Places to visit in Devon and Somerset
Whilst at Middleton Mill Farm you will certainly be able to enjoy the immediate remoteness of the
Blackdown Hills, and the wonderfully breath taking views, however you are also only short distances
away from many attractions, walks and places of interest, including ...
History Of Local Area
Notable archaeological sites include the Iron Age hill forts at Membury Castle, Hembury and Castle
Neroche. Hembury is a Neolithic causewayed enclosure near Honiton in Devon
It dates to the late fifth and early fourth millennia BC and is believed to have been the capital of the
Dumnonii tribe. The fort is situated on a promontory to the north of and overlooking the River Dart at
approx 178 m (580 ft) above sea level. It has given its name to some of the earliest Neolithic pottery
in southern Britain. An Iron Age hill fort was later built on the same site. There has been
archaeological evidence found on the site of Roman Military occupation, suggesting a Fort within the
existing Iron Age site. It is now a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
A Roman bath house and Edwardian folly in the village of Whitestaunton in Somerset
were excavated by channel 4's Time Team in 2004.
Cold Harbour Mill was built around 1800 to exploit the available water power of the River Culm and
was used for wool and yarn production until its commercial closure in 1981. It is now managed by
an educational trust and plays a role in telling the industrial history of the area.
Whilst at Middleton Mill Farm you will certainly be able to enjoy the immediate remoteness of the
Blackdown Hills, and the wonderfully breath taking views, however you are also only short distances
away from many attractions, walks and places of interest, including ...
History Of Local Area
Notable archaeological sites include the Iron Age hill forts at Membury Castle, Hembury and Castle
Neroche. Hembury is a Neolithic causewayed enclosure near Honiton in Devon
It dates to the late fifth and early fourth millennia BC and is believed to have been the capital of the
Dumnonii tribe. The fort is situated on a promontory to the north of and overlooking the River Dart at
approx 178 m (580 ft) above sea level. It has given its name to some of the earliest Neolithic pottery
in southern Britain. An Iron Age hill fort was later built on the same site. There has been
archaeological evidence found on the site of Roman Military occupation, suggesting a Fort within the
existing Iron Age site. It is now a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
A Roman bath house and Edwardian folly in the village of Whitestaunton in Somerset
were excavated by channel 4's Time Team in 2004.
Cold Harbour Mill was built around 1800 to exploit the available water power of the River Culm and
was used for wool and yarn production until its commercial closure in 1981. It is now managed by
an educational trust and plays a role in telling the industrial history of the area.
The Blackdown Hills
Probably one of your first choices, with its steep ridges, high plateaux, valleys and springs, you have
before you a stunning mosaic of countryside. Horse riding and cycling is also popular.
The Blackdown Hills is the perfect place for a green holiday, where you can surround yourself
with nature and support local producers.
The Blackdown Hills boasts a number of local food producers who will sell at their farm gate, and
whose meat, vegetables, fruit, beer and cider can be found on the menu in local pubs and
restaurants.
We are within easy reach of the local market towns of Ottery St Mary, Honiton, Sidmouth, Seaton,
Axminster, Chard, Taunton, Wellington and Tiverton where you will find many independent shops,
galleries, and museums. The East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Jurassic
Devon Coastline is only a short journey away.
The Wellington Monument
The Wellington Monument, standing on the highest point of the Blackdown Hills, can be seen from
miles around, especially at night when it is floodlit. It was built in honour of Sir Arthur Wellesley, the
first Duke of Wellington, after his victory at Waterloo. The duke, who had estates in the area, took
his name from the neighbouring town, although he only visited the area once, in 1819.
The first stone was laid in 1817, but there were financial difficulties and the monument was not
finished until 1892. Originally there was supposed to be a statue of Wellington and three small
homes for old soldiers, but these were never built. Twenty-four cannons from Wellington’s famous
victory at Waterloo were intended to surround the monument but the wrong cannons were delivered
to Exeter Quay where they still remain. Later, four cannons were added to the site, but they were
taken away for scrap during World War II. In 1985, Wellington Rotary Club donated the cannon that
sits at the foot of the monument today. It is possible to go to nearby Quartz Moor for spectacular
views stretching across the Vale of Taunton towards Exmoor and the Quantocks and, on a clear
day, as far as Wales across the Bristol Channel.
Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe, near Taunton in Somerset, was designed by Gertrude Jekyll & Edwin Lutyens in the
first decade of the twentieth century. It is now considered to be the epitome of the English garden,
evoking an era of timeless aristocratic stability.
Probably one of your first choices, with its steep ridges, high plateaux, valleys and springs, you have
before you a stunning mosaic of countryside. Horse riding and cycling is also popular.
The Blackdown Hills is the perfect place for a green holiday, where you can surround yourself
with nature and support local producers.
The Blackdown Hills boasts a number of local food producers who will sell at their farm gate, and
whose meat, vegetables, fruit, beer and cider can be found on the menu in local pubs and
restaurants.
We are within easy reach of the local market towns of Ottery St Mary, Honiton, Sidmouth, Seaton,
Axminster, Chard, Taunton, Wellington and Tiverton where you will find many independent shops,
galleries, and museums. The East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Jurassic
Devon Coastline is only a short journey away.
The Wellington Monument
The Wellington Monument, standing on the highest point of the Blackdown Hills, can be seen from
miles around, especially at night when it is floodlit. It was built in honour of Sir Arthur Wellesley, the
first Duke of Wellington, after his victory at Waterloo. The duke, who had estates in the area, took
his name from the neighbouring town, although he only visited the area once, in 1819.
The first stone was laid in 1817, but there were financial difficulties and the monument was not
finished until 1892. Originally there was supposed to be a statue of Wellington and three small
homes for old soldiers, but these were never built. Twenty-
to Exeter Quay where they still remain. Later, four cannons were added to the site, but they were
taken away for scrap during World War II. In 1985, Wellington Rotary Club donated the cannon that
sits at the foot of the monument today. It is possible to go to nearby Quartz Moor for spectacular
views stretching across the Vale of Taunton towards Exmoor and the Quantocks and, on a clear
day, as far as Wales across the Bristol Channel.
Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe, near Taunton in Somerset, was designed by Gertrude Jekyll & Edwin Lutyens in the
first decade of the twentieth century. It is now considered to be the epitome of the English garden,
evoking an era of timeless aristocratic stability.
Dunkeswell Memorial Museum
Dunkeswell Memorial Museum is dedicated to all the Veterans of United States Fleet Air Wing 7
and RAF personnel who served on the only American Navy air base commissioned on UK soil
during World War II. To find it, make for the town of Honiton, then follow the signs for Dunkeswell
(hill climbing all the way). At the top of the hill avoid the right fork (signed Luppitt) and continue
straight towards Dunkeswell. Pass the new housing area on your right, and drop down into the
original village. Hill climbing again, swing hard left (beside the Methodist Chapel), then right into
the Industrial Estate. Take the first turn right into Seabee Place. The museum will then be straight
ahead of you at the far end.
Taunton Racecourse
As well as golf in the area, the sporting amongst you can enjoy Taunton Race. This is England's
youngest National Hunt racecourse and one of the most beautifully located racecourses in the
country, with outstanding views across the Racecourse to the wooded slopes of the Blackdown
Hills, and only a few minutes drive from the centre of Taunton.
Somerset Cricket Museum
Keeping with the sporting theme for the moment, next up, is Somerset Cricket Museum.
The Museum is within walking distance of the main Rail and Bus stations.
Times of opening: 10.30am to 4.00pm Tuesday to Friday from first Tues in April to last Friday
in October
Beaches
With two coastlines to choose from, you are spoilt for choice of Devon beaches –some of the best
and cleanest in Devon holding the prestigious Blue Flag award, guaranteeing the highest of
standards. For swimming in the summer and water-sports, sandcastle-building, dog walking and
fish and chip eating at any time of the year.
The North Devon coast offers contrasting sheer cliffs and sandy beaches –here surfing is the in
thing, especially on the western side facing as it does the Atlantic.
