SouthSomersetDISCOVER - Discover South Somerset

Transcription

for more information call 01935 462781
South
Somerset
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discoversouthsomerset.com
Countryside
DISCOVER
1
Contents
Countryside
02
Countryside
26
A perfect place for
rambling and walking
06
Market Towns
Food & Drink
Famous flavours of cheddar
and cider and many more…
30
Accommodation
Stay in a hotel or a
townhouse B&B, a farm
or a friendly village inn
The living heart of Somerset
with exclusive dress shops and
galleries showing local artists
32
14
Heritage
Events
An exciting calendar from
big-splash events to village
gatherings
Beautiful buildings, ancient
sites, traditions and folklore
35
16
Easy to get here
– easy to get around
Attractions
Easy to reach with something for
everyone, all year round
22
36
Visit us at:
We can help
Contact details for our
information centres
Gardens
Cottage gardens, secret
gardens, pleasure gardens
and landscaped estates
Getting around
INSIDE
BACK PAGE
Map
Useful map of the area
2
Welcome
What makes South
Somerset special?
Come to South Somerset and enjoy beautiful countryside,
lively market towns and pretty villages. There’s a warm
welcome waiting for you and life goes at an easy pace.
The unspoilt landscape is perfect for
exploring on foot, by bike or on horseback.
Watch wildlife, go fishing or enjoy a
round of golf. Take the car and enjoy the
slow lane, meandering around orchards
and woodlands, up on the hills, down
in the valleys or across the fascinating
Somerset Levels.
There are historic houses and gardens,
museums and churches to explore.
You will find plenty of choice for
accommodation and places to eat and
drink – for style and for price – and the
friendly locals make shopping a pleasure
whether you’re looking for life’s necessities
or a little bit of luxury.
In this 2013 edition of Discover South
Somerset we give you a glimpse of some
places and people that make South
Somerset what it is – our countryside,
communities and culture. Visit soon and
experience it for yourself.
You can find out more about the South
Somerset people featured in Discover on
1
Countryside
2
Planning a great escape?
South Somerset is easy to reach and still unspoilt.
1,100 miles of paths and tracks make this
the perfect place for people who love
rambling and walking. The diverse landscape
includes wooded hills and valleys and the
Somerset Levels and Moors – one of the
lowest and flattest places in the UK and an
important habitat.
You can see buzzards and kingfishers, otters
and water voles. Swell Wood has the largest
grey heron colony in the west country. On the
Levels in winter, huge numbers of starlings
perform amazing acrobatics in the evening
before roosting. Listen for the trumpeting
call of the majestic crane, reintroduced to
the area around Langport in a successful
RSPB project. Or visit Collard Hill to see the
Large Blue butterfly. This is one of only a
handful of sites which are being managed for
the reintroduction of this rare butterfly and
the only place in Britain where people can
freely visit to see the Large Blue. There are
wonderful views over the Somerset Levels
from here too.
South Somerset is proud to have three
Green-Flag sites. Chard Reservoir local
nature reserve adjoins the town. There is a
nature trail through the woodlands and a
fully accessible bird hide with information
board listing the latest sightings: grebes,
kingfishers and little egrets are often
seen. Ham Hill is an ancient hill-fort with
great views and picnic spots, woodland and
meadow walks.
Countryside
Discover our Countryside
Yeovil Country Park offers a green breathing
space close to the bustling heart of the town
- amazingly otters are thriving here. The
Country Parks are well signposted and offer
good access with car parking and all-ability
footpaths. Information and interpretation
materials are available on site or at local
Tourist Information Centres and the
Countryside Rangers offer a programme of
walks and activities throughout the year.
Dennis Pearce
A life-long naturalist and talented
wildlife artist, Dennis has helped with the
identification and recording of some 2000
species in South Somerset’s Country Parks
- some new to Somerset and even to the
British Isles.
A favourite spot is where the Ninesprings
stream flows into the pool: – “I remember
watching water shrews hunting underwater
there when I was a child. There are still
water shrews in the Park”.
Ladies Walk, Montacute
3
Countryside
Somerset levels
Caring for the countryside Blackdown Hills AONB Many organisations protect wildlife
and help people to enjoy this precious
landscape, with events for watching
animals and birds, learning countryside
skills and heritage crafts, or volunteering
for conservation work. You can go on a
bat-walk or learn hedge-laying, try
willow-weaving or star-gazing.
blackdownhillsaonb.org.uk 01823 680681
Butterfly Conservation
butterfly-conservation.org 01929 400209
Great Crane Project thegreatcraneproject.org.uk 01458 252805
National Trust
nationaltrust.org.uk
01985 843600
RSPB nature reserves
Swell Wood & Greylake
rspb.org.uk /somerset
01458 252805
Somerset Wildlife Trust
somersetwildlife.org
01823 652400
South Somerset Countryside
southsomersetcountryside.com
01935 462282
Adult Large Blue butterfly
Sutton Bingham Reservoir
wessexwater.co.uk/recreation 0
1935 872389
Woodland Trust
woodland-trust.org.uk
4
01476 581111
Peaceful countryside site
Orchid meadows, native
woodlands and excellent bird
watching on open water from
hide. Good surfaced pathways.
Green Flag Award winner.
Touches Lane, Chard
T: 01935 462462
W: southsomerset
countryside.com
MAP REF: 5A
P
Eastfield Local
Nature Reserve
A small, south facing,
grassland site alive with
insects and butterflies
in the summer months.
High Ham, Langport
T: 01935 462462
W: southsomerset
countryside.com
Yeovil Country Park
Green Flag Award
winning countryside site.
Woodlands and grasslands,
river and lakes including
Ninesprings and Valley
Gardens.
Brunswick Street, Yeovil
T: 01935 462462
W: southsomerset
countryside.com
Explore on foot, by bike
or on horseback
MAP REF: 9B
South Somerset is great walking country with
an extensive network of footpaths. There
are short town walks and routes around the
Country Parks - including all-ability trails if
you use a wheelchair or buggy. You can stretch
your legs a bit further using walks packs like
Walking the Hills and Vales around Yeovil or Six
Circular Walks in and around Chard, available
from Information Centres. The Leland Trail is
a long distance route starting at King Alfred’s
Tower on the Stourhead estate. Following in
the footsteps of 16th century traveller John
Leland, it joins with the Liberty Trail on Ham
Hill and continues cross-country to Lyme Regis.
P
Ham Hill Country Park
400 acre open access
Country Park, superb
countryside and Iron Age
earthworks. Panoramic
views of Somerset.
Green Flag Award winner.
Stoke sub Hamdon TA14 6RW
T: 01935 823617
W: southsomerset
countryside.com
MAP REF: 8C
MAP REF: 7E
Moldrams Ground
Local Nature Reserve
Beautiful woodland and
grassland wildlife site.
Ponds with dragonflies and
newts. Peaceful for bird
watching and picnics.
Pen Selwood, Nr Wincanton
T: 01935 462462
W: southsomerset
countryside.com
MAP REF: 12E
GreenBreaks
Travel company - offering
chance to explore South
Somerset and Dorset,
particularly local culture,
food, customs, history, art
and the countryside
through walking, cycling,
and GreenBreaks.
Postal address:
Manor Farmhouse,
Norton Sub Hamdon,
Somerset TA14 6SG
T: 01935 881227
W: green-breaks.co.uk
Advertising key
Disabled access
Partial disabled access
Refreshments
Bus stop within 1/4 mile
Countryside
Chard Reservoir
Local Nature Reserve
Dogs welcome
Free entry
Plant sales
(garden section only)
Pedal power is one of the best ways to
explore South Somerset with easy-going on
the beautiful lowlands and plenty of hills for
more of a challenge. Pedalling the Scenic
Route is a free leaflet with five routes graded
from easy to hard. The 80-mile Cycle Route
around South Somerset links to the National
Cycle Network and can be done in a day by
serious cyclists or divided into sections over
a longer period. Download cycle routes from
discoversouthsomerset.com or pick up copies in
Tourist Information Centres.
South Somerset is criss-crossed with ancient
droves and bridleways ideal for horse-riding.
There are six self-guided riding trails on
discoversouthsomerset.com. Some farmhouse
B&Bs offer stabling if you would like to bring
your own horse with you on holiday here.
5
Market Towns
6
The living heart of Somerset with plenty to enjoy, from exclusive
dress shops to galleries showing local artists.
The towns have their serious side too. Look
around to discover our heritage in beautiful
churches and houses, curious street names
and buildings that stand testimony to the
traditional industries from which these towns
grew – agriculture, rope, sail and glovemaking. The best way to explore the towns
is on foot. Local Information Centres will give
Market Towns
Discover our Market Towns
you town trail leaflets to take you around
famous features and historic hotspots.
And when you’re weary from exploring, seek
out one of the many places to eat and drink.
From quaint hostelries to modern bistros,
you’ll find a place to suit your mood and
your pocket.
