A fascinating visitor centre set in beautiful countryside in the heart of the Somerset Levels along with marked walking trails where you can spot otters, herons and a host of other bird and wildlife.  The Coates family who run the centre have been growing willow in Somerset for over 200 years and you can learn about the history and art of basket making before exploring the boutique courtyard shops and cafés on site. 

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Fully serviced bikes and e-bikes for hire on an hourly or daily basis along with children’s bikes, child seats, tag alongs and trailers.  A great way to get out and about and explore the beautiful countryside and villages  of the Somerset Levels.

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Three generations of the Sheppy family have farmed the 370 acres at Three Bridges Farm, weathering the ups and downs of cider-making.  Visit for a glimpse at the Rural Life Museum and for cider tours to discover the inner workings of Sheppy’s cider, but shhhh, it’s a secret!

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Deep in the heart of Somerset’s Mendip Hills is Wookey Hole, the UK’s largest cave system that has been used by humans for around 45,000 years. As well as the fascinating series of caves and caverns, today Wookey Hole also includes over 20 different mini attractions including the ‘Wizards Play Castle’, ‘Circus Show’ , ‘Cave Museum’ and ‘Valley of the Dinosaurs’ and makes a great day out for all ages.

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Representing the flying arm of the Royal Navy, the Fleet Air Arm Museum four exhibition halls, over ninety aircraft, two million records and 30 thousand artefacts the museum is Europe's largest naval aviation museum. In addition, it houses the first British Concorde which you can go on board, view the cockpit and visit the award winning aircraft carrier experience.  

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An attractive, light and bright café open for breakfast, lunch and tea.  Delicious light meals, cakes,coffees and other locally produced food and drink available to eat in or take away. 

Silvers Pantry Blundells Ln, Monkton Heathfield, Taunton TA2 8QN (T: 01823 413443)

A traditional family run Italian restaurant in the heart of Taunton where quality food is combined with a warm atmosphere and an excellent selection of Italian wines.

Ciao Amore 4 East Gate, Taunton TA1 3NB (T: 01823 353127)

An informal and friendly local bistro serving a simple, yet expertly cooked menu brimming with local produce.  Set in a pretty courtyard with a sunny conservatory where you can sit watch the world go by whilst enjoying your meal. 

Augustus 3, The Courtyard, St James St, Taunton TA1 1JR (T: 01823 324354)

For a special occasion, romantic meal or simply because you enjoy excellent food then The Willow Tree is well worth a visit.  Housed in an atmospheric 17^th century townhouse with a top class kitchen run under the watchful eye of ex Roux Brothers chef Darren Sherlock, here you can expect simple combinations of high quality produce cooked to perfection. 

The Willow Tree 3 Tower Ln, Taunton TA1 4AR (T: 01823 352835)

Stop by at the Farm & Field Café at Frogmary Green Farm for delicious breakfasts, ciabattas, bagels  and homemade pastries which on clear days can be enjoyed down by the idyllic lake and arboretum. Keep an eye on the website too for monthly evenings of feasting, cocktails and live music – what’s not to like ?

Frogmary Green Farm, South Petherton TA13 5DJ (T:01460 242775)

Long sand and shingle beaches peppered with alabaster rocks that are perfect for finding fossils, Blue Anchor Bay and Dunster Beach in Somerset are adjacent to one another, and are beautiful places to while away the afternoon, whatever time of the year. Dogs are allowed on the beaches all year round, which is a novelty, there are toilets close by, and a pub as well for those lazy lunches after a morning’s stroll.  The West Somerset Railway comes close to the beach, adding an extra layer of interest, and there’s plenty of parking close to both of them as well, which is always a blessing.  The beaches are tidal and can get a little muddy at low tide, so careful not to slip and don’t get caught out when the water comes in!

Perpetually featured amongst the best beaches in the area, Minehead Beach is in one of Somerset’s busiest holiday areas.  Divided into two sections, The Strand is a wide sand and shingle beach that faces North-to-North West, it looks out across the Bristol Channel towards Wales. Terminus meanwhile is the north-facing part that was almost completely washed away in the early ‘90s.  After a multimillion pound project, a sea wall was completed.  Today it’s an excellent spot for swimming, kite-surfing and windsurfing.  Dog restrictions apply in the summer and there are cafes, restaurants, toilets and shops all close by.

Perfect for family days out, Charmouth Beach is a mix of sand and pebbles, fossils (for which the area is famous), good swimming and good surf.  It is divided into two distinct areas (East and West) by the mouth of the River Char, which often forms a lagoon suitable for boating or watching the ducks swim past.  To get to the beach, simply find the centre of the village and follow Lower Sea Lane.  There are ample car parks close to the beach as well as another one half way down Lower Sea Lane if those are full.  Dogs are allowed on the West beach as long as they are on leads from 1^st May and 30^th September between the sea defenses and Lyme Regis but not on the area of beach in front of the beach huts and the Heritage Centre. From 1st July to 31st August dogs are not allowed on East Beach between 10:00am and 6:00pm, but are welcome outside these hours.  At East Beach there is a beach café and picnic tables close by, and in the summer months there is a bouncy castle.  There are also lots of beautiful walks close by to enjoy.  West Beach meanwhile is about a mile and a half long and is a haven for fossil hunters and avid rock-poolers.

Famous for its picturesque Jurassic coastline, as well as its array of fossils, Church Cliff Beach is on the edge of Lyme Regis town.  Sandy in places, at low tide there is an extensive rock ledge with hundreds of rock pools where you can catch shrimp. The River Lym flows into the bay, so paddling is a necessity if you want to stroll on the sand.  The beach is flanked by rock armour which protects the promenade, and the sand is covered at high tide.  There’s paid parking close by, so don’t forget your change.  There are facilities, restaurants and cafes in the town.  There’s no lifeguard cover on this beach, and dogs are permitted all year round, which is great news for walkers as it also makes up part of the West Dorset Heritage Coast and its accompanying footpaths.

In the picturesque harbour town of Lyme Regis, Town Beach is covered in pebbles at one end thanks to the coastal protection scheme that placed them there to provide essential care for the Marine Parade and the buildings along it.  At the other end the beach has been built up with sand, no longer gets covered at high tide and provides an extensive beach area manned by RNLI lifeguards in the summer.  There are kiosks, cafes, shops and restaurants bordering the beach, so it’s ideal for visiting with family and spending the whole day on the sand if the weather allows.  The main sandy beach in the area, it’s a delight and easy to get to when on holiday in Dorset.  There is paid parking nearby, so don’t forget your change, and remember that dogs are not permitted from 1st April to 31st October, while from 1st November to 31st March they must be on leads.