Self Catering
Accommodation
in the
West Country
|
Orchard Farm Cottages |
Castle Cary's roundhouse
Carnival procession
Attractions in the area
Numerous attractions abound in this corner of the West Country, with something to suit everyone, from picturesque villages to outdoor adventure centres, walks and cycle routes. Notable attractions include Bath, Glastonbury, Wells, the Somerset Levels, Longleat, Montacute House, Stourhead, and many other classic houses and gardens, and areas of historical or natural beauty. We are also ideally situated for visitors wishing to visit the Bath & West Showgrounds or the annual Somerset Carnivals. Increasingly popular is Clark's Village at Street, the UK's foremost outlet shopping centre.
For families:
Longleat Safari Park, a short drive away, was voted UK Family Attraction
of the Year 2002. With its lions and other free roaming wildlife,
stately home, a great maze and various other children's attractions, it
has something for all the family. On a smaller scale is Cricket St
Thomas wildlife park (location for To the Manor Born), near Chard. There
are also several adventure parks, including Crealy Park near Exeter
which has extensive wet and dry play areas for a full day out. The
famous Cheddar Caves and Gorge, and Wookey Hole Caves are well worth a
visit.
Museums: The famous Haynes Motor Museum is five miles away, and
just beyond this is the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Yeovilton, home to the
prototype Concorde. At Glastonbury is The Rural Life Museum, and most
towns have small museums featuring the local life of bygone eras. Castle
Cary museum is particularly impressive and includes the Roundhouse, one
of only three such gaols in the country.
National Trust: This
is an area rich in National Trust properties. Perhaps first among these
is Stourhead Gardens and House about 20 miles away. Montacute House,
Lytes Cary, Tintinhull House and Barrington Court are all within a 30
minute drive. Muchelney Abbey (National Heritage) is also close by. Much
of the coastline is National Trust property including the beaches at
Studland and Burton Bradstock.
Bath & West Showground: Orchard Farm is a popular choice of both exhibitors and visitors to the South West's main showground, just five miles away. As well as the annual Royal Bath & West agricultural show at the beginning of June, there are events (New Wine Christian conferences, antique fairs, motoring, horticulture, etc) all year round.
Carnivals: From mid-October to late-November there are evening carnivals, featuring illuminated floats. These start with the smaller Wessex circuit which includes Castle Cary. The main Somerset circuit follows. For those who have never attended such an event, this is an experience to remember. Floats 100 feet long with 25,000 light bulbs weave through town centres. The first three floats at last years Bridgewater Carnival were illuminated by more lighting than the entire famous Blackpool Lights, and when there are 100 floats altogether this is quite a spectacle.
And of course...beautiful countryside: Surrounding the cottages is the beautiful Somerset countryside. Enjoy the many footpaths crossing the farm, where you may see foxes or deer. Badger setts are common, and you may be lucky enough to see a badger on a quiet road at night.
Orchard Farm is frequently used by hikers and cyclists. Several long
distance footpaths pass through Castle Cary, notably the Macmillan Way
and the Leland Trail. There are cycle routes using the local country
roads. To the west are the Somerset Levels with their unique plant life
and peaty farmland while to the south are the rolling hills of Dorset.
Dave & Helen Boyer, Orchard Farm Cottages, Coopers' Ash Lane, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7NY, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1963 350418