Going shopping
Take a break from the supermarket and
enjoy traditional shopping in butchers
and bakers, greengrocers, ironmongers
and old-fashioned drapers. Look for
special presents or satisfy your own
whims in artisan shops offering the best
of the creative community: paintings
and pottery, heritage arts and crafts.
You might have the added pleasure of
meeting the maker.
South Somerset people love the planet!
Our reduce, re-use and recycle philosophy
means there’s an abundance of vintage
clothes, shabby chic furniture, books
and antiques waiting to be discovered in
quirky shops and market stalls.
Pick up a copy of Market Towns of
South Somerset to find out about
the sights to see
Richard Abbott
Richard enjoys helping his passengers
to get to their destination and
sometimes to get back together with
their belongings – usually phones and
umbrellas! In his leisure time Richard
is dedicated to the Railway Centre at
nearby Yeovil Junction Station where
there is a turntable, locomotive shed
and water tower from the days of
steam. “When I’m not working trains,
I’m playing trains”.
Ilminster
7
Market Towns
Chard
Bruton
Bruton
MAP REF: 11F
A picturesque hillside town on the river Brue,
with Jacobean almshouses, abbey remains
and a famous National Trust dovecote.
Narrow alleys link the high street with
a riverside walk, 15th century Packhorse
Bridge and a magnificent twin-towered
church. Bruton Railway Station is on the
Heart of Wessex Bristol to Weymouth Line.
Castle Cary
MAP REF: 10E
Busy market town with a winding main
street of golden stone, attractive market
house and a round house lock-up dating from
1779. This town is good for shopping and
Castle Cary Railway Station is on the Heart
of Wessex Bristol to Weymouth Line and the
London Paddington to Plymouth Line.
8
Castle Cary
MAP REF: 5A
On the borders of Devon and Dorset, Chard
is the highest town in Somerset and a local
centre for industry and employment. The
high street is flanked by two streams and has
a variety of shops. The museum’s Stringfellow
Collection celebrates the inventor of powered
flight who was born in the town and there is
also a collection of early artificial limbs. The
secluded nature reserve at Chard Reservoir is
on the fringe of the town and the beautiful
Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural
Beauty is also nearby.
Chard
Crewkerne
MAP REF: 7B
Set in wooded, hilly countryside, Crewkerne
has many fine old buildings, interesting shops
and a magnificent 15th century church. The
people of the town proudly welcomed Her
Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal
Highness Prince Philip when they visited
Crewkerne during their 2012 Diamond
Jubilee Tour. The visit is commemorated on
a hamstone plaque, hand-carved by a local
stonemason, on the wall of the Town Hall.
Crewkerne Railway Station is on the London
Waterloo to Exeter Line.
Crewkerne
Market Towns
Ilchester
Ilchester
Martock
Martock
MAP REF: 8D
MAP REF: 7C
Once a major Roman garrison town on the
Fosse Way, Ilchester has some handsome
Georgian houses and town hall and a 13th
century church tower that changes from
square to octagonal as it rises. The town
prizes its close association with Royal
Naval Air Station Yeovilton with the Fleet
Air Arm Museum and famous international
air show in July.
One of the largest parishes in Somerset,
Martock also has one of the oldest domestic
dwellings – the Treasurer’s House - owned
by the National Trust. Other notable
buildings are the impressive parish church of
All Saints, the old grammar school founded
in 1661 and surely the prettiest Nat West
bank in England.
Ilminster
Look on Discover’s Attractions
pages 16 – 21 for museums telling
the unique stories of the towns
– their landmarks, characters,
trades and traditions.
MAP REF: 6B
The imposing Minster church that gives the
town its name, stands high amongst quality
independent shops. Ilminster has a thriving
arts centre and a small theatre. The open
market house is at the heart of medieval
crossroads that lead to excellent walking
and cycling routes including the Stopline
Way which connects with Chard.
Langport
MAP REF: 7D
A busy river port in bygone days, this ancient
market town is noted for its distinctive
houses on Bow Street and the hanging
chapel in the old town wall. The Battle of
Langport in 1645 was one of the last battles
of the first civil war. There are pleasant
places to sit and to stroll beside the River
Parrett and idyllic walking and cycling on
the surrounding Somerset Levels.
Langport
9
Market Towns
Somerton
Somerton
MAP REF: 8E
An attractive town of architectural and
historical interest, with fine houses,
inns and almshouses. Somerton has a
distinguished church and octagonal, roofed
market cross known as The Butter Cross.
The Somerset Guild of Crafts, based in The
Old Court House, displays the work of up to
60 members at a time.
Wincanton
MAP REF: 11E
Elegant Georgian houses and coaching inns
are a reminder of Wincanton’s importance
as a staging post on the main London to
Plymouth road. In the 1600s the town
provided stabling for nearly 300 horses.
Nowadays visitors come to enjoy horseracing at Wincanton Racecourse on a hill
above the town. Uniquely, Wincanton
is twinned with a fictional town – Ankh
Morpork in Terry Pratchett’s Discworld
novels. Peach Pie Street, Treacle Mine Road
and Kinklebury Street are named after
places in the novels.
10
Yeovil
Wincanton
Yeovil
MAP REF: 9B
The business centre of South Somerset,
internationally known for helicopter
manufacture and home of The Glovers
football team. Yeovil has small shops
and major high street retailers, twiceweekly market, theatres, indoor bowling,
multi-screen cinema, music and sports
venues. Yeovil Country Park adjoins the
town centre with 127 acres of open space.
The District Hospital is here and the town
has two railway stations - Pen Mill on
the Heart of Wessex Bristol to Weymouth
Line and Yeovil Junction on the London
Waterloo to Exeter Line.
Market Towns
Around the villages
South Somerset has 121 parishes – here’s just a taste…
Abbas and
Templecombe
MAP REF: 11D
(nearest towns Sherborne & Wincanton)
In earlier days these were two separate
parishes. Templecombe was a centre for
the Order of the Knights Templar during
the 13th century. A panel painting from
this period, with a resemblance to the Turin
Shroud, is on display in the Parish Church.
The community suffered badly when the
railway line was targeted in a bombing raid
in September 1942.
Horton
MAP REF: 5C
(nearest towns Chard & Ilminster)
On the edge of the Blackdown Hills Area
of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Horton is
easily reached from Taunton and the M5.
There is a post office and general store and
excellent places to stay in the area. Horton
has an annual flower show going back 40
years. The nearby village of Curry Mallet has
a small shop with a big reputation for cakes.
Hardington
Mandeville
MAP REF: 8B
(nearest towns Crewkerne and Yeovil)
In a beautiful position with good walking
and extensive views. Hardington Moor is a
National Nature Reserve with several species
of orchids. St Mary’s Church has a Norman
tower and nearby churches at Pendomer and
Sutton Bingham have important features.
The picture-book villages of East and West
Coker are also close by.
Shepton Beauchamp
MAP REF: 6C
(nearest town Martock)
A thriving village with pub, post office and
general store, deli, a specialist clock and
watch repair shop, hair and beauty salon and
a pottery. See if you can spot the Fives Wall,
on private land but easily seen from the road.
Nearby is Barrington Court (National Trust)
and the large village of South Petherton.
Odcombe
11
Market Towns
12
Markets in South Somerset
Buy locally-produced foods, plants and crafts direct from the producer at markets across the area.
Latest details on somersetfarmersmarket.co.uk and somersetcountrymarkets.co.uk or at Tourist
Information Centres.
Barrington Farmers Market
Village Hall
4th Saturday (except Aug & Dec) 10am – 12 noon
Chard Antiques & Collectors Fair
Guildhall
Thursday
8am – 2pm
Chard Indoor Market
Guildhall
2nd, 3rd & 4th Saturday
8.30am – 2pm
Chard Outdoor Market
Fore Street
Saturday
9am – 2.30pm
Crewkerne Country Market
Henhayes Centre
Friday
9am – 11am
Crewkerne Outdoor Market
South Street Car Park
Wednesday
9am – 1pm
Crewkerne Farmers Market
Falkland Square
3rd Saturday
9am – 1pm
Drayton Farmers Market
Village Hall
3rd Saturday
10am – 12 noon
Huish Episcopi Farmers Market
Rose & Crown pub
Friday
4.30pm – 7pm
Ilminster Farmers Market
Market Square
1st Saturday
8.30am – 12.30pm
Ilminster Outdoor Market
Market Square
Thursday
Kingsbury Episcopi
Farmers Market
Church Rooms
1st Saturday
Langport Country Market
All Saints Hall
Thursday
9.30am – 11.30am
Langport “Under the Clock”
Market
Town Hall
Monday to Friday
Saturday
8am – 4pm
8am – 1pm
Martock Farmers Market
Shopping Precinct
2nd Saturday
10am –1pm
Milborne Port
Farmers Market
Queens Head pub
1st Sunday
10.30am – 1.30pm
Montacute Levels Best Market
Old Stable Courtyard
at Montacute House
23 Mar, 27 Apr, 18 May,
29 Jun, 27 Jul, 28 Sep, 26
Oct, 23 Nov and 14 Dec
10am – 2pm
North Curry Farmers Market
Village Hall
1st Saturday (except January)
9.30am – 11.30am
Wessex Country Market
(Somerton)
Unicorn Skittle Alley,
West Street
Saturday
9.30am – 12 noon
Wincanton Country Market
Balsam Centre
Friday
8.30am – 11.30am
Wincanton Farmers Market
The Bear Inn,
Market Place
1st Friday
9am – 12 noon
Yeovil Country Market
St John’s School Rooms, Friday
beside Parish Church
8.30am – 1pm
Yeovil Outdoor Market
Lower Middle Street
Tuesday & Friday
9am – 3pm
Yeovil Farmers Market
Middle Street
4th Saturday
9am – 2pm
9am – 1pm
(except Jan & Aug)
10am –12 noon
Hand thrown, decorated
earthenware - collectable
limited edition pottery
produced on site.
