| A | ADMIRAL BLAKE MUSEUM | Telephone: |
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| Blake Street, Bridgwater |
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| Fascinating town museum. Local history and archaeology museum of Bridgwater and the surrounding area. Birthplace of Robin Blake. Open: Tues-Sat, 10am-4pm. Cost : Free |
(01278) 456127 |
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| A | ALSTONE WILDLIFE PARK | Telephone: |
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| Alstone Road, Highbridge |
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| A small family run park with many interesting and amusing fur and feather friends including Theodore the camel and a tame red deer herd. Open: Daily 10.30am-17.00pm; Easter - November. Cost: £4.00. (child £3.00) |
(01278) 782405 |
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| A | ART BENATTAR CRAFT | Telephone: |
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| 31 Market Square, Crewkerne |
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| Art and craft. Work from 100 artists in every media displayed in five rooms. Cafe. Open: Call for times and costs. |
(01460) 77780 |
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| A | AVALON VINEYARD | Telephone: |
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| The Drove, East Pennard, Shepton Mallet |
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| Organic vineyard and fruit farm which makes scrumpy, cider, organic English white wines, fruit wines and mead. Open: Mid-April to late Dec, 12noon-6pm. Cost: Free. |
(01749) 860393 |
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| B | BAKELITE MUSEUM | Telephone: |
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| Orchard Mill, Williton |
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| Collection of vintage plastics set in an ancient watermill. Early caravans include the pod micro caravan. Publications, postcards on sale. Open: 10.30am-6pm Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat and Sun in term time. Seven days a week in main school holiday time. Cost: £3.50. |
(01984) 632133 |
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| B | BISHOP'S PALACE | Telephone: |
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| Bishop's Palace, Wells |
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| Medieval palace surrounded by a moat fed by springs in the garden. Gatehouse, chapel, ruined great hall. Mute swans ring a bell for food. Open: Apr-Oct, Tue-Fri 10.30am-5pm Sun 1pm-5pm. Occasionally open on Mon & Sat. Cost: £3.50. |
(01749) 678691 |
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| B | BLAKE MUSEUM | Telephone: |
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| Blake Street, Bridgwater |
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| Local history museum for Bridgwater area, in a house where Admiral Blake was born. Open: Tues-Sat 10am-4pm. Closed Mon, Sun and Bank Holidays. Cost: Free. |
(01643) 821092 |
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| B | BREAN DOWN BIRD GARDEN | Telephone: |
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| Brean Down, Brean, nr. Burnham on Sea |
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| Tropical bird garden, cafe and gift shop. Open: Mar-Nov, 10am-4pm. Cost: £1.95. |
(01278) 751209 |
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| B | BROWN & FORREST | Telephone: |
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| Bowdens Farm, Hambridge |
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| A small, family run smokery using only wood fired smokers. Restaurant serving smoked food direct from the smokery. Open: Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-2.30pm. Not open Sun or Bank Hols. Cost: Free. |
(01458) 250875 |
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| B | BURCOTT MILL | Telephone: |
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| Wookey, Wells |
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| Somerset's oldest remaining working watermill. Hand-made flour. Open: Apr-Sept: Tues-Sun 11am-5pm. Sat and Sun in Oct. Cost: £2. |
(01749) 673118 |
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| B | BUTLINS | Telephone: |
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| Warren Road, Minehead |
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| Family fun including the Splash underworld sub-tropical swimming pool. Open: May-Oct, 9.30am-6pm. Cost: £9.00 Certain facilities are open during the winter months, so call 01643 700517 for details. |
(01643) 700516 |
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| C | CANNINGTON COLLEGE | Telephone: |
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| Cannington, Bridgwater |
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| The college has a medieval walled garden, pitch and putt, and a nine-hole, 18-tee golf course. Open: Daily, 9am-5pm. Cost: £2.00 - attractions extra |
(01278) 655000 |
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| C | CHALICE WELL TRUST | Telephone: |
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| Chilkwell Street, Glastonbury |
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| Set in a beautiful three-acre garden, this is among the oldest continuously used holy wells in the British Isles. Open: Daily, 10am-6pm, (earlier closing times in winter) Cost: £2.50. |
(01458) 831154 |
