the first decent thing about it.

Walkers get the most from this spot. The reserve connects to the wider Stourhead estate paths, so you can easily spend a morning threading through fields and woodland without ever feeling hemmed in. Birdwatchers find it worthwhile too - the mix of open and wooded habitat pulls in decent variety. Children under ten might find it a bit samey after half an hour unless they're the type to spend ages turning over logs and hunting insects.

There's no visitor centre or facilities to speak of, so come prepared. Allow an hour minimum if you're just poking around the Stableyard itself, longer if you're planning to link it with walks across the broader estate. Summer's the obvious choice, though spring migrations make April and May interesting for anyone with binoculars.

Sunnyhill Campsite sits just four miles away near Wincanton, making this an easy morning jaunt if you're based there. It's the sort of reserve that works best as part of a bigger day out - pair it with Stourhead House itself or one of the other walks in the area. Decent enough, but not the sort of place to plan a trip around on its own.