Seconds shop open
Mon - Fri 10am to 4pm.
Shepton Beauchamp TA19 0JT
T: 01460 240622
W: dennischinaworks.com
MAP REF: 7B
Market Towns
Dennis Chinaworks
Over 50 traders offering
pine and painted furniture,
antiques, collectables,
ceramics, art, textiles etc.
Open 7 days a week. Free
parking. Quirky French cafe!
Units 4-5 The Old Textile Mill
South Street, Crewkerne,
TA18 8AG
T: 01460 77121
W: antiquesbazaar.co.uk
John Leach Gallery
Muchelney Pottery
Antiques Bazaar
MAP REF: 6C
P
Drayton Nurseries
Bailey Hill Bookshop
General bookshop selling
new and secondhand
books. Large children’s
section, galleried upstairs
with lots of room to sit and
browse the books.
Fore Street, Castle Cary,
BA7 7BG
T: 01963 350917
W: baileyhillbookshop.com
A plantsman’s paradise.
Traditional garden nursery
selling trees, shrubs,
flowering plants and
sundries. Expert advice.
Coffee shop with free Wi-Fi.
School Street, Drayton,
Langport Ta10 0ln
T: 01458 251926
W: draytonnurseries.co.uk
MAP REF: 6D
P
MAP REF: 10E
P
Community Resource
Service
Everything you need to
satisfy your creativity.
We have a large Art Shop,
Scrapstore and equipment
hire for community events.
Please see website for
opening times.
The Old Coach House,
Hendford, Yeovil BA20 1UN
T: 01935 462535
W: southsomerset.gov.uk/crs
MAP REF: 9B
P
Pittards
A secret West Country
resource for everything
leather. Relax post-shop in
the cafe with delicious coffee
and homemade cake.
Sherborne Road, Yeovil,
BA21 5BA
T: 01935 474321
W: pittards.com
MAP REF: 9C
Remains To Be Seen
Friendly atmosphere-ceramics,
decorative pieces, jewellery,
kitchenalia, militaria, silver,
thimbles, postcards – and
everything in between! Pearls
and beads rethreaded.
24 East Street,
Ilminster TA19 0AJ
T: 01460 53028
W remainstobeseen.co.uk
MAP REF: 6B
John Leach Gallery Muchelney Pottery
Well-known pottery with modern gallery
selling ceramics, sculpture and paintings
including signed work by John Leach, Nick
Rees and Mark Melbourne. Adjacent shop
selling Muchelney wood fired kitchenware.
Open: All year, Mon - Sat 9am -1pm,
2pm - 5pm
Muchelney, 2m Sth Langport TA10 0DW
MAP REF
7D
T: 01458 250324
W: johnleachpottery.co.uk
Somerset Countryware
Yandles & Son Ltd
Somerset Countryware is
one range of decorative,
domestic stoneware made
by Mary Kembery. It is
inspired by the landscape
of the Somerset Moors.
Smocklands Farmhouse,
Drayton Lane, Drayton,
Langport TA10 0JS
T: 01458 251640
W: somerset
countryware.co.uk
Aladdin’s cave with
everything for the
woodworker and hobbyist;
from timber, machinery to
beads and papercraft. Plus
the 303 gallery and the
Cedar Tree Café, all with
free parking.
Hurst Works, Hurst,
Martock TA12 6JU
T: 01935 822207
W: yandles.co.uk
MAP REF: 6D
MAP REF: 7C
P
Yeovil Shopmobility
Basement Car Park
Quedam Shopping Centre
This registered charity
Yeovil BA20 1EY
provides powered and manual T: 01935 420889
equipment for both short
W: yeovilshopmobility.co.uk
and long term town hire. The
MAP REF: 9B
service is for anyone with
limited mobility. You don’t
have to be registered disabled
to use the scheme.
13
Heritage
Look on Discover’s
Attractions pages 16 – 21
for local museums
and heritage centres
14
Heritage
Discover our Heritage
The past is all around waiting to be explored in beautiful
buildings and ancient sites, traditions and folklore.
Ham Hill Country Park is a landmark visible
from miles around and a haven for wildlife
and picnickers. It conceals the largest Iron
Age hill fort in Britain. An exciting three-year
project by the Universities of Cambridge and
Cardiff is exploring the archaeology of the
Hill, its past and its people. Visit Ham Hill
Education Centre for information on summer
tours of the dig or look at hamhillfort.info
where you can also see some of the finds.
South Somerset’s landscape has been
characterised by agriculture but a rich
industrial heritage has also been handed
down from the manufacture of rope and sails,
textiles and leather gloves, engines and more
recently, aircraft. At the peak of the gloving
industry in the 1800s, three million pairs of
gloves were made locally in one year and
there were 40 factories. Protective gloves
are still made here for use by emergency
service workers all over the world and Yeovil’s
football team is nicknamed The Glovers.
This part of Somerset has many memories
of the Second World War. Around Chard
and Ilminster you can see remnants of
the Stopline, a defence constructed across
England’s South West peninsula to deter
invasion - there is a peaceful walking and
cycling route along this local stretch. Many
children were evacuated from the cities to
Somerset and some revisit now with their
families. East Chinnock church has stained
glass windows given as an act of thanksgiving
and reconciliation by a former prisoner of war
held locally.
Ham Hill archaeological dig
There has been a Royal Naval cemetery at St
Bartholomew’s church in Yeovilton village
by the Royal Naval Air Station, since 1942. In
1993, St Bartholomew’s became the Fleet Air
Arm’s Memorial Church, home of the Fleet Air
Arm Roll of Honour and a focal point for the
history of the Fleet Air Arm.
There are plentiful local resources for
exploring family history in town and
county museums and heritage collections,
military records, war memorials and
church monuments and South Somerset
people extend a warm welcome to visitors
discovering – or returning to – their roots in
this area.
Naomi Ireland-Jones
Naomi is looking forward to a third
summer working on the Ham Hill
archaeological dig. She was thrilled to be
part of the team discovering a bronze-age
ditch and an iron-age roundhouse during
2012: “Ham Hill fort is so exciting and so
massive – the biggest hill fort in Europe and a beautiful place too”
15
Attractions
16
South Somerset has major museums with large scale displays
and international reputations and smaller collections offering a
more intimate look at social and industrial history.
Our visitor attractions are easy to reach and there is something
for everyone, all year round.
Visit the rather famous Discworld
Emporium; an ephemera-filled portal to
Terry Pratchett’s fantasy world or journey
back in time at the nostalgic TV, Toy and
Radio Museum in the much-filmed village
of Montacute.
Attractions
Discover our Attractions
Feel the buzz of Somerset’s after-dark
energy too with theatres and restaurants,
leisure and sports venues and a flourishing
music scene in pubs, clubs and arts centres.
Gain a sense of history at world famous
National Trust and English Heritage sites
or take a tour of Perry’s Cider Mill for an
insight into a traditional industry.
For a sense of freedom, run wild in the great
outdoors. The wonder of nature is free for
all in Somerset’s countryside and there are
many tranquil places to enjoy rambling
and cycling, playing and picnicking – ask in
Tourist Information Centres about places
you can enjoy for free.
There’s family fun at leisure centres and
playgrounds – indoors and outdoors. For
the young and not-so-young who are crazy
for wheels, Haynes International Motor
Museum offers exhibition halls packed
with stunning vehicles and Festival of
Transport and Auto-jumble events. Railway
buffs – there’s a choice of train attractions
in Somerset and you can get here by rail
with local stations at Bruton, Castle Cary,
Crewkerne, Templecombe and Yeovil.
Jane Pickford
Jane is the third generation of her
family in Martock’s timber trade. In
the heyday of the business, there
were 100 employees and 16 carthorses
supplying 10% of the country’s coffins.
Now, trade is more geared towards
craftwork with popular wood-working
shows held twice a year and regular
wood-turning courses.
