Wayford Woods, Wayford, Near Crewkerne, Somerset
Wayford Woods is a bit of a local secret, tucked away at the end of a bumpy old lane deep in the countryside on the borders of Somerset and Dorset. There’s no car park but you can pull up by the gate and then go and explore; the 29 acre site is managed by a Charitable Trust and they do a very good job as can be vouched for in the spring when the bluebells are out and there’s a blaze of colour with rhododendron and azaleas.
There are several paths around the woodland, a central meadow, a pond and a rope swing, so it’s one of those wild areas that has much appeal to children. Maybe that’s something to do with the magical quality that prevails, who knows? It’s certainly a very special place and if you’re quiet you might see some wildlife – ducks and moorhens on the pond, deer and foxes in the meadow, and badgers emerging from their setts at dusk. Allow an hour or two to properly explore, wear suitable footwear as it can be muddy in parts, and most of all, respect the tranquillity and the many habitats within the woods.
Open: Every day, 24 hours
Dogs welcome on leads All information correct at the time of writing