West Wood

Walking into West Wood feels like stepping back in time. This Somerset forest near Sturminster Newton has the kind of ancient woodland character you don't find everywhere - proper old growth mixed with younger trees, the sort of place where you half expect to stumble across a medieval settlement or at least some very grumpy badgers.

It's a solid choice if you're after woodland walks without the crowds that plague more famous beauty spots. The paths are manageable for families with older kids, though younger ones might struggle with the uneven terrain in places. Expect to spend anything from an hour pottering about to three hours if you're doing the full circuit and stopping to poke around the undergrowth. Autumn is particularly good here - the canopy turns properly gold, and you've got decent visibility between the trees without feeling exposed.

The real appeal is the sense of being properly lost in the countryside. No visitor centre, no gift shop, no forced interpretive signs - just woodland. It works brilliantly as a half-day break from park life if you're staying at Sunnyhill Campsite or Long Hazel Park, both within striking distance. The nearest town of Sturminster Newton is close enough for supplies but far enough away that you genuinely feel away from it all.

This is one for walkers and nature types rather than kids looking for entertainment. Don't expect a dramatic viewpoint or rare wildlife - it's simply good, honest woodland where you can actually think. Well worth the drive if you're in the area.