“I’ve known this sawmill all my life
but I never tire of the smell of freshly
sawn timber”
Perry’s, Dowlish Wake
17
Fleet Air Arm Museum
Attractions
Community Heritage
Access Centre
Fleet Air Arm Museum
As much an attraction as it is a museum, the
Fleet Air Arm Museum is where Museum meets
theatre. You’ll ‘fly’ by helicopter to the replica
of the aircraft carrier HMS ARK ROYAL. You’ll
experience the thrills and sounds of a working
flight deck and even see a nuclear bomb! You
can go on-board the first British built Concorde
and see the largest collection of Naval aircraft
anywhere in Europe. Restaurant, Shop, Adventure
playground. Excellent disabled facilities.
Open all year: from 10.00am. (Closed on Mon
and Tue during winter and Dec 24, 25 & 26)
Ample free parking.
Admission: Adult £13.00, Child £9.00, Family (2
Adults + 2 Children) £38.00. Concessions £11.70
RNAS Yeovilton, Ilchester BA22 8HT
Close to junction of A303 and A37. 7m North of Yeovil
MAP REF
9D
T: 01935 840565
W: fleetairarm.com
Montacute House
Open: Every day from March 16th to 3rd
November. 10am – 5pm
(garden, shop and café only on Tuesdays).
Don’t forget you could combine your visit
with Tintinhull Garden only 10 minutes from
Montacute
Montacute, Somerset TA15 6XP
18
Chard Museum
Local history including
industries & social life.
Also John Stringfellow
and James Gillingham,
pioneers of powered flight
and artificial limbs. Open
between Easter and end
October 10.30 – 4.30
Godworthy House
High Street, Chard TA20 1QB
T: 01460 65091
W: chardmuseum.co.uk
MAP REF: 5A
Crewkerne & District
Museum & Heritage
Centre
A glittering mansion set in beautiful formal
gardens and parkland. Home to over 60
portraits from the National Portrait Gallery.
Excellent shop and courtyard café. Available for
weddings.
8C
P
P
Montacute House
MAP REF
Centre for research into
local history. Contains over
10,000 artefacts and 3,000
photos. Open Monday to
Friday by appointment.
South Somerset District
Council
Lufton Depot, 7 Artillery Road
Yeovil BA22 8RP
T: 01935 462855
W: southsomersetheritage.
org.uk
MAP REF: 9C
T: 01935 823289
W: nationaltrust.org.uk/Wessex
Social and industrial
history. Research facilities.
Room hire. Group visits all
ages. Activities for children.
Changing exhibitions.
Adults £1 & children free.
The Heritage Centre
Market Square
Crewkerne TA18 7JU
T: 01460 77079
W: crewkernemuseum.co.uk
MAP REF: 7B
P
Crewkerne Aqua Centre
25 metre pool, warm
teaching pool, aquarobics,
swim school, gym, studio
classes including spinning,
pilates etc. See website for
opening times.
Henhayes, Crewkerne TA18 7LZ
T: 01460 77665
W: aquacentre.co.uk
MAP REF: 7B
The David Hall
The David Hall, South
Petherton’s popular
performing arts centre,
offers Folk, Roots, Acoustic,
Blues, Jazz, Dance, Theatre,
Film - and more!
Roundwell Street, South
Petherton TA13 5AA
T: 01460 240340
W: thedavidhall.org.uk
MAP REF: 7C
P
Gartell Light Railway
2ft narrow gauge railway
along the old Somerset
and Dorset railway line.
Train rides, restaurant, lake
picnic area.
Common Lane, Yenston,
Templecombe BA8 0NB
T: 01963 370752
W: glr-online.co.uk
MAP REF: 12D
P
Great Bow Wharf
Beautiful award-winning
historic building on the
banks of the River Parrett,
hosting regular events, art
exhibitions and business
support. Restaurant/tearoom.
Bow Street, Langport
TA10 9PN
T: 01458 254257
W: greatbow.org.uk
MAP REF: 7D
MAP REF: 8G
Jungle Jungle Indoor
Adventure Playground
Indoor adventure playground for accompanied
children aged up to eleven.
Open daily from 9.30 to
5.30. Birthdays a speciality.
4 Artillery Road, Lufton
Trading Estate,
Yeovil BA22 8RP
T: 01935 433833
W: junglejungle.co.uk
MAP REF: 9C
Haynes International
Motor Museum
See over 400 fantastic cars,
from supercars to classics
displayed in stunning
style. Café, play area, kids
activities.
Sparkford, Nr Yeovil BA22 7LH
T: 01963 440804
W: haynesmotormuseum.co.uk
MAP REF: 10D
MAP REF: 11F
A vibrant art facility for the
community and visitors
to enjoy with exhibitions,
concerts, workshops, events,
café and craft shop.
East Street, Ilminster TA19 0AN
T: 01460 54973
W: themeetinghouse.org.uk
MAP REF: 6B
P
P
Montacute TV Toy
& Radio Museum
Amazing nostalgic fun
recalling your favourite
TV programmes. Full size
Dr Who. Jack the Ripper
autobiography discovery.
Cafe, garden, shop.
1, South St, Montacute
TA15 6XD
T: 01935 823024
W: montacutemuseum.co.uk
Opening times:
See website for opening times & admission prices
Muchelney, Langport, Somerset TA10 0DQ
MAP REF
7D
T: 01458 250664
W: english-heritage.org.uk/muchelney
Sherborne Castle, Lake,
Gardens and Grounds
Ilminster Arts Centre at
the Meeting House
Muchelney Abbey
Step back in time at this exquisite Benedictine
Abbey, the second largest in Somerset. It was
founded in the 8th century at the heart of the
Somerset Levels. Explore the 16th century abbot’s
house, its carved stone doorways, oak ceilings
and superb fireplaces. See the delightful south
cloister walk and take a leisurely stroll or picnic
in the grounds. Interactive visual tour.
Mill on the Brue
Outdoor Activity Centre
Family run, open all
year, all ages. Fantastic
activities, delicious meals,
residential/ day. Booking
essential.
Trendle Farm, Bruton
BA10 0BA
T: 01749 812307
W: millonthebrue.co.uk
Attractions
The resting place of Saxon
kings and the legendary
King Arthur. Living history
guides March to September
and summer café. Parkland.
Dogs on leads welcome.
Abbey Gatehouse, Magdalen
Street, Glastonbury BA6 9EL
T: 01458 832267
W: glastonburyabbey.com
Muchelney Abbey
Glastonbury Abbey
Sherborne Castle – Come and explore the
Digby stately home built by Sir Walter Raleigh
in 1594. See magnificent staterooms, Raleigh’s
kitchen and relics from the civil war in the
castle’s cellars. Enjoy delightful walks through
one of the finest ‘Capability’ Brown landscapes
you will see surrounding the 50-acre lake.
Children’s quiz and garden trail. Children Free.
MAP REF: 8C
Open: Every day from 30th March to 31st
October [except Mondays & Friday] 11am –
4.30pm last admission. [Castle interior 2pm on
Sat] Open bank holiday Mondays.
New Road, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 5NR
MAP REF
10C
T: 01935 812072
W: sherbornecastle.com
19
The rather famous
Discworld Emporium &
Ankh-Morpork Consulate
Attractions
P
If you are a fan of TERRY PRATCHETT’S
DISCWORLD novels then visit the
DISCWORLD EMPORIUM in WINCANTON.
It’s the only place in any known universe
where you can find all the books together
with Discworld jewellery, prints & gifts.
41 The High Street, Wincanton BA9 9JU
11E
The Museum of Somerset
This medieval hall-house,
built in 1308 for the parish
priest has been little altered
since the early 1600s. Please
note the house is tenanted.
Muchelney, Langport
TA10 0DQ
T: 01458 253771
W: nationaltrust.org.uk
Extraordinary galleries to
explore and objects to discover,
including the famous Frome
Hoard, a must-see for all ages.
Open 10am - 5pm Tuesdays to
Saturdays, and Bank Holiday
Mondays.
Taunton Castle, Castle Green
Taunton TA1 4AA
T: 01823 255088
W: somerset.gov.uk/
museums
MAP REF: 7D
The rather famous
Discworld Emporium
& Ankh-Morpork Consulate
Open: Mon, Tue, Fri & Sat 10am-4pm
At other times by appointment.
Admission Free
MAP REF
Priest’s House
Sherborne Old Castle
Fortress Palace of the
medieval Bishops of
Salisbury, later besieged by
Cromwell.
Castleton, Sherborne,
Dorset DT9 3SA
T: 01935 812730
W: english-heritage.org.uk
/sherborne
MAP REF: 10C
P
T: 01963 824686
W: discworldemporium.com
West Somerset Railway
Open: Regular steam services between
February 9th and November. Festive Fun on
selected dates in December.
The Railway Station, Minehead TA24 5BG
MAP REF
1G
20
T: 01643 704996
W: west-somerset-railway.co.uk
The Octagon Theatre
South Somerset’s leading
venue hosting a wide
variety of performances
from comedians to dance
and everything in-between.
Hendford, Yeovil BA20 1UX
T: 01935 422884
W: octagon-theatre.co.uk
MAP REF: 9C
The last remaining thatched
windmill in England. Phone
for opening times. A National
Trust property.
High Ham, TA10 9DJ
T: 01935 823289
The West Somerset Railway is Britain’s longest
standard gauge railway at 20 miles in length.
