Warren Plantation

The woodland around Warren Plantation gives you a proper sense of being away from it all, even though Yeovil's just a few miles south. It's the kind of place where the trees do most of the talking - ancient oaks and mixed broadleaf forest that feels genuinely wild despite being accessible. You'll find yourself on decent walking paths that meander through the undergrowth, with the forest floor soft underfoot after rain. The light comes through in shafts on clear mornings, which sounds sentimental but genuinely stops you dead.

Walkers will get the most from it. This isn't a heritage site with plaques and a visitor centre - it's a working forest with proper trails rather than a manicured park. If you're after a long loop walk with some variety in the tree cover, you've got it. An hour here clears your head; two hours and you'll have covered decent ground. Families with older kids will enjoy it more than those with toddlers, simply because the paths demand reasonable footing.

The wood sits well within reach of Long Hazel Park for caravan or camping holidays in the area. After a few days of family site activities, slipping into Warren Plantation for a morning walk breaks up the routine nicely. Come in autumn and the place is properly atmospheric - foxes are active, and the leaf drop makes navigation straightforward. Spring's good too, though muddier underfoot. No admission charge that I'm aware of, though do check locally before heading out.