At Tunnels Beaches a large tidal swimming pool offers safe swimming and inflatables use.
Woolacombe Sands is ideal for swimming and water sports and as with many beaches in Devon
is manned by lifeguards in high season.
The South Devon coast is also one of contrasts –the red sandstone cliffs and pebble beaches of
parts of the Heritage and Jurassic coasts and the small secluded bays of parts of the South Hams.
Here also water-sports such as diving and windsurfing are popular and family friendly beaches
abound.
Torre Abbey Sands in Torquay was found to have the best sand in the UK for making sand castles
according to research by Bournemouth University. Dawlish Warren beach in East Devon, with its
sand dunes and nature reserve, also allows dogs on certain areas of the beach. The pebbled
beach of Budleigh Salterton has clear water and safe bathing and is also an ideal spot for fish
and chips.
Exmoor national park.
Exmoor is a National Park situated on the Bristol Channel coast of South West England. The park
straddles two counties with 71% of the park located in Somerset and 29% located in Devon.
Before it was a park, Exmoor was a Royal Forest and hunting ground, which was sold off in 1818.
Several areas of the moor have been declared a Site of Special Scientific interest due to the flora
and fauna.
Many come to walk on the moors or along waymarked paths such as the Coleridge Way.
Attractions on the coast include the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway, which connects Lynton to
neighbouring Lynmouth, where the East and West Lyn River meet. Woody Bay, a few miles west
of Lynton, is home to the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway, a narrow gauge railway which connected
the twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth to Barnstaple, about 31 km (just over 19 miles) away.
Further along the coast, Porlock is a quiet coastal town with an adjacent salt marsh nature reserve
and a harbour at nearby Porlock Weir. Watchet is a historic harbour town with a marina and is home
to a carnival, which is held annually in July.
Inland, many of the attractions are centred around small towns and villages or linked to the river
valleys, such as the ancient clapper bridge at Tarr Steps and the Snowdrop Valley near Wheddon
Cross, which is carpeted in snowdrops in February and, later, displays bluebells. Withypool is also
in the Barle Valley. The Two Moors Way passes through the village. As well as Dunster Castle,
Dunster's other attractions include a priory, dovecote, yarn market, inn, packhorse bridge, mill and
a stop on the West Somerset Railway.
Exmoor's woodlands sometimes reach the shoreline, especially between Porlock and The Foreland,
where they form the single longest stretch of coastal woodland in England and Wales. The Exmoor
Coastal Heaths have been recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to the diversity of
plant species present.
The scenery of rocky headlands, ravines, waterfalls and towering cliffs gained the Exmoor coast
recognition as a Heritage Coast in 1991. With its huge waterfalls and caves, this dramatic coastline
has become an adventure playground for both climbers and explorers. The cliffs provide one of the
longest and most isolated seacliff traverses in the UK. The South West Coast Path, at 1,014
kilometres (630 mi) the longest National Trail in England and Wales, starts at Minehead and runs
along all of Exmoor's coast. There are small harbours at Lynmouth, Porlock Weir, and Combe
Martin. Once crucial to coastal trade, the harbours are now primarily used for pleasure; individually
owned sail boats and non-commercial fishing boats are often found in the harbours.
Dunkeswell Memorial Museum is dedicated to all the Veterans of United States Fleet Air Wing 7
and RAF personnel who served on the only American Navy air base commissioned on UK soil
during World War II. To find it, make for the town of Honiton, then follow the signs for Dunkeswell
(hill climbing all the way). At the top of the hill avoid the right fork (signed Luppitt) and continue
straight towards Dunkeswell. Pass the new housing area on your right, and drop down into the
original village. Hill climbing again, swing hard left (beside the Methodist Chapel), then right into
the Industrial Estate. Take the first turn right into Seabee Place. The museum will then be straight
ahead of you at the far end.