It runs from Bishops Lydeard (near Taunton),
through the Quantock hills emerging at Watchet
before running along the coast to the seaside
town of Minehead. In all, it has ten stations
each lovingly restored and maintained by the
staff. Relive yesteryear by travelling behind
steam locomotives enjoying the smells that only
steam engines can bring. There is a large free
car park at Bishops Lydeard.
P
P
Stembridge Tower Mill
West Somerset Railway
MAP REF: 4D
The Swan Theatre
MAP REF: 7E
Yeovil’s leading Amateur
Dramatic Society presents
high quality drama in one of
the great little theatres of
the South West.
138 Park Street, Yeovil BA20 1QT
T: 01935 428646
W: swan-theatre.co.uk
P
MAP REF: 9C
P
Stoke sub Hamdon
Priory
Farm buildings of 1300s –
1400s, formerly a priests
residence. Great Hall open
every day March - October.
North Street, Stoke sub
Hamdon TA14 6QP
T: 01935 823289
MAP REF: 8C
P
Thorney Lakes and
Caravan Park
A mile from historic
Muchelney. Level parking
in cider orchard. Coarse
fishing lakes. Modern
toilet block, free hot
showers. Walks around
farm and lakes.
Muchelney,
Langport TA10 0DW
T: 01458 250811
W: thorneylakes.co.uk
MAP REF: 7D
P
Attractions
Yeo Leisure Park
Willows and Wetlands
Visitor Centre
Willows and Wetlands Visitor Centre
Visit this family business with over 170 years
experience of the Willows industry. Situated in
the heart of the beautiful Somerset Levels, our
80 acres of willow provide the natural material
for our craftsmen to weave a wide selection
of baskets, furniture and garden items. Willow
also available to buy. Guided tours weekday
morning and afternoon. Free exhibition, video,
museum, shop, walks, tearoom.
Yeo Leisure Park
Yeo Leisure Park is home to a fantastic range
of entertainment for the whole family with
400 free car parking spaces. Take your pick of
restaurants including Pizza Hut and Frankie &
Benny’s, catch the latest movies at Cineworld, or
take one home from Blockbuster. Why not strike
out at 1st Bowl or energise at Nuffield Health
Club, you could even improve your driving skills
at BSM
Open: All year, Mon – Sat 9.30am – 5pm.
PH Coate and Son Ltd, Meare Green Court,
Stoke St Gregory, Taunton TA3 6HY
MAP REF
5D
T: 01823 490249
W: englishwillowbaskets.co.uk
Town Tree Nature Garden
A 1.5 mile walk around a unique
22-acre garden with ponds.
We are dedicated to nature
conservation, recycling and
landscaped beauty. Open daily
10am-1.5 hrs before sunset.
Town Tree Lane, Martock,
TA12 6AP
T: 01935 823203
W: towntreenature
garden.co.uk
MAP REF: 7C
P
Treasurer’s House
Small early medieval
house, with great hall
completed in 1293.
Phone for opening times.
National Trust.
Martock TA12 6JL
T: 01935 825015
MAP REF: 7C
Old Station Road, Yeovil, BA20 1NP
MAP REF
9C
T: 01935 476697
W: yeoleisurepark.co.uk
Yeovil Railway Centre
Yeovil Recreation Centre
Regular steam train days,
special events and santa
specials (see website). Also
see main line steam using
turntable.
Yeovil Junction Railway
Station, Stoford,
Yeovil BA22 9UU
T: 01935 410420
W: yeovilrailway.
freeservers.com
Nine-hole pitch and putt
golf. tennis courts, flagship
play area, great fun for all
the family. Gallery snack
kiosk. Open daily April to
October and other weekends
(weather permitting)
Mudford Road,
Yeovil BA21 4AW
T: 01935 462616
W: southsomerset.gov.uk/yrc
MAP REF: 9C
P
MAP REF: 9C
P
Gartell Light Railway
21
Gardens
22
Gardens
Discover our Gardens
Cottage gardens, secret gardens, pleasure gardens and
landscaped estates, the romantic appeal of English
gardens is enduring.
South Somerset has a captivating collection
of gardens including a fine group of National
Trust properties. Barrington Court, Lytes
Cary and Tintinhull have unique character,
atmosphere and contrast. These gardens –
two with fine houses also open to the public
- are linked by a cycle route through beautiful
countryside and only a short driving distance
from each other.
South Somerset gardens host many events
for plant lovers and for fun! East Lambrook
Manor Gardens, created by the famous
plantswoman Margery Fish, hosts the Hardy
Plant Society Early Spring Fair in March. Forde
Abbey has Sweet Pea Fortnight in July and
Giant Games on the Lawn in August. There
are delightful walks from the gardens into the
surrounding country too.
Many beautiful and interesting private
gardens are open to the public as part of the
National Garden Scheme, raising money for
charities. Ask in Tourist Information Centres for
the NGS yellow booklet giving all the details of
this popular scheme or look at ngs.org.uk
And if you would like to take home something
grown in Somerset, there are many garden
centres, nurseries and market gardens, including
regular exhibitors and award-winners at the
Chelsea Flower Show.
Somerset Gardens have their own
leaflet – ask at the TICs for
The Classic Gardens of Somerset
Mortimer the Kelways cat
“South Somerset - purrfect for peonies”
Lytes Cary
Barrington
23
Forde Abbey
& Gardens
Barrington Court
Gardens
Forde Abbey & Gardens
Barrington Court
Spectacular gardens, magnificent 12th century
house, tearoom, gift shop, pottery exhibition
and plant centre. A wonderful day out.
Free to under 15s.
Beautiful estate and gardens for every season
surrounding a magnificent 16th century
manor house.
Barrington, Ilminster TA19 0NQ
MAP REF
6C
T: 01460 241938
Forde Abbey, Chard TA20 4LU
MAP REF
6A
Hestercombe
Gardens
Cothay Manor
Hestercombe Gardens – Georgian landscape
Cothay Manor
garden, Victorian terrace, shrubbery and internationally acclaimed Lutyens/Jekyll Edwardian
gardens, acknowledged as the pinnacle of
their partnership. Full lunch menu, all day
cakes and snacks available.
A magical, romantic garden surrounding a
classic medieval manor, with different garden
rooms, a bog garden, river walk and fine trees.
A plantsman’s paradise.
Cothay Manor, Greenham, Wellington TA21 0JR
MAP REF
2C
T: 01823 672283
W: cothaymanor.co.uk
Cheddon Fitzpaine, Taunton TA2 8LG
MAP REF
4E
Kilver Court
Gardens
East Lambrook
Manor Gardens
backdrop of a 19th Century viaduct the gardens
are an ‘Oasis of tranquillity’. Features of the 3.5
acre gardens include; rockery, parterre, organic
vegetable garden, herbaceous boarders and
millpond. Visit the cafe for lunch and finish with
a spot of shopping in the Designer Village.
Gardening legend Margery Fish’s iconic cottage
garden. Beautiful plantsman’s paradise full of
snowdrops, hellebores and geraniums with an
excellent specialist nursery.
East Lambrook, South Petherton TA13 5HH
7C
24
T: 01823 413923
W: hestercombe.com
Kilver Court Gardens – With stunning
East Lambrook Manor Gardens
MAP REF
T: 01460 221290
W: fordeabbey-gardens-dorset.co.uk
T: 01460 240328
W: eastlambrook.com
Kilver Court, Shepton Mallet BA4 5NF
MAP REF
10G
T: 01749 340410
W: kilvercourt.com
the grounds of a medieval priory, with classic
and contemporary features and a botanical
glasshouse.
Medieval manor house surrounded by Arts
and Crafts garden, borders planted with mixed
shrubs, roses and perennials.
The Walled Gardens of Cannington,
Church Street, Cannington TA5 2HA
Lytes Cary, Kingsdon, Somerton TA11 7HU
MAP REF
8D
T: 01458 224471
MAP REF
4F
Tintinhull Garden
The Bishop’s Palace
A series of gardens around a 17th century manor
house, including glittering pools, colourful
borders and a working kitchen garden.
Available for weddings.
Stunning medieval palace and gardens
surrounded by a moat and fortified walls.
Located in the centre of Wells.
The Bishop’s Palace, Wells BA5 2PD
9G
T: 01278 655042
W: canningtonwalledgardens.co.uk
Tintinhull Garden
The Bishop’s Palace
MAP REF
Gardens
The Walled Gardens of
Cannington & Tea Rooms
Lytes Cary Manor
Lytes Cary Manor
The Walled Gardens of Cannington
& Tea Rooms – Beautiful gardens within
T: 01749 988111
W: bishopspalace.org.uk
Farm Street, Tintinhull, Yeovil BA22 8PZ
MAP REF
8C
T: 01935 823289
25
Food
& Drink
Countryside
26
Cheddar and cider are famous flavours throughout the world
and there are many more tempting Somerset tastes to try.
