Our verdict
A quiet slice of ancient woodland five minutes off the A358 that almost nobody visits. Parking is a shrug — a couple of pull-ins on a narrow lane — but inside it's peaceful, proper old woodland.
Ancient woodland and millennium planting side by side on Stoke Hill between Henlade and Stoke St Mary — minutes from Taunton but properly tucked away. A footpath links in from Stoke St Mary through Stoke Wood.
Woodland Trust wood on the western edge of the Blackdowns, open at all times. Part ancient woodland — expect old coppice and spring flowers.