Our verdict
A genuinely well-equipped family day out — toilets, café, playgrounds and a proper nature trail all in one place, which makes it an easy choice if you've got kids in tow. Less of a wild escape than some spots on this list, but reliable.
Over 80 acres of ancient woodland on the edge of the old Selwood Forest near Westbury, with a fishing lake, nature trail and a narrow-gauge railway, dating back to the Domesday Book. Long-running holiday park facilities sit alongside the day-visit woodland, with playgrounds and a licensed café.
Country park — managed for visitors, usually with parking and trails.