The Blackdown Hills

The Blackdown Hills are a well-kept secret. Flint cottages snuggle into the hidden valleys. The ancient fields are enclosed with stone banks and lined with hedges of oak and beech. Most are used as grazing pasture.

Places of interest within walking distance

The Village Castle. Originally this Medieval Castle and moat may have been the site of a Roman stronghold. Will open by prior arrangement.









St Mary’s Parish Church occupies a central position in the village, alongside the Castle. The gentle peel of the bells sometimes drifts up to Shillings cottage on the breeze.




Opposite the church, The Catherine Wheel Pub has its own restaurant and serves real ale.




Dunkeswell Abbey In 1201 the Manor of Dunkeswell was given to the Cistercian Order for the foundation of an Abbey, just over 1 mile away in the next spring lined valley.


The top of Wellington Monument is 900 feet above sea-level and was designed in the shape of a bayonet used in the battle of Waterloo.


Walk up to and climb the spiral stairs inside to the top. Overlooking the vale of Taunton, this most recognisable of landmarks was erected to honour the ‘Iron Duke’, Sir Arthur Wellesley, who having defeated Napoleon chose Wellington as his title.


Culmstock Beacon is visible from the cottage balcony. In the past, a fire was lit here to pass a signal of celebration or impending danger. The view from the beacon is splendid on a clear day and well worth the walk!






Or simply stroll alongside rivers and across fields on the network of footpaths, or cycle along our quiet winding lanes, between high hedges and enjoy the birdsong and peace. Maps are available at the cottage or from the Ramblers Association.

See the landscape on horseback. Hacks or lessons can be arranged at Sheldon Equestrian Centre.  If you wish to bring your own horses we can provide safe grazing and you may be interested in the Blackdown Hills Cross Country centre which is less than a mile away.

Where to go and what to do - something to do for visitors of all interests, without driving far.

If you love gardens, Cothay Manor, Knightshayes Court, Killerton gardens, Forde Abbey and Hestercombe Gardens are all nearby.

A day out could take you to the Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan.

Drift down the Tiverton Canal on a horse drawn narrow boat

Take to the skies and learn to fly or drop with a parachute from the airfield at Dunkeswell. Go gliding from North Hill or drift over the fields and hedges in a hot air balloon.

Go Off Road 4x4 driving at the Land Rover Experience centre at Awliscombe

Get in a go-kart or jump on a quad bike.

Watch banger racing or horse racing a polo match or a village cricket match.

Visit a village fete or a local gymkhana

Try a workshop nearby at www.theoldkennels.co.uk Courses available include; glass bead making, silver smithing, basket making and willow sculpture.

Play golf at Oake Manor or Taunton and Pickeridge Golf Courses.

Go course or trout fishing at local lakes. You can even have your catch smoked.

Explore the finest prehistoric Iron Age hill fort in Devon at Hembury

Ride on a steam train to the seaside town of Minehead. The West Somerset Railway offer lunch or dinner on board.

Local towns hold farmers markets. Taunton (12 miles), Somerset’s County Town also known for its county cricket ground, and Wellington (5 miles).  In Devon, Honiton is also famous for lace and antique shops (9 miles)

Visit the castle at Tiverton on the edge of Exmoor (12 miles) Shop ‘til you drop at Clarks Village.

Walk up to the Tor at Glastonbury and survey the Somerset Levels (15 miles). Visit the Cathedral cities of Wells and Exeter (20 miles)

Real Tennis Weekends: As part of a short break, or during your stay with us, we would like to invite you to learn to play the ancient game of Real Tennis at the Hyde Tennis Club in Dorset.

The South Coast: From fossil hunting at Lyme Regis, folk singing on the seafront at Sidmouth or wind surfing at Exmouth. All part of the recently designated Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site.

The North Coast: In summer, surf off the golden beaches of Croyde Bay, Saunton or Woolacombe. Take the funicular railway at Lynton or go bird watching at Porlock.

Walk either of the coastal paths and enjoy the spectacular scenery or experience the wild beauty of Exmoor and Dartmoor

>> top