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| C | CHARD NATURE RESERVE | Telephone: |
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| Holyrood, Lace Mill, Chard |
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| Plenty of birds to see and walking to be done in the Reservoir Nature Reserve. Open: Daily, although part of the woods are closed during the bird breeding season March-July. Cost: Free. |
(01460) 260354 |
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| C | CHEDDAR CAVES AND GORGE | Telephone: |
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| Cheddar |
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| A place of wild and rugged beauty. Britain's biggest gorge and tunning caves. Open top Gorge bus in summer. Open: Daily - 10am-5pm in summer and 10.30am-5.30pm in winter. |
(01934) 742343 |
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| Web: www.cheddarcaves.co.uk |
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| C | CHEDDAR GORGE TOY MUSEUM | Telephone: |
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| The Cliffs, Cheddar Gorge |
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| A large display of toys from the past. Collectors shop with new and OB diecast toys for sale. Open: Daily, 10am-5.30pm. Closed Weds. Cost: £3 |
(01934) 743244 |
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| C | CLARKS VILLAGE | Telephone: |
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| Farm Road, Street |
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| Over 60 shops, all on one site, with a range of famous name shoe brands, plus restaurant and coffee shop. Open: Daily. Apr-Oct (Mon-Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm) Nov-Apr (Mon-Sat 9am-5.30pm, Sun 11am-5pm). Cost: Free |
(01458) 840064 |
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| C | COLERIDGE COTTAGE | Telephone: |
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| Nether Stowey, Bridgwater |
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| The poet Samuel Coleridge wrote some ot his most famous poems when he lived here between 1797 and 1800. Now belongs to the National Trust. Open: Call for times. |
(01278) 732662 |
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| C | COTHAY MANOR AND GARDENS | Telephone: |
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| Cothay Manor, Greenham, nr. Wellington |
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| Medieval Cothay has 20 garden 'rooms' in 12 acres. Delightful house tour. A plantsman's paradise. Open: May-Sept. Wed, Thur, Sun - 2pm-6pm. Cost: £8 (house and garden). |
(01823) 674133 |
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| D | DOWNSIDE ABBEY | Telephone: |
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| Stratton-on-the-Fosse, nr. Bath |
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| Downside Abbey Church is one of the finest examples of Neo-Gothic architecture in England, which some describe as a jewel among the churches of Somerset. Open: Call for times. |
(01761) 235161 |
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| D | DUNSTER CASTLE | Telephone: |
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| Dunster, nr Minehead |
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| From a feudal stronghold to a family home, this magnificent castle has breathtaking views over Exmoor. Open: late Mar-Oct, Mon, Wed and weekends, 11am-5pm. Cost: £6.40. |
(01643) 821314 |
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| D | DUNSTER WATER MILL | Telephone: |
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| Mill Lane, Dunster |
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| Working water mill, gardens, tea room. Open: Apr-Oct. Mon-Thurs and Sat-Sun 10.30am-5pm. Cost: £.2.30. |
(01643) 821759 |
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| E | EAST LAMBROOK MANOR GARDENS | Telephone: |
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| South Petherton |
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| A 'cottage style' Grade 1 listed garden designed by Margery Fish. It now also houses the National Collection of Geraniums and a specialist plant nursery. Cafe and restaurant. Open: Daily, Feb-Oct, 10am-5pm. Cost: £4 |
(01460) 240328 |
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| E | EXMOOR FALCONRY | Telephone: |
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| West Lynch, Allerford, Porlock |
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| This is also an animal farm. Animal handling, flying displays, 500-year-old farmyards, in Exmoor National Park. Herb gardens plus organic herb shop. Open: Call for details. |
(01643) 862816 |
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| F | FARLEIGH HUNGERFORD CASTLE |
Telephone: |
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| Farleigh Hungerford, nr Bath |
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| Ruined 14th century castle with an intriguing history. Wall paintings in the chapel. Audio tour. An English Heritage site. Open: Daily. Apr-Sept 10am-6pm; Oct 10am-5pm; Nov-Mar Wed-Sun 10am-4pm. Cost: £2.20. |
(01984) 631819 |
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| F | FLEET AIR ARM MUSEUM | Telephone: |
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| RNAS Yeovilton,
nr Yeovil |