The abundance of food from excellent local
producers includes beef, lamb and water
buffalo, smoked fish, free-range eggs and
poultry, seasonal fruits and vegetables,
artisan bread and ice-cream. You can buy
food from farm shops and wayside stalls only
a few minutes from the fields where it was
grown. And there are locally- brewed beers
and cider brandy too.
For people who are serious about eating out,
there’s plenty of choice whether it’s posh or
plain that you’re after - character-full pubs,
busy bistros and classy restaurants. CAMRA’s
Somerset Cider Pub of the Year is The Queen’s
Arms at Corton Denham.
Stop off for coffee and cake or a cream
tea. Café society is strong here. When the
weather’s kind, enjoy a pavement table and
watch the world go by. In the winter, cosy up
by an open fire.
Nathaniel
Nathaniel’s farming family have a herd
of beautiful Guernsey cows and grow
asparagus and vegetables, specialising in
unusual and heritage varieties. They have
a farm shop brimming with local produce
including their own. Nathaniel says: “I
love coming to the farm. There’s a lot of
mud sometimes but I don’t mind that. I like
collecting the eggs and helping get the cows
in for milking - and I like beans if I’ve picked
them myself!”
Bridge Farm Cider
Cedrics
Living Pretty
Championship farmhouse
cider, 5-year-old cider
brandy and pear cider,
apple and pear juice.
East Chinnock, Yeovil
BA22 9EA
T: 01935 862387
W: bridgefarmcider.co.uk
Take away our Taste of the
West 2012 award-winning
Somerset cider and apple
cake, local produce, gifts &
hampers. Call in or ring &
reserve any day. Open for
lunch Thursday – Sunday from
12.00pm. Friday & Saturday
Evenings from 7.00pm.
The White Swan,
Misterton TA18 8NR
T: 01460 72592
W: cedricscakes.co.uk
Home from home ambiance
where you can relax in
the surroundings of the
shabby chic interiors. Try
homemade seasonal dishes
cooked on the Rayburn
serving breakfast, lunch
and afternoon tea.
The Old Bakery, High Street,
Curry Rivel TA10 0ES
T: 01458 253357
W: livingpretty.co.uk
MAP REF: 8B
P
MAP REF: 7A
Countryside
Food
& Drink
Discover our Food & Drink
MAP REF: 6D
P
Montacute Country
Tearooms
Delightful tearooms in
attractive conservatory &
sheltered garden alongside
TV, Toy & Radio Museum.
Homemade cakes, famous
cream teas, lunches.
1, South St, Montacute
TA15 6XD
T: 01935 823024
W: montacutemuseum.co.uk
MAP REF: 8C
P
P
Langport market
27
Brown & Forrest Smokery
Food & Drink
Brown & Forrest
Smokery
Restaurant and
shop in converted
barns at Bowdens
Farm with a
stunning view
of the Somerset
Levels. The
smokery produces
all kinds of
smoked fish, meat
and cheese using
proper old fashioned wood fired smokers. You
can taste some samples or buy from the smokery
shop which stocks the whole range of produce,
including smoked salmon and eel, smoked
chicken and ham as well as superb chutneys,
jams and honey. The licensed restaurant serves
delicious light lunches using food fresh out of
the smokers, also morning coffee, teas and cakes.
2 miles south of Curry Rivel on the B3168, just
before Hambridge, see the sign.
Open: All year, daily 10am – 4pm, closed Sundays.
Bowdens Farm, Hambridge, Langport TA10 0BP
MAP REF
6D
T: 01458 250 875
W: smokedeel.co.uk
Perry’s Cider
Shop open: All year. FREE entry.
Weekdays 9am – 5.30pm.
Saturdays 9.30am – 4.30pm,
Sundays 10am – 1pm. Tearoom closed Sunday.
Cider Mills, Dowlish Wake, Ilminster TA19 0NY
28
MAP REF: 7B
P
Provender
Westcountry deli and
café selling local
produce and serving
delicious coffee,
lunches and cakes in a
30 seat café
3 Market Square, South
Petherton, TA13 5BT
T: 01460 240681
W: provender.co.uk
MAP REF: 7C
Red Barn Farm Shop
Award winning cider mills and rural museum
set in a picturesque Somerset village. All our
ciders are pressed, fermented and bottled from
Somerset cider apples at our family farm. Taste
of the West Best Alcoholic Drink 2011 and past
winners of the prestigious Royal Bath and West
Supreme Champion Cider. Sample and buy ciders
in our farm shop, which is well stocked with local
produce. Relax in our tearoom which serves tea,
coffee, cakes and light lunches.
6B
Shop with café selling local
produce, our own apples,
pears and 20+ varieties
of apple juice. Farm walks
available.
North Perrott, Crewkerne
TA18 7SS
T: 01460 77090
W: parrettbrand.co.uk
P
Perry’s Cider
MAP REF
North Perrott Farm
Shop and Garden
Centre
T: 01460 55195
W: perryscider.co.uk
Fantastic range of homegrown and local produce:
raw Guernsey milk and
cream, seasonal vegetables
(asparagus in season), freerange eggs, fresh meat.
Hinton Farm, Hinton, Mudford,
Yeovil BA22 8BA
T: 01935 850994
W: redbarnfarmshop.
moonfruit.co.uk
MAP REF: 9C
P
Look on page 12
for selection of
Farmers &
Produce Markets
p12
Rose and Crown
Grade 2 listed village inn
circa 1645. Family run for
five generations. Real ales
& ciders. Home cooked food.
Good parking. Garden area.
Langport TA10 9QT
T: 01458 250494
MAP REF: 7D
P
The Bakehouse Coffee
Shop & Thai Cuisine
Traditional English menu
with homebaked cakes and
Thai cuisine. Wide range of
teas and coffee. Old stone
building with vine covered
courtyard.
High Street, Castle Cary
BA7 7AW
T: 01963 350067
W: castlecarybakehouse.co.uk
MAP REF: 10E
P
The Masons Arms
Pretty thatched village pub
offering great meals, micro
brewery on site, six luxury
en-suite rooms and peaceful
campsite.
41 Lower Odcombe BA22 8TX
T: 01935 862591
W: masonsarmsodcombe.co.uk
MAP REF: 8C
P
The Potting Shed
A traditional tearoom with
the emphasis on home
cooking using the very best
of local, free range and
organic produce. Award
winning scones and cakes.
Excellent lunches.
Old Kelways, Somerton Road,
Langport TA10 9SJ
T: 01458 252885
W: thepotting
shedlangport.co.uk
MAP REF: 7D
P
The Queen Arms, in Corton Denham is an 18th
century country inn, nestled in the hills that form
the Dorset Somerset border. Situated two miles
from medieval Sherborne with its castles and
Abbey, awarded AA Rosette, CAMRA Cider Pub of
the Year and Best National Freehouse all in 2012,
the Queen’s offers a chic rural getaway for those
in search of something special.
Open: every day from 8am. Breakfast served
8-10am, lunch 12-3 and dinner 6-10pm daily
Eight en-suite letting rooms
Opening Times: Open all year,
Monday – Saturday 9am – 5.30pm
Main Street, Corton Denham, Somerset DT9 4LR
relax@thequeensarms.com
MAP REF
T: 01963 220317
10D W: thequeensarms.com
A traditional pub with cask
ales and scrummy food,
open all day, every day.
Breathtaking views, walks
and woodland. Car parking.
Ham Hill, Stoke-sub-Hamdon,
Yeovil TA14 6RW
T: 01935 822848
W: princeofwales
hamhill.co.uk
MAP REF: 8C
P
West Country
Water Buffalo
Delicious, tasty, tender
meat from our own herd
of water buffalo, available
from our small shop on
our family farm.
Lower Oakley Farm,
Chilthorne Domer BA22 8RQ
T: 01935 840567
W: westcountry
waterbuffalo.com
Pass Vale Farm, Burrow Hill,
Kingsbury Episcopi, Martock TA12 6BU
MAP REF
7D
Wayne’s Bar & Bistro
The Prince of Wales
T: 01460 240782
W: ciderbrandy.co.uk
Wayne’s Bar & Bistro
Wayne’s Bar & Bistro has a great continental feel
and is easy to find on the A303 at the turning
for the Fleet Air Arm Museum. Our extensive
menu has a mix of continental and traditional
dishes. Whether it’s a hearty breakfast, a
leisurely lunch or a romantic dinner, there is
something for everyone; all freshly prepared
and cooked with the finest ingredients.
Hawk House is our 4 Star rated Guest
Accommodation with 6 en-suite bedrooms. Take a 360˚ tour on our website.
Opening times: Every day from 7am to 9.30pm
MAP REF: 8C
Trading Post
Farm Shop and Café
“Aladdin’s Cave” for food
lovers supporting eighty local
producers plus wine and cut
flowers. Organic home grown
vegetables and salads.
On old A303, Lopenhead
South Petherton TA13 5JH
T: 01460 241666
MAP REF: 7C
Traditional cider farm and
distillery making
vintage ciders and
cider brandies. Sample
and buy cider brandy,
liqueurs, apple juice,
draught and bottled
cider in the cider
house. Across
the yard, visit our
working distillery
with two copper
stills - Josephine
and Fifi. 150
acres of orchards
producing 40
varieties of cider
apples are great for
exploring. Suitable
for group visits.
