Local Area Information

Eating Out

Locally; PLEASE BOOK IN ADVANCE FOR ANY WEEKEND MEAL

Here’s the Guardian’s take on local pubs/restaurants

 https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2021/may/20/10-of-the-best-somerset-pubs-with-beer-gardens-or-outdoor-space

For food we would recommend Ring of Bells Hinton Blewett, as does the Guardian. It's a 25 minute walk or 5 minutes by car

For atmosphere we would recommend The Litton.  http://thelitton.co.uk Local village pub, 10 minute walk.Great pub, great interior after major refurbishment. Has a great garden and food is good.

or simply Fish and Chips by Chew Valley Lake at Salt and Malt. https://saltandmalt.co.uk/chew-valley/

or gazing and grazing at Chew Valley Lake is also https://www.woodfordlodge.co.uk/

For michelin star dining at a reasonable price try https://theponychewvalley.co.uk/

Wider locale; 

There are a host of great restaurants in Bath, Bristol, Wells, and Bruton. Here's a very small sample

Bath;

Bristol;

Wells has Roots and Rugantino.

The Roth Bar and Grill at Bruton 

Days Out (so Many!!)

Wells, England's smallest city, wandering through medieval streets to the market place or museum on the Green. Drive south to rummage for antiques at the Wells or Glastonbury reclamation yards. 

The Cathedral has many wondrous sights… take in the Chapter House, and Vicars Close (which is the street that houses the choir). Entrance to the cathedral is free, though there is a voluntary donation box. If the opportunity arises, try an Evensong which is usually 5.00 pm in the Quire section. It is a religious service but features the world famous Wells Cathedral Choir…usually lasts about an hour and the Quire is a fabulous medieval part of the cathedral, http://www.wellscathedral.org.uk/

Bishops Palace has been home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years and this stunning medieval palace is open for all to enjoy. Tickets are required. https://bishopspalace.org.uk/

If anyone is a fan of Hot Fuzz then they will recognise the market place et al as the whole film was shot in Wells. http://www.wellswalkingtours.co.uk/

It's also pleasant to have a coffee, sandwich, lunch in the antegarden outside the Swan hotel or at Bishops Eye

Chew Valley is a very popular area for Hot Air Ballooning, companies operating out of Bath, Bristol and Chew Valley from March-October.

Bath, 12 miles away , as a Roman city has much to offer with bus and walking tours. It also has a Theatre, numerous cinemas, restaurants, bars and shops. We particularly recommend the open top Bus Tour. See Bath link below.

https://visitbath.co.uk/plan-your-visit/visitor-information-centre

and......if you're visiting BATH.....have a trade off with the kids and take them to the Childrens Playground in Victoria Park

Bristol 12 miles away, a vibrant city with a rich history of innovation and the slave trade. It has a number of festivals running from June to August which includes the famous Balloon Fiesta. See below for details

http://visitbristol.co.uk

Glastonbury 10 miles away is an area steeped in myth and legend in addition to hosting the World Famous Festival in June.

Street, just beyond Glastonbury has a marvellous lido and Shopping Village hosting numerous factory outlets. https://www.clarksvillage.co.uk/

https://www.glastonbury.co.uk/pages/

Stourhead, a fabulous National Trust property is a 40 minute drive; https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stourhead\

The Newt, https://thenewtinsomerset.com/

KIDS!!!!

Longleat is a 35 minute drive; https://www.longleat.co.uk/

Wookey Hole & Cheddar Gorge - 15 minutes away

Now offers a lot of different activities .  http://www.wookey.co.uk 

http://www.cheddargorge.co.uk  For walks, rock climbing and World famous cheese

Caving in Cheddar (even does Hen Parties!?) http://www.adventurecaving.co.uk/about-cheddar-caving.php

Avon Valley Park is a 25 minute drive; https://avonvalley.co.uk/

 

Local Walks from the Door

  • RingoBells via Prospect Style

https://footpathapp.com/routes/DB58A14A-D3AE-4FEC-BC74-B7AD83B87BB7

  • HollowMarsh Lane Loop 

https://footpathapp.com/routes/2EF4106B-C3B6-4787-B514-C33097D1C6C5

  • Lane walk to Waldegrave East Harptree

https://footpathapp.com/routes/751E99E4-66EC-4BDE-8016-FCD249FF3C1C

  • Long hike to the Litton

https://footpathapp.com/routes/4708A70B-B5DE-42F1-9D0F-47F59F01ED52

  • Lane walk to RingoBells

https://footpathapp.com/routes/1D9C7F3D-DDDE-43B8-9A23-BCA43E569277

BEACHES

Obviously, Western Super Mare is very close. https://www.visit-westonsupermare.com/

Just south of that is Brean; very different to Weston. https://www.thebeachguide.co.uk/south-west-england/somerset/brean-beach.htm

Further South is Dunster Castle and beach. Can be steep walking. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/somerset/dunster-castle-and-watermill

Big drive are North Devon beaches like Woolacombe. Walking and surfing (book ahead for wetsuits and boards) https://www.thebeachguide.co.uk/south-west-england/devon/woolacombe.htm

Stocking Up

Locally there are 2 very good farm shops, both have cafes attached

http://www.newmanorfarmshop.co.uk/  This supplies meat from its own farm next door and therefore has a great butchers

https://www.farringtons.co.uk/  This also offers a Playbarn for younger kids

There is a Spar in West Harptree

Wells has a Farmers market on Wednesday and Saturday 9-3pm

Supermarkets: Wells has a Tesco, Waitrose, Morrisons and Lidl. There is also a large Tesco at Midsomer Norton.