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| The only British museum sited next to an operational military airfield. The museum shows over 40 aircraft within the main exhibitions throughout four halls. Open: Daily. Apr-Oct 10am-5.30pm; Nov-Mar 10am-4.30pm. Cost: £6.50. |
(01935) 842614 |
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| F | FOX MILL SHOP | Telephone: |
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| Tonedale Mills, Wellington |
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| Wide range of wool and wool/cashmere fabrics and flannels all woven on site. Open: Mon-Sat, 9am-5pm. Cost: Free |
(01823) 662271 |
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| G | GANTS MILL AND GARDEN | Telephone: |
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| Bruton |
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| Tour the historic watermill and then take tea in the designer water garden. Riverside walk and garden sculptures. Open: Mid May-Sep, Thurs, Sun and Bank Hols 2pm-5pm. Cost: £4. |
(01963) 812393 |
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| G | GLASTONBURY ABBEY | Telephone: |
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| Abbey Gatehouse, Magdalene Street, Glastonbury |
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| Ruined abbey set in 36 acres of Somerset parkland. Steeped in history, it is the legendary burial place of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere. Cafe/snack bar in the summer. Open: Daily. Cost: £3.50. |
(01458) 832267 |
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| G | GLASTONBURY TRIBUNAL | Telephone: |
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| 9 High Street,
Glastonbury |
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| Well preserved 15th century merchants house with decorated front, housing the tourist information centre. Glastonbury Lake Museum, on the first floor, depicts the discovery of the Iron Age settlement found in the 1980s. Open: Call for details. |
(01458) 832954 |
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| H | HADSPEN GARDENS | Telephone: |
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| Hadspen House, Castle Cary |
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| Five acres of mixed colour themed borders, ponds and meadows within the framework of a Victorian walled garden in the grounds of a country estate. Nursery. Open: Mar-Sept and Bank Hol Mon 10am-5pm. Cost: £4. |
(01749) 813707 |
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| H | HAYNES MOTOR MUSEUM | Telephone: |
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| Sparkford, nr Yeovil |
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| A very interesting motoring collection. Over 300 historic cars displayed including Michael Schumacher's F1 Ferrari and Jaguar XJ220 supercar. Open: Daily. Mar-Oct 9.30am-5.30pm; Nov-Feb 10am-4.30pm. Cost: £.6. |
(01963) 440804 |
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| H | HESTERCOMBE GARDENS | Telephone: |
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| Cheddon Fitzpaine, Taunton |
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| A special combination of Georgian landscape, Victorian terrace and Edwardian gardens. Walks, streams, temples, vivid colours, formal trees, woodlands, lakes, cascades and superb views in 40 acres. Open: Daily, 10am-4pm. Cost: £5. |
(01823) 413923 |
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| H | HORNSBURY MILL | Telephone: |
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| Eleighwater, Chard |
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| A working water mill set in three acres of water gardens with ducks and peacocks. Cream teas, picnic tables. Open: Daily, Mar-Oct: 10.30am-4.30pm; Nov-Feb: 10.30am-3pm. Cost: Free |
(01460) 63317 |
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| L | LONDON CIGARETTE CARD COMPANY | Telephone: |
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| West Street, Somerton |
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| Some 4,000 sets of collectors' cards from 1890s to present day. Most subjects - football, sci-fi, films, motoring, gardening, military etc. Open: Mon, Tue, Thur and Fri 9.30am-1pm and 2pm-5pm; Wed and Sat 9.30am-1pm. Cost: Free. |
(01458) 274148 |
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| M | MAKERS CONTEMPORARY CRAFTS AND ARTS |
Telephone: |
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| 7 Bath Place, Taunton |
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| Contemporary craft gallery established in 1984 representing the work of its 15 members. Jewellery, furniture, pottery, textiles, paintings and baskets. Open: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm. Sunday for the last two weeks of December. Cost: Free. |
(01458) 850713 |
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| M | MONTACUTE HOUSE AND GARDENS | Telephone: |
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| Montacute |
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| Stunning Elizabethan house with a collection of paintings from the National Portrait Gallery permanently on display. Set in formal gardens with 100 acres of parkland. Open: Apr-Oct, Wed-Sun, 11am-Spm. Cost: £6.50 |
(01953) 823289 |
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| M | MUCHELNY ABBEY |
Telephone |
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| nr Langport |