Food & Drink
Somerset Distillery
& Burrow Hill Cider
The Queens Arms
Queens Arms
Somerset Distillery & Burrow Hill Cider
Camel Cross, West Camel, Somerset BA22 7RA
MAP REF
9D
T: 01935 851804
W: waynesbarandbistro.co.uk
29
Accommodation
30
Choose the perfect place to stay. Indulge yourself in a
luxurious hotel or a smart, townhouse B&B. Stay on a farm
or at a friendly village inn.
Unwind in your very own self-catering cottage
or chill out in a yurt or on a well-equipped
campsite. South Somerset has a variety of top
quality accommodation.
Many local accommodation businesses
show their availability online and offer
online booking.
Serviced and self-catering accommodation
is shown on discoversouthsomerset.com
and a printed list is available in Tourist
Information Centres or by email or post. Our
knowledgeable TIC assistants will be pleased
to advise you about the best places to suit
your requirements.
When you book accommodation
using our list, please tell the
owner that this is how you
found them.
Accommodation
Discover our accommodation
Local accommodation providers are great
ambassadors for South Somerset!
As well as a warm welcome, you will find your
hosts can give you reliable information about
places to eat, enjoyable walks and interesting
sights close to where you are staying.
Many local accommodation businesses have been
awarded 4 stars (on a scale of 1 to 5 stars) by the
national Quality in Tourism scheme and some
have received special Gold and Silver awards.
Call Yeovil Tourist Information
Centre on 01935 462781 for an
accommodation list or go to:
31
Events
32
Events
Discover our Events
Take your pick from an exciting calendar of entertainment and
events from big-splash occasions to folksy village gatherings.
Naturally, there’s a passion here for open
air activities with snowdrop and crocus
weekends, plant fairs and apple days. There
are Yesterday’s Farming events, festivals and
open gardens in the towns and villages.
Discover the diversity of local artists during
Somerset Art Weeks in September, learn
willow-weaving from local crafts-people or
see timber and tools to try and to buy at a
woodworking show.
Relax on the lawns and lakesides of historic
houses with performances of Shakespeare,
jazz and classical music.
If your family’s taste is more techno, South
Somerset can do that too with Robot Wars,
Dalek Invasions and a Rare Breeds Car Show
all on the programme for 2013.
Enjoy raw energy at the Tour of Wessex Cycle
Race, rough and tumble at The Lowland
Games and glitz and glamour at spectacular
autumn carnivals.
Ilchester Charity
Car Boot Sale
RNAS Yeovilton
International Air Day
Big car boot every
Sunday from April to end
September. Gates open
7.00am for sellers (7.30am)
for buyer
Sports Field, The Mead Road
Ilchester BA22 8NZ
T: 07967 280754 ( weekends only)
Military airshow featuring
fast jets, warbirds,
aerobatic teams from
UK and abroad. Plenty of
ground attractions for all
the family!
MAP REF: 9D
P
Saturday 13th July
RNAS Yeovilton
Ilchester, Yeovil BA22 8HT
T: 08445 780780
W: royalnavy.mod.uk/
yeovilton-airday
MAP REF: 9D
P
Luke Simon
Founder of School in a Bag, an initiative run
by the Piers Simon Appeal charity providing
basic classroom kit for children all over the
world, Luke hosts a yearly music festival
on the family farm as one of the main
fund-raising events: “I love the buzz of our
three-day festival but afterwards there’s
nothing better than an early morning walk
with my dogs around the misty fields”
And as the year winds down, look forward
to punkie night, fireworks, Christmas
lights and winter horse-racing…
Somerset Steam Spectacular
33
Events 2013
Events 2013
Pirate Half Term
at Fleet Air Arm Museum
Gilcombe Autojumble
at Haynes Motor Museum
Hardy Plant Society Fair
at East Lambrook Manor gardens
Easter Egg Hunt at Forde Abbey
Yandles Woodworking Show
Robot Wars
Yeovil Town Criers Competition
Abbey Hill Steam Rally
at Yeovil Showground
Kingsbury May Festival
at Kingsbury Episcopi
Swedish Car Day
Royal Bath & West Show
at Bath & West Showground
Tour of Wessex through
South Somerset
International Radio Controlled Air
Day at Fleet Air Arm Museum
Yeovil Country Park Fayre
Ilminster Midsummer
Experience Festival
Home Farm Festival
in Chilthorne Domer
Langport Annual Walking Festival
Green Scythe Fair
at Thorney Lakes
Jazz on the Lawn
at Barrington Court
Sherlock Holmes Open Air Theatre
at Montacute House
Petherton Folk Fest
Yeovilton Airday
Tintinhull Open Gardens
Somerton Summer Arts Festival
Somerset Steam Spectacular
at Low Ham
34
11 – 15 Feb
2 Mar
30 Mar
31 Mar – 1
April
5 – 6 April
10 – 12 April
27 April
3 – 6 May
6 May
12 May
29 May –
1 June
25 – 27 May
26 – 27 May
27 May
6 – 9 June
7 – 9 June
8 – 9 June
9 June
16 June
21 June
29 June
13 July
13 – 14 July
12 – 20 July
20 – 21 July
Annual Charity Summer Fair
at Forde Abbey
Farmfestival at Gilcombe Farm
Chard Countryside Day
Somerton Horse Show
The Lowland Games
at Thorney Lakes
Music by the Lakes
at Thorney Lakes
Dalek Invasion
Gilcombe Festival of Transport
Yesterday’s Farming Show
at Leaze Farm, Haselbury
Plucknett
Giant Games on the Lawn
at Forde Abbey
Drayton Street Fair
Drayfest 3 Music Festival
Dillington House Open Day
Rare Breeds Car Show
Ham Hill Fayre
Somerset Art Weeks 2013
Yeovil Flower & Gardeners’ Market
Halloween Spooktacular
at Montacute Museum
Castle Cary Children’s Carnival
Chard Children’s Carnival
Ilminster Illuminated Carnival
Chard Illuminated Carnival
Castle Cary Illuminated Carnival
North Perrott Apple Day
and Art & Crafts fair
Spies and Secret Operations
Christmas Concert under Concorde
Boxing Day Race
at Wincanton Racecourse
25 July
26 – 27 July
27 July
27 July
28 July
10 Aug
10 – 11 Aug
10 – 11 Aug
17 – 18 Aug
25 – 26 Aug
31 Aug
31 Aug
1 Sept
1 Sept
7 Sept
21 Sep –6 Oct
28 Sept
26 Oct
– 3 Nov
5 Oct
5 Oct
5 Oct
12 Oct
12 Oct
12-13 Oct
28 Oct
– 1 Nov
5 Dec
26 Dec
easy to get here – easy to get around
With a car
Without a car
South Somerset is easy to reach from
London and the east using the M25, M3
and the famous Highway to the Sun the A303. Travel from the north using
the M5 junctions 24 (Bridgwater) and
25 (Taunton) and from the south via the
A35 and A37. From the west, use the
A30 and A303.
Berry’s Coaches run a daily service between
London and South Somerset while National
Express links Yeovil with many other towns
and cities. Yeovil TIC is an agent for both
companies and the staff will be pleased to
advise you about your journey.
Details of local car hire and taxi
services are available from the Tourist
Information Centres (TICs)
on 01935 462781.
Getting around
South Somerset
Heart of Wessex
The area is well served by trains. The London
Paddington to Plymouth railway line stops
at Castle Cary and Taunton. The London
Waterloo to Exeter line stops at Templecombe,
Yeovil Junction and Crewkerne. The Bristol
to Weymouth Heart of Wessex line stops at
Bruton, Castle Cary and Yeovil Pen Mill. For
more information visit nationalrail.co.uk
or call 08457 484950.
A series of car-free days out discovering
more of Somerset can be downloaded from
discoversouthsomerset.com or picked up at TICs.
Yeovil TIC has details of local bus services or
contact Traveline at traveline.org.uk or 0871
200 22 33 for more information.
Heart of Wessex
Calling at Castle Cary, Bruton and Yeovil, the
famously scenic Heart of Wessex Line runs from
Bristol to Weymouth. Connections can be made
from other lines at Bristol, Bath and Westbury,
and Castle Cary is also on the direct mainline
route from London to the west.
www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk
www.heartofwessex.org.uk
Plan your journey on www.nationalrail.co.uk
08457 48 49 50
T: national rail enquires 08457 48 49 50
W: firstgreatwestern.co.uk
South Somerset is wonderful walking and
cycling country. TIC staff will help you with
ideas for making the most of the countryside
and Cartgate TIC stocks the local Explorer Maps.
Visit us at
35
Tourist Information
Our Tourist Information Centres can help you with...
