Description
Great Wood is a sprawling, majestic forest located within the Quantock Hills National Landscape, offering families a deep dive into Somerset's natural beauty. As one of the best things to do with kids in the Quantock Hills, this Forestry England site is famous for its towering Douglas firs—some of the tallest trees in England—and its ancient oak woodlands. It is a brilliant spot for a family day out where children can explore winding paths, build dens, and discover the wildlife of the forest.
Entry to the forest is completely free for all visitors. While there is no admission fee to enjoy the trails and picnic areas, visitors should plan for parking charges which help with the ongoing conservation and maintenance of the woodland.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that offers a mix of adventure and tranquility, Great Wood is a top choice. It provides an educational day out where kids can learn about local ecosystems and forest management, alongside sensory play opportunities in the natural forest floor and themed activities.
Features
- Free
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
What makes Great Wood unique?
Great Wood is unique because it combines industrial forestry with ancient woodland heritage. It offers a rare educational day out where children can stand beneath Douglas firs that are over 50 metres tall—higher than 11 double-decker buses. The forest is a haven for the rare red and roe deer, and visitors can often hear the distinct 'kronk' of ravens overhead, making it a prime location for sensory play and nature observation.
- Tallest Trees: Home to some of the tallest specimens in England, providing a true sense of scale and wonder for kids.
- Forest Catkins: A dedicated forest adventure program providing guided sessions specifically for younger children and families.
- National Landscape: Being part of the Quantock Hills (England's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), it offers breathtaking views and a rich historical backdrop.
Top 5 Highlights
- The Douglas Fir Giants: Walk through the "Cathedral of Trees" and look up at the towering firs; it is an awe-inspiring experience for children and adults alike.
- The Waymarked Red Walk: A family-friendly meander designed to take you through the forest's most scenic spots without being too strenuous for little legs.
- The Sensory Stream: Many of the lower paths run alongside small streams where kids can enjoy supervised paddling or leaf racing.
- Den Building Zones: The forest floor is abundant with fallen branches, making it a perfect natural playground for building woodland shelters.
- Ancient Oak Woodlands: These areas are particularly spectacular in the autumn when the leaves turn vibrant shades of gold and orange.
Great Wood offers several specific areas and activities for families to explore:
- The Red Walk (Waymarked family-friendly trail).
- Great Wood Picnic Meadow (A large open space for outdoor meals).
- The Douglas Fir Grove (Home to the record-breaking tall trees).
- Forest Catkins Base (The meeting point for organized forest school activities).
- The Quantock Hills Ridge (Access to higher ground for panoramic views).
- Tree Toddlers Zone (Specific areas used for sensory play for under-5s).
- Wildlife Glades (Quiet spots often used for deer spotting).
- The Stream Crossings (Shallow water areas for natural play).
Beyond the Main Attraction: Just a short drive away are the Cheddar Gorge & Caves, offering more subterranean adventure. You are also close to the West Somerset Railway, where you can take a steam train ride through the countryside.
7.40 miles