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| A 16th century abbot's house standing in the grounds of the second largest Benedictine abbey in Somerset. Founded in the 8th century. Open: Apr-Oct. Mon-Tues 10am-6pm (to end of Sept); Wed-Sun 10am-5pm (to end of Oct). Cost: £2.50. |
(01458) 250664 |
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| N | NUNNEY CASTLE |
Telephone |
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| Nunney, Frome |
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| Small but very complete 14th century castle consisting of a compact tower with large round towers at the angles, surrounded by a deep moat, in distinctly French styling. Open: Daily during sunlight hours. Cost: Free. |
(01373) 467271 |
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| P | PEAT MOORS CENTRE |
Telephone |
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| Shapwick Road, Westhay, Glastonbury |
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| Interpretation centre for the cultural heritage of the Avalon Marshes. Displays include full size reconstruction of two Iron Age roundhouses from Glastonbury Lake Village. Open: Daily, Apr-Oct, 10am-5pm. Cost: £2.50. |
(01458) 860697 |
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| R | RICH'S FARMHOUSE CIDER |
Telephone |
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| Mill Farm, Watchfield, Highbridge, |
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| Famous in Ciderland for over 50 years for sweet, medium and dry cider. Also farm pressed apple juice, mature cheddar cheese and local chutney. Museum and cider-making video. Open: All year. Mon-Sat 9am-7pm, Sun 10am-7pm. Cost: Free tastings. |
(01278) 783651 |
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| S | SHEPPY'S CIDER FARM CENTRE |
Telephone |
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| Three Bridges Farm, Bradford-on-Tone, Taunton |
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| Traditional cider makers for 200 years. Visit the museum and taste ciders in the farm shop. Open: Mon-Sat 8.30am-6pm. Cost: £2.00 |
(01823) 461233 |
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| S | SOMERSET DISTILLERY |
Telephone |
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| Pass Vale Farm, Burrow Hill, Kingsbury, Martock |
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| Somerset's only apple distillery producing fine brandy. Also traditional cider farm with cider and apple juices to sample and purchase. Open: Mon-Sat 9am-5.30pm. Cost: Free. |
(01460) 240782 |
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| S | SOMERSET WILDLIFE TRUST | Telephone |
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| Fyne Court, Broomfield, Bridgwater |
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| Information centre, shop, wildlife trails, including easy access round woodland nature reserve. Open: Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm (dusk if earlier than 6pm). Cost: Free. |
(01823) 451587 |
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| T | TAUNTON ANTIQUES MARKET | Telephone |
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| 25-29 Silver Street, Taunton |
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| Over 1,000 dealers selling all sorts of antiques and collectables. Open: Mon 9am - 4pm, Sat 9.30am - 12.30pm. |
(01823) 289327 |
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| T | TAUNTON & PICKERIDGE GOLF CLUB |
Telephone |
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| Corfe, Taunton |
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| Established club in a beautiful location in the Blackdown Hills. Visitors welcome with handicap certificate. Open: Daily except Christmas Day. Cost: £ 24. |
(01823) 421790 |
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| T | TINTINHULL GARDEN | Telephone |
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| Farm Street, Tintinhull, Yeovil |
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| Delightful formal garden created last century. Varied borders, secluded lawns enclosed within walls and hedges. Kitchen gardens. Open: Late Mar-Sep. Wed-Sun and Bank Hol Mon 12noon-6pm. Cost: £4. |
(01938) 822545 |
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| T | TROPIQUARIA ADVENTURE PARK | Telephone |
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| Washford Cross, Watchet |
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| Wildlife park with animal handling, full-size pirate adventure ships, indoor play castle, aquarium, puppet shows. Open:Apr-Oct, 10am-6pm. Weekends Nov-Mar 11am-4pm. Cost: £6. |
(01984) 640688 |
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| W | WELLS MUSEUM | Telephone |
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| 8 Cathedral Close, Wells |
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| Specialises in local history and cave finds from the Mendips. Also houses renowned geology collection. Open: Summer - Mon-Sun 10am-5.30pm; Winter - Wed-Mon 11am-4pm. Closed on Tuesdays. Cost: £2.50. |
(01749) 673477 |
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| W | WEST SOMERSET RURAL LIFE MUSEUM |
Telephone |
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| Old School, Allerford, Minehead |
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| Social history, Victorian kitchen, laundry, dairy. Local craft workers tools and products. Photographic collection. Open: Easter-Oct, Mon-Fri 10.30am-4.30pm, closed 1pm-2pm. Open: Sun 2pm-4.30pm on school and Bank Holidays only. Cost: 1. 50. |
