Ramscombe Picnic Area (also known as Great Wood) is probably one of my favourite places to visit in the entire world. It’s got everything you need for a lovely family picnic including a vast grassy area, wooden benches, and a shallow stream – perfect for kids to paddle in.
Ramscombe is part of the Quantock Hills area of outstanding natural beauty. I feel really lucky that we only live half an hour away from this amazing spot which is perfect for days out, long dog walks, summer barbeques, and family picnics.
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One of the things I love most about Ramscombe is that it’s really well enclosed. While there is a road that encircles the area, it’s only used by people visiting.
The meadow is big enough for kids (and grown-ups!) to play football, rounders, and cricket, but there are also woodland areas to explore and of course the stream to play in. I have lots of fond childhood memories of building dams here!
Being surrounded by trees means Ramscombe is well sheltered on windy days but that there is also plenty of shade when the sun makes an appearance.
There are also several wooden picnic benches and hardcore areas for using BBQs.
If you’re looking for adventure then there are plenty of walks to be had in this area too. One particularly steep walk takes you up into the hills where you can then see down into the picnic area from quite a height.
Other routes are more gentle but still provide amazing views, plenty of tree climbing for little adventures, and more opportunities to paddle in the stream. We visit here often but still haven’t explored as much of it as we would like!
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Parking At Ramscombe (Great Wood) Picnic Area
Yes, there are several parking areas are Ramscombe. There is one parking area a little way before the meadow, one on the left as you enter the one-way system (this is also where the toilets are!), and one at the far end of the picnic area which has several disabled spaces.
You can also park in some areas alongside the stream.
Parking always used to be chargeable at Ramscombe but there haven’t been any parking meters during our two most recent visits – I’m too sure whether this is a long-term thing or whether they’re being replaced or upgraded (possibly to allow debit card payments).
Are There Toilets At Ramscombe?
Yes, there are toilets are Ramscombe. There are four individual cubicle toilets, all with handwashing facilities.
The toilets can be found on the left-hand side as you drive into the Ranscombe picnic area but can also be accessed from the grassy area by walking up the embankment.
Nearby Cafe
If you fancy stretching your legs there is also a cafe a little way along from the Ramscombe Great Wood picnic area called The Foxy Bean which serves a range of hot drinks, cakes, and snacks.
There is loads of outdoor seating and they are both dog and child friendly, so you can bring the whole family along!
How To Find Ramscombe Picnic Area
Ramscombe Picnic Area is around 20 minutes from Bridgwater, 30 minutes from Taunton and 40 Minutes from Minehead. The picnic area is open from 7am to 10pm daily.
Full Address & Postcode:
Ramscombe Great Wood,
Over Stowey
Taunton TA5 1HN
If you’re in the area and looking for a fun yet chilled day out, Ramscombe is perfect. There’s no phone signal either so it’s a great place to really connect with your family and loved ones for some relaxed fun in beautiful surroundings.
