Wych Lodge Lake

The water at Wych Lodge Lake sits perfectly still most mornings, reflecting the Somerset sky like a mirror. It's a modest affair - nothing like Brenton or the bigger reservoirs you'll find dotted across the Levels - but that's rather the point. This is the sort of place locals know about and visitors stumble upon by accident, usually while heading between Taunton and somewhere else entirely.

You can walk the perimeter easily enough, taking maybe 45 minutes at a leisurely pace. The paths are well-trodden but not crowded, and it's genuinely peaceful - the kind of spot where you might actually hear birdsong instead of traffic. Birdwatchers reckon it's decent for spotting waterfowl, though I'd manage expectations if you're after rare sightings. Families with young kids will find it manageable, though there's not much to actually do once you've walked round, so don't bank on it keeping them occupied for hours.

The real appeal is as a breather during a caravan holiday on the Levels. Holly Bush Caravan Park and Ashe Farm are both within 2.7 miles, making this an easy morning outing before heading into Taunton or exploring further afield. Spring and early summer are your best bet weather-wise, though honestly it works any time the sky's not actively trying to drown Somerset. Admission appears to be free, though facilities are minimal - bring your own coffee if you're fussy. It's the sort of place that won't feature in glossy magazines, but that's precisely why it's worth knowing about.