(01643) 862529 |
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| W | WILDLIFE PARK | Telephone |
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| Cricket St. Thomas, Chard |
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| The wildlife park has over 600 animals, with many endangered species. Safari train, crazy golf, outdoor play areas. Open: Mon-Sun 10am-6pm in summer and until dusk in winter. Cost: £6.50. |
(01460) 30111 |
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| W | WIMBLEBALL LAKE | Telephone |
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| Brompton Regis, nr Dulverton |
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| Wimbleball lies just within Exmoor National Park. Its 374 acres of water and 500 acres of surrounding woodland and meadow offer recreation for all. Open: All year round. Cost: Free. |
(01938) 371372 |
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| W | WOOKEY HOLE CAVES AND WATERMILL |
Telephone |
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| Wookey Hole, Wells |
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| One of the West Country's top visitor attractions. Spectacular show caves with ancient history and legends. Handmade papermaking, magical mirror maze and old penny piece pier. Open: Mon-Sun 10am-5pm in summer, 10.30am-4.30pm in winter. Closed for one week prior to Christmas, re-open Boxing Day. Cost: £5.75. |
(01749) 672243 |
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| Y | YEOVIL RAILWAY CENTRE | Telephone |
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| Yeovil Junction Station, Stoford, Yeovil |
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| Steam train rides on 400-yard standard gauge line. Freight train shunting and turntable demonstrations. Visitor centre with displays. Open: Easter Sunday and then first and third Sundays May-Sept. Cost: £ 3.00 |
(01935) 410420 |
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| A | ALLERFORD MUSEUM | Telephone: |
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| Old School, Allerford, Minehead |
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| Thatched building, domestic and local industry items. Victorian schoolroom with period costumes. Large outside exhibits and riverside garden picnic area. Open: For opening times and charges please contact the museum. |
(01643) 862529 |
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| A | AQUASPLASH LEISURE CENTRE | Telephone: |
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| Seaward Way, Minehead |
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| A 25-metre swimming pool, waves, 40-metre slide, steam room, Jacuzzi, tanning cubicle. Open: Daily. Mon-Thur 7am-.30pm; Fri 7am-8pm; Sat 8am-5pm; Sun 9am-5pm. Cost: £2.80. |
(01643) 708000 |
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| A | ASHTON WINDMILL | Telephone: |
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| c/o Harwood House, Chapel Allerton, Axbridge |
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| An 18th century flour mill standing on the Isle of Wedmore, with all machinery intact. Dramatic views to the Somerset Levels and Mendip Hills. Open: 2.30pm-4.30pm. Sundays, May-to end Sept; Wednesdays, July-August; Bank Holiday Mondays. Cost: Free. |
(01934) 712034 |
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| A | ASHBRIDGE & DISTRICT MUSEUM |
Telephone: |
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| King John's Hunting Lodge, The Square, Ashbridge |
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| Museum located in a magnificent medieval townhouse. Museum shop. Cafes and pubs close by. Open: Daily, April-Sept, 1pm-4pm. Cost: Free |
(01934) 732012 |
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| B | BARRINGTON COURT | Telephone: |
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| Barrington, Ilminster |
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| Enchanting formal garden, influenced by Gertrude Jekyll and laid out in a series of'rooms' including white garden, lily garden and iris garden. Open: March-Oct. Apr-Sept 11.30am-5pm (closed Weds); March and Oct Thurs-Sun 11am-4.30pm. Cost: £5.20. |
(01460) 242614 |
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| B | BLACK SWAN ARTS | Telephone: |
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| 2 Bridge Street, Frome |
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| An arts and contemporary crafts centre in the heart of Frome. Two galleries, craft shop, cafe and artist studios. Open: Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm, (not Bank Holidays) Cost: Free. |
(01373) 473980 |
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| B | BLUE ANCHOR RAILWAY MUSEUM | Telephone: |
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| Blue Anchor Station, Blue Anchor |
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| Museum of small exhibits dedicated to the Great Western Railway, particularly in the West Country, at a working 'period' station on Britain's longest preserved railway. Open: Sun and Bank Hol Mon, Easter until the end of Sept, 11am-5pm. Also during West Somerset Gala days - Mar 25-28, Aug 7-8, Octl-3, Oct 23-24. Cost: Free. |
(01643) 821092 |
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| B | BREAN LEISURE PARK | Telephone: |
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| Coast Road, Brean Sands, Brean |