Somewhere to stay
Accommodation advice
We have a selection of UK holiday brochures
and can book accommodation for you
locally and nationwide
From easy access accommodation to
dog-friendly places, our friendly staff will
be happy to advise you
Exploring the area
Places to go and things to do
We have guides, maps and bus & train
timetables to help you explore the area.
We are agents for several coach companies
and will be pleased to advise you about your
journeys getting to and from South Somerset
and in and around the area
We use the latest information and offers to
help you plan the perfect day out. We sell
tickets for local events and have discount
vouchers for many attractions
Buying something to
take home?
Cartgate TIC & Gift Shop offers good quality
gifts from Somerset and reasonably priced
items for children
Tourist Information Centre staff
Brochure Requests
Choose from a great range of literature for walks, cycling and more.
Call or email for your FREE guides:
A quick guide to Ham Hill
Pedalling the Scenic Route
Chard Reservoir
South Somerset accommodation list
Classic Gardens of Somerset
Two Short Walks from Langport
Heart of Wessex Rail Line Guide
Yeovil Country Park
Market Towns in South Somerset
Walking the Hills
and Vales around Yeovil
Octagon Theatre Programme
Visit us at:
or email us at yeovilTIC@southsomerset.gov.uk
36
Yeovil Tourist Information Centre
Petters House, Petters Way,
Yeovil, Somerset BA20 1SH
T: 01935 462781
Tourist Information
Just ask in the Tourist Information Centres
A303 Cartgate Tourist Information & Gift Shop
Cartgate picnic site, A303/A3088, Stoke sub Hamdon TA14 6RA
T: 01935 829333 E: cartgate.tic@southsomerset.gov.uk
Yeovil Tourist Information Centre
Petters House, Petters Way, Yeovil, Somerset BA20 1SH
T: 01935 462781 E: yeovil.tic@southsomerset.gov.uk
Chard Tourist Information Centre
April – end October:
Every day 10am – 5pm
November – April:
Monday & Friday 10am – 3pm
MAP REF:
All year:
Monday – Friday 9am – 4pm
MAP REF:
All year:
Monday - Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 1pm
The Guildhall, Fore Street, Chard, Somerset TA20 1PP
T: 01460 260051 E: chard.tic@chard.gov.uk
8C
9C
MAP REF:
5A
South Somerset – Local Information Centres
Local Information Centres (LICs) are staffed mainly by volunteers who are very knowledgeable
about the local area. Some LICs have limited hours. We recommend you ring before visiting.
Bruton
MAP REF:
The Dovecote Building, 26 High Street,
Bruton BA10 0AA T: 01935 462462
11F
Castle Cary The Market House,
10E
Castle Cary BA7 7AH
T: 01963 359631 E: castlecary.town@btconnect.com
MAP REF:
Front cover: North Cadbury
Crewkerne Town Hall, Market Square,
Crewkerne TA18 7LN
T: 01460 75928 E: LIC@crewkerne-tc.gov.uk
Ilminster The Meeting House,
East Street, Ilminster TA19 0AN
T: 01460 57294
Langport
Somerton Market Cross Antiques,
8E
West Street, Somerton TA11 7PS
T: 01935 462462 E: somerton-tc@tiscali.co.uk
MAP REF:
Wincanton
Town Hall, Market Place,
Wincanton BA9 9LD
T: 01963 31693 E: wintic@hotmail.com
MAP REF:
7B
MAP REF:
6B
MAP REF:
7D
Bow Street, Langport TA10 9PR
T: 01458 253527 E: langportinfo@btconnect.com
For 24 hour information visit our website:
Photo credits: Media Library SSDC, Ed Gorochowski, Deborah Johnson,
Cliff Towler, Dave Simcox (butterfly), Bladon House
and South Somerset District Council.
Designed by: Bean-creative.co.uk 2012 Print: Latcham Direct Ltd
Published by: Tourism Team, South Somerset District Council,
Brympton Way, Yeovil, Somerset.
Telephone: 01935 462462
Email: tourism@southsomerset.gov.uk
MAP REF:
11E
Find
… about places to visit and where to stay by loo
or calling in at Tourist
MINEHEAD
Further afield
Junction 23
Estimated distances & driving times from
the centre of Yeovil
A39
Miles
Kms Drive time
Bath
40
64
Birmingham
150
240 2 hours 50 mins
Bristol
42
67
1 hour 10 mins
Cardiff
100
162
2 hours
Cheddar
35
56
1 hour
Dunster
50
80
1 hour 25 mins
Exeter
50
80
1 hour 10 mins
Glastonbury
19
31
40 mins
Longleat House
43
69
1 hour
London
135
217
3 hours
Lyme Regis
33
54
1 hour
Stonehenge
49
78
1 hour
Street
17
28
35 mins
A39
1 hour 15 mins
Weymouth
29
47
45 mins
Wookey Hole
29
46
50 mins
BRIDGWATER
C
Junction 24
M5
Othery
Burrowbridge
Aller
Cheddon
Fitzpaine
2
LANGPORT
Stoke St. Gregory
SOMERSET
Curry Rivel
Fivehead
WELLINGTON
Beercrocombe
58
A3
Isle
Abbotts
Westport
Broadway
Horton
Poole Ferry Terminal 43m / 69km
Portsmouth Ferry Terminal 92m / 148km
Southampton Ferry Port 73m / 117km
Weymouth Harbour 29m / 47km
A303
ILMINSTER Dinnington
Donyatt
Combe
St. Nicholas
Marsh
Dowlish
Ford
Whitestaunton
A30
Cricket St. Thomas
CHARD
Forton
A358
HONITON
3
4
5
6
M
Hewish
Woolminstone
Wayford
Winsham
Chardstock
2
Lopen
Dowlish
Hinton
St. George
Wake
Chillington
Cricket
Malherbie
CREWKERNE
DEVON
1
South Peth
Seavington
St. Mary
A358
44m / 71 km
03
Exeter Airport Buckland St. Mary
Bishopswood
A3
95m / 153km
Shepton
Beauchamp
Ashill
Bristol International Airport 49m / 79 km
MAR
East Lambrook
Bower Hin
Barrington
Ilton
Airport & Ferry distances
Drayton
Thorney
Swell
Hambridge
Kingsbury Epi
Isle Brewers
Curry Mallet
58m / 93km
Hu
Muchelney
TAUNTON
Greenham
Cardiff Airport Low
A37
Junction 25
Bournemouth Airport High
A38
North
Petherton
Miste
Moste
d out more …
For 24 hour information visit our website:
oking on our website
Information Centres
WELLS
Pilton
G
SHEPTON MALLET
GLASTONBURY
STREET
1
A36
Batcombe
7
SOMERTON
A372
Long Sutton
Muchelney Ham
Shepton
Montague
Lovington
E
D
Long Load
A30
iscopi
RTOCK
3
A37
Coat
0
A3
Ash
Poyntington
Mudford
Milborne Port
Oborne
57
Tintinhull
Henstridge
A3
A3
59
Chilthorne Domer
nton
C
Stoke-sub-Hamdon
herton
Montacute
Norton-subHamdon
Odcombe
YEOVIL
56
A3
West Chinnock
Bradford Abbas
Barwick
Stoford
East Coker
0
A3
Haselbury
Plucknett
Hardington
Mandeville
Pendomer
Thornford
Sutton
Bingham
B
Local Information Centre
SCALE
approx.
0
Halstock
South Perrott
Tourist Information Centre
7
A3
North Perrott
erton
DORSET
West Coker
East Chinnock
Merriott
SHERBORNE
A30
Chiselborough
n
Pen Selwood Zeals
Charlton Musgrove
Keinton
North Barrow
Bayford
WINCANTON
Charlton Mandeville
Mackrell
Holbrook
Babcary
North
Cadbury
3
Charlton
0
South
A3
Stoke Trister
Barrow
Adam
Cucklington
Cary
Fitpaine
Kingsdon
Sparkford
Blackford
West
Podimore
Holton
South Cadbury
Camel
Sutton
Montis
South Cheriton
Bridgehampton
Charlton
Queen Camel
Horsington
Corton
Horethorne
Northover
Yeovilton
Denham
Abbas Combe
Marston
ILCHESTER
Stowell
Magna
Templecombe
Chilton Cantelo
Yenston
w Ham
Pitney
uish Episcopi
WILTSHIRE
CASTLE CARY
A3
59
h Ham
Lydfordon-Fosse
5 miles (8km)
Evershot
erton
A
Chedington
Beaminster
7
F
Stourhead
Hardway
Redlynch
Ansford
A3
Barton
St. David
Kingweston
South Brewham
Ditcheat Wyke
Champflower
Wraxall
Alhampton
Compton Dundon
North Brewham
BRUTON
Lamyatt
8
9
10
11
12
…
fe
li
o
t
g
in
r
o
t
o
m
g
in
g
in
r
B
GRE
VALUAT
Fa
E
mily
Tick
et s
All weather family fun
Sparkford, Yeovil, Somerset BA22 7LH
01963 440804
haynesmotormuseum.co.uk

SouthSomersetDISCOVER - Discover South Somerset

Transcription

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