Taunton Racecourse
As well as golf in the area, the sporting amongst you can enjoy Taunton Race. This is England's
youngest National Hunt racecourse and one of the most beautifully located racecourses in the
country, with outstanding views across the Racecourse to the wooded slopes of the Blackdown
Hills, and only a few minutes drive from the centre of Taunton.
Somerset Cricket Museum
Keeping with the sporting theme for the moment, next up, is Somerset Cricket Museum.
The Museum is within walking distance of the main Rail and Bus stations.
Times of opening: 10.30am to 4.00pm Tuesday to Friday from first Tues in April to last Friday
in October
Beaches
With two coastlines to choose from, you are spoilt for choice of Devon beaches –some of the best
and cleanest in Devon holding the prestigious Blue Flag award, guaranteeing the highest of
standards. For swimming in the summer and water-
The North Devon coast offers contrasting sheer cliffs and sandy beaches –here surfing is the in
thing, especially on the western side facing as it does the Atlantic.
At Tunnels Beaches a large tidal swimming pool offers safe swimming and inflatables use.
Woolacombe Sands is ideal for swimming and water sports and as with many beaches in Devon
is manned by lifeguards in high season.
The South Devon coast is also one of contrasts –the red sandstone cliffs and pebble beaches of
parts of the Heritage and Jurassic coasts and the small secluded bays of parts of the South Hams.
Here also water-
Torre Abbey Sands in Torquay was found to have the best sand in the UK for making sand castles
according to research by Bournemouth University. Dawlish Warren beach in East Devon, with its
sand dunes and nature reserve, also allows dogs on certain areas of the beach. The pebbled
beach of Budleigh Salterton has clear water and safe bathing and is also an ideal spot for fish
and chips.
Exmoor national park.
Exmoor is a National Park situated on the Bristol Channel coast of South West England. The park
straddles two counties with 71% of the park located in Somerset and 29% located in Devon.
Before it was a park, Exmoor was a Royal Forest and hunting ground, which was sold off in 1818.
Several areas of the moor have been declared a Site of Special Scientific interest due to the flora
and fauna.
Many come to walk on the moors or along waymarked paths such as the Coleridge Way.
Attractions on the coast include the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway, which connects Lynton to
neighbouring Lynmouth, where the East and West Lyn River meet. Woody Bay, a few miles west
of Lynton, is home to the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway, a narrow gauge railway which connected
the twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth to Barnstaple, about 31 km (just over 19 miles) away.
Further along the coast, Porlock is a quiet coastal town with an adjacent salt marsh nature reserve
and a harbour at nearby Porlock Weir. Watchet is a historic harbour town with a marina and is home
to a carnival, which is held annually in July.
Inland, many of the attractions are centred around small towns and villages or linked to the river
valleys, such as the ancient clapper bridge at Tarr Steps and the Snowdrop Valley near Wheddon
Cross, which is carpeted in snowdrops in February and, later, displays bluebells. Withypool is also
in the Barle Valley. The Two Moors Way passes through the village. As well as Dunster Castle,
Dunster's other attractions include a priory, dovecote, yarn market, inn, packhorse bridge, mill and
a stop on the West Somerset Railway.
Exmoor's woodlands sometimes reach the shoreline, especially between Porlock and The Foreland,
where they form the single longest stretch of coastal woodland in England and Wales. The Exmoor
Coastal Heaths have been recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to the diversity of
plant species present.
The scenery of rocky headlands, ravines, waterfalls and towering cliffs gained the Exmoor coast
recognition as a Heritage Coast in 1991. With its huge waterfalls and caves, this dramatic coastline
has become an adventure playground for both climbers and explorers. The cliffs provide one of the
longest and most isolated seacliff traverses in the UK. The South West Coast Path, at 1,014
kilometres (630 mi) the longest National Trail in England and Wales, starts at Minehead and runs
along all of Exmoor's coast. There are small harbours at Lynmouth, Porlock Weir, and Combe
Martin. Once crucial to coastal trade, the harbours are now primarily used for pleasure; individually
owned sail boats and non-
Sheppys Tradition Farmous Ciderhouse
Gone are the days when every farm made its own special cider, but down in the Vale of Taunton Deane, in the
Cider County of Somerset, there still remains one of the true Farmer Cidermakers - Sheppy's of Bradford-on-Tone.