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| The South West's largest fun park, with loads to do for all the family -from roundabouts to roller coasters, golf to swimming. There are 40 rides and attractions, a pool complex with four water slides, bars and restaurants. An 18-hole par 69 golf course. Car boot sales are held Sundays with a market on Mondays. Open:Apr-Oct, 11am-10pm, shorter hours out of season. Closed some Tues/Weds in low season. Cost: Free entry, but attractions are individually priced. |
(01278) 751595 |
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< web site | ||
| B | BRUTON MUSEUM | Telephone: |
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| Dovecote Building, High Street, Bruton |
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| An old Saxon town museum showing the silk industry, Magna Carta and businesses. Open: Call for times. |
(01749) 812851 |
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| B | BURROW MUMP | Telephone: |
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| A361 Burrowbridge, Taunton |
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| A landmark natural hill, topped by the remains of the unfinished St Michael's Church. This area is the source of many myths and legends of King Alfred and the Isle of Athelney. Open: Daily, during daylight hours. Cost: Free. |
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 |
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| C | CASTLE GARY MUSEUM | Telephone: |
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| First Floor, Market House, Castle Gary |
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| Displays of country and domestic life throughout the ages. Open: Call for times. |
(01963) 351334 |
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| C | CHARD MUSEUM | Telephone: |
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| Godworth House, High Street, Chard |
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| Chard's history including exhibition on John Stringfellow and James Gillingham, pioneers of powered flight and artificial limbs. Other displays show local industries and social life. Open: May-Oct. Mon-Fri 10.30am-4.30pm. Sat 10am-12.30pm. Sun 11am-3pm (July-Aug only). Cost: £.2.00 - free on Sundays. |
(01460) 65091 |
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| C | CHARLTON ORCHARDS | Telephone: |
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| Charlton Road, Creech St. Michael |
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| A working fruit farm growing 30 apple varieties plus other fruit. Farm shop selling own produce. Open: Daily. Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Sat 10am-Spm; Sun 2pm-5pm. Closed weekends Mar-Aug. Cost: Free. |
(01823) 412959 |
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| C | CHEDDAR GORGE CHEESE COMPANY |
Telephone: |
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| Sunny Side, The Cliffs, Cheddar Gorge |
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| Home of Cheddar cheese making. See handmade cheese making and museum in rural village. Open: Daily, 10am-5pm. Cost: Free. |
(01934) 742810 |
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| C | CHEDDAR SWEET KITCHEN | Telephone: |
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| Daghole Cottages, Cheddar Gorge |
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| Regular demonstrations of old fashioned sweet making. From raw materials to finished product in 45 minutes. Open: Daily, Mar-Nov, 11am-5pm (until 6pm June-Sept). Cost: Free. |
(01934) 743810 |
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| C | CLEEVE ABBEY | Telephone: |
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| Washford, Watchet |
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| Set in tranquil countryside. The abbey remains boast some of the most complex buildings in England. Magnificent timber roofing. Open: Daily, 10am-6pm (5pm Oct). Cost: £3. |
(01984) 640377 |
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| C | COMBE SYDENHAM COUNTRY PARK | Telephone: |
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| Monksilver, Taunton |
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| Five hundred acres of wooded hillside and valleys. Elizabethan house with Drake connections. Gardens and restored corn mill. Open: Daily, April-Aug, 9am-5pm. Cost: £5 - (house £5 extra) |
(0800) 7838572 |
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| D | DUNKERY VINEYARD | Telephone: |
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| Wootton Courtenay |
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| Somerset's largest vineyard in the Exmoor National Park, specialising in red wines. Open: Daily, 10am-1.15pm / 1.45pm-4.30pm Cost: Free. |
(01643) 841505 |
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| D | DUNSTER DOLLS MUSEUM | Telephone: |
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| 17 High Street,
Dunster |
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| Unique and varied collection of over 700 dolls on show from many periods and countries. Open: Daily, mid-Apr-Sept. Mon-Fri: 10.30am-4.30pm; Sat-Sun 2pm-5pm. Cost: £1.00 |
(01643) 821220 |
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| E | EAST SOMERSET RAILWAY | Telephone: |
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| Cranmore, Shepton Mallet |
