The West Somerset Railway is a historic rail network in Somerset and Dorset, that has given great pleasure to visitors over the last century.  It is the longest heritage steam railway in England.  Travel along the line and look out at the inspiring countryside, take in the history and seasonal events.  Keep an eye on website timetable for more information.

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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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With more than 400 cars and bikes from around the world from nostalgic classics to contemporary super cars, Haynes International Motor Museum is dedicated to restore, retain and preserve motoring and motorcycling items of historical and cultural interest in England.  Exhibitions, live actions days, stunt shows and dream drives are all seasonally available so keep an eye on the website for more information!

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A great all weather attraction in beautiful Exmoor countryside where you can learn to fly owls and hawks yourself on a Birds of Prey Flying Experience, ride horses, watch the public  flying displays and enjoy some delicious food in the tea room.  For damper days there is an indoor flying barn and picnic area.   

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Explore one of Britain's most spectacular natural landmarks, from its awe-inspiring cliffs to its subterranean stalactite caves. Cheddar Gorge & Caves holds many fascinating secrets about our prehistoric ancestors, and is an international centre for caving and rock climbing.  The more adventurous can try the exhilarating Black Cat Free Fall in Gough’s Cave or crawl through the cave system under the watchful eye of Cheddar’s expert cavers. Dogs are welcome throughout the site and there is a well-stocked café and shop. 

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You won’t regret stopping off at this family run shop, café and deli in the heart of Dulverton with its great array of local produce and gifts.  Relax in the outdoor courtyard with a coffee or something from the café menu, or stock your cottage fridge with delicious local cheese, meat, drinks and lots more.

The Tantivy Traditional Shop, Café and Deli, Fore Street, Dulverton, Exmoor, TQ22 9EX 01398 323465: 

Run by the Burrough Family, Barleymow’s offers a comprehensive, well stocked shop with a wide choice of fresh meats from the farm and locally sourced products along with a fully licensed restaurant . The menu offers delicious traditional home cooked meals including all day breakfasts, hot and cold lunches, snacks and cakes. Well worth a visit if you're in the area. 

Barleymow's Farm Shop  Snowdon Hill Farm, Chard, Somerset TA20 3PS (T:01460 62130)

Award winning cyclist’s café in Merriot with Route 30 running immediately past the front door.  The perfect spot to stop, refuel and swap information with other cyclists in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.  Choose from a mouthwatering menu of breakfasts, sandwiches, delicious main meals, homemade cakes and lots more.

The Feed Station, Sandy Hole, Merriot TQ16 5QR (T: 01460 271598)

As the name suggests this quirky café is indeed housed in a restored 1850’s railway carriage at the disused station at South Petherton.  Serves great coffee, teas and delicious cakes crafted on-site and in the full service restaurant expect exciting & innovative flavours for breakfast and lunch.

Pips Railway Carriage, South Petherton TQ13 5JH

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.

After 30 miles of Exmoor coastline that’s predominantly cliffs, at Porlock the land flattens out and a unique mile long shingle ridge and an inland salt marsh have formed.  It’s a short walk from there to the centre of Porlock, where there are lots of marked footpaths to explore.  Porlock Weir Beach itself is a pebble beach that welcomes dogs all year round.  It’s a prime spot for swimming, fishing, surfing and sailing, and there are cafes, restaurants, toilets, pubs and shops close by to explore.  There is pay and display parking close to the beach, so don’t forget your change when you visit, and you will be pleased to know that the water quality is reputedly excellent.

A shingle beach that arcs out into the sea from Lynton, Lynmouth Beach is a popular spot for surfing, but there’s no lifeguard cover so be careful when you go!  The area is known for its excellent scenery and pleasant walking along the sea front and along the banks of the Lyn River which flows between the two towns of Lynton and Lynmouth.  There is also a cliff railway from Lynton down to the sea front.  At Lynton there is a smaller beach with rocks at low tide, while Lynmouth Beach is longer and sandier.  Lynmouth has level access all the way along, and there are several car parks in the town as well as road parking by the river and beach.  Toilets, cafes and shops are close by, but there aren’t any activities available, it’s all about enjoying the scenery!

On the South West Coast Path, Wringcliff Beach is within walking distance of the little town of Lynton and a number of secluded bays along the coastline.  The beach itself is a secluded bay surrounded by high cliffs with a steep access path, making it a tricky one to visit if you have small children with you.  Of course, because it’s a little difficult to get to, it’s also wonderfully peaceful with incredible views to enjoy. Dogs are allowed on the beach all year around and it’s perfect for adventurous walkers.  There’s parking is in the valley of the rocks which is accessed and signposted through Lynton, but once you’re there it’s not that easy to reach toilets and restaurants, to if the weather permits, take a picnic and enjoy the day!