From the early 1800s, the Sheppy family has been making cider in the West Country, and from 1925 have
been renowned for their quality ciders, which have gained, between them over 200 awards, and two gold medals.
Quality is central to all their ciders, which are produced from local and home-grown apples at Three Bridges Farm.
Modern technology has been used to assist the completely traditional production of fine English cider, but never to
compromise the quality, which is associated with the name Sheppy's Cider.
Gone are the days when every farm made its own special cider, but down in the Vale of Taunton Deane, in the
Cider County of Somerset, there still remains one of the true Farmer Cidermakers -
been renowned for their quality ciders, which have gained, between them over 200 awards, and two gold medals.
Quality is central to all their ciders, which are produced from local and home-
compromise the quality, which is associated with the name Sheppy's Cider.
See where it's made...
Taunton Castle
Taunton Castle is a Grade 1-Listed Scheduled
Ancient Monument standing at the heart of
Somerset’s county town. It is Taunton’s most
important secular historic monument.
Taunton Castle is now the home of the
Somerset County Museum. The Somerset
Archaeological and Natural History Society also
retains its
headquarters in the Castle.
Taunton Castle is a Grade 1-
Somerset’s county town. It is Taunton’s most
important secular historic monument.
Taunton Castle is now the home of the
Somerset County Museum. The Somerset
Archaeological and Natural History Society also
retains its
headquarters in the Castle.
They are very proud to share with visitors from
far and wide their beautiful farm and orchards,
and to show you as much as possible of how
and where they make their delicious ciders.
Facilities and attractions are :
Cider shop , Cider Sampling
Museum with cidermaking video (admission charge) .
Pre-booked guided tours (admission charge),
Orchard and farm walks , Licensed tea room
- ( open all year including booked Sunday lunches) .
Picnic area , Children's play area , Free parking
far and wide their beautiful farm and orchards,
and to show you as much as possible of how
and where they make their delicious ciders.
Facilities and attractions are :
Cider shop , Cider Sampling
Museum with cidermaking video (admission charge) .
Pre-
-
The three-
Perhaps the most notable feature of the house is the 189 feet (58 m) long third floor long gallery,
spanning the entire top floor of the house. Originally used as an area for indoor exercise during
inclement weather, today, it is used by the National Portrait Gallery to display part of their collection.
Wildlife Park at Cricket St. Thomas nr. Chard.
A wonderful family place to visit with an outstanding array of activities, animals to view and day events,
such as car shows, charity runs and much more. This park which is ranked as one of the best in the
country is certainly not one to be missed. A great deal of information can be found at www.wild.org.uk.
Forde Abbey and Gardens
Forde Abbey is a treasure in an area already known for its outstanding beauty. More than 900 years
of history and romance are encapsulated in this elegant former Cistercian monastery and its 30
acres of award winning gardens
The amazing variety found in this stately home makes it a wonderful place to spend a day for all ages.
Ferne Animal Sanctury
Visit for free and experience the tranquillity and beauty of the glorious Somerset Countryside in which
Ferne Animal sanctuary is situated. Home to 300 unwanted animals, set in 51 acres; there is a
nature trail, picnic area and animals to see from chipmunks to donkeys. The majority of the
Sanctuary is wheelchair friendly. There are disabled toilets and baby changing facilities. Dogs are
welcome (on short leads) . Open daily 10am -
(April -
Refreshments are available from reception Mon to Friday 10.00am -
Chard in Somerset, one and a half miles off the A30 main road.
Montacute House
Montacute House, situated in the South Somerset
village of Montacute, is described by its owners,
the National Trust, as "one of the glories of late Elizabethan
architecture", and has been designated
by English Heritage as a grade I listed building.
Montacute House, situated in the South Somerset
village of Montacute, is described by its owners,
the National Trust, as "one of the glories of late Elizabethan
architecture", and has been designated
by English Heritage as a grade I listed building.