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| Steam train rides through Somerset countryside. Engine sheds, shop and David Shepherd Gallery. Thomas the Tank Engine weekends at Easter and August. Open: Daily, 10am-4.30pm or 5.30pm when trains are running. Cost: £6 |
(01749) 880417 |
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< web site | ||
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| F | FERNE ANIMAL SANCTUARY | Telephone: |
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| Chard |
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| Fifty-one acres of tranquil surroundings for 300 unwanted or retired animals varying in size from horse to chipmunks, and a variety of poultry and birds. Open: Daily, 10am-4.30pm. Gift shop and tea room open Wed, Sat, Sun and Bank Hols 2pm-4.45pm Apr-Sept. Cost: Free |
(01460) 65214 |
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| F | FORDE ABBEY AND GARDENS | Telephone: |
|
| Chard |
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| A superb 12th century former monastery, which is surrounded by one of the top 10 gardens in England. Restaurant. Open: Gardens open daily 10am-4.30pm. House open Apr-Oct Tue-Fri, Sun and Bank Hol Mon 12noon-4pm. Cost: £7.50. |
(01460) 220231 |
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| G | GAULDEN MANOR GARDENS | Telephone: |
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| Tolland, Lydeard St. Lawrence, nr Taunton |
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Gardens contain a wide selection of roses, herbs, agapanthus and butterfly-attracting plants. |
(01984) 667213 |
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| G | GLASTONBURY TOR | Telephone: |
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| Glastonbury |
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| A dramatic tor dominating the Somerset levels. Offering spectacular views on the tor is the 15th century St Michaels tower. Open: Daily. Cost: Free. |
(01934) 844518 |
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| G | GUILD OF CRAFTSMEN | Telephone: |
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| Dunster Visitor Centre Dunster Steep, Dunster |
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| An art gallery showing arts and crafts
by 48 designer craftsmen. The work
is locally made. Open: Mon-Sun, 10am-4.30pm. Cost: Free. |
(01643) 821235 |
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| H | HAM HILL COUNTRY PARK | Telephone: |
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| Stoke Sub Hamdon |
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| A 400-acre open access country park. Superb countryside with Iron Age and Roman earthworks. Panoramic views. Open: Daily. Cost: Free. |
(01935) 823617 |
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| H | HECKS FARMHOUSE CIDER | Telephone: |
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| 9-11 Middle Leigh, Street |
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| A family run business, making traditional cider since 1896. Specialists in single variety ciders and perries. Also 12 varieties of apple juice. Open: Daily. Men-Sat 9am-5.30pm; Sun 10am-12.30pm. Cost: Free. |
(01458) 442367 |
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| H | HINKLEY POINT 'A' VISITOR CENTRE | Telephone: |
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| Hinkley Point, Bridgwater |
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| Discover how electricity is generated. Exhibition with touch screens and interactive videos. Nature trail, play area. Open: Daily, Mar-Oct, 10am-6pm. Cost: Free. |
(01278) 654700 |
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| L | LYTES CARY MANOR | Telephone: |
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| Charlton Mackerall, Somerton |
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| Medieval manor house with 14th century chapel and 15th century great hall. Garden with mixed borders, high hedges, topiary, hidden paths and river walk. Open: midApr-Oct. Mon, Weds, Fri, Sun 11am-5pm. Cost: £4.60. |
(01458) 224471 |
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| M | MILTON LODGE GARDEN | Telephone: |
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| Old Bristol Road, Wells |
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| Mature listed grade II garden with views of Wells Cathedral and Vale of Avalon. Mixed borders of roses, fine trees. Separate seven-acre arboretum. Open: Easter-end Oct. Tues, Weds, Sun, 2pm-5pm. Cost: £2.50. |
(01749) 672168 |
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| M | MONTACUTE MEMORABILIA MUSEUM | Telephone: |
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| 1 South Street, Montacute |
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| Probably the largest combined collection of radio and TV memorabilia open to the public in the UK. Collectors shop/mail order. Books, games and collectables. Open: Summer, daily 12noon-5pm. Call for winter opening times. Cost: £3.95 |
(01935) 823024 |
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| M | MUSEUM OF SOUTH SOMERSET |
Telephone |
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| Hendford, Yeovil |
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| It's what it says it is. Open: Apr-Sept, Tues-Sat 10am-4pm. Cost: Free. |
(01935) 424774 |
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| P | PERRY'S CIDER MILLS |
Telephone |
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| Dowlish Wake, Ilminster |
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| Sample the taste of Somerset ciders made here and sold in the shop. Museum of farming bygones. Open: All year. Cost: Free. |
(01458) 860697 |
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| R | RSPB NATURE RESERVE |
Telephone |
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| Dewlands Farm, Red Hill, Curry Rivel, nr. Langport, |
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| Woodland walks, bird hides with views of the largest heronry in south west England during the spring. Views over West Sedgemoor. Open: Daily. Cost: Free. |
(01458) 252805 |
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| S | SOMERSET COUNTY MUSEUM |
Telephone |
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| Castle Green, Taunton |
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| Interesting finds from the Somerset Levels, the Low Ham Roman Mosaic, silver, glass and china, fossil sea dragons and the museum of the Somerset Light Infantry. Open: Tues-Sat 10am-5pm. Cost: Free |
(01823) 320201 |
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| www.somerset.gov.uk/museums | |||
| S | SOMERSET RURAL LIFE MUSEUM |
Telephone |
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| Abbey Farm, Chilkwell Street, Glastonbury |
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| Exhibits include cider and cheese making machinery, farm tools and equipment displayed in a Victorian farm, and a 14th century barn. Open: Tues-Sat and Bank Hol Mon 10am-5.30pm. Closed: Good Friday. Cost: Free |
(01458) 831197 |
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| S | STAPLECOMBE VINEYARD | Telephone |
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| Burlands Farm, Staplegrove, Taunton |
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| A family run vineyard. Open: Call for times. Cost: £ 3.00 |
(01823) 451217 |
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| T | TAUNTON DEANE LEISURE | Telephone |
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| Blackbrook Pavilion, Blackbrook Way, Taunton |
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| All year round bowling indoors and summer outdoors. Tourists welcome and shoes and bowls are available. Open: Mon-Fri 7am-8.30pm, Sat 8am-6pm, Sun 8am-8.30pm. |
(01823) 285980 |
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| T | TAUNTON RACECOURSE | Telephone |
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| Orchard Portman, Taunton |
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| National Hunt racing from October to April. |
(01823) 337172 |
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| T | TOWN TREE NATURE GARDENS | Telephone |
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| Town Tree Lane, Martock |
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| Twenty-two acres of landscaped gardens and ponds, including wild and cultivated plants, visiting waterfowl, seven-acre lake. Open: From 10am until one and a half hours before sunset. Cost: £2.50. |
(01935) 823203 |
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| W | WELLS CATHEDRAL | Telephone |
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| Chain Gate, Cathedral Green, Wells |
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| The centrepiece of the medieval city
of Wells. The west front has almost
300 statues. Open: Apr-Sept, Mon-Sun 7am-7pm; Oct-Mar 7am-6pm. Cost: £4.50. |
(01749) 674483 |
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| W | WEST SOMERSET RAILWAY | Telephone |
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| The Railway Station, Minehead |
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| Britain's longest 'heritage' railway running 20 miles from Bishops Lydeard (near Taunton) through the Quantock Hills and along the Exmoor coast to Minehead. Open: Mon-Sun, varies with season. Trains run Feb-Dec and daily end of May to mid-Sep. Cost: £10. |
(01643) 704996 |
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| W | WESTONZOYLAND PUMPING STATION |
Telephone |
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| Hoopers Lane, Westonzoyland, Bridgwater |
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The museum of steam and land |
(01823) 257516 |
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| W | WHATLEY VINEYARD | Telephone |
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| Whatley, Frome |
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| Wander around the vineyard and try a free tasting of wines. Open: Call for opening times. |
(01373) 836355 |
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| W | WILLOWS AND WETLANDS VISITOR CENTRE |
Telephone |
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| Stoke St. Gregory,
Taunton |
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| Willow growers and basket makers on the Somerset Levels. Levels and moors exhibition, displays, basket ware museum and video. Shop and courtyard tea room. Open: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm. Cost: Free. |
(01823) 490249 |
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| W | WINCANTON RACECOURSE | Telephone |
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| Wincanton |
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| Jump racing from October to May. Cost: £ 5. |
(01963) 32344 |
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