Since moving to Somerset back in June, we have managed to visit a few of the local towns and cities. We have been to Lyme Regis beach twice – a place I remember well as a child.
We have also managed to visit Exeter and Bristol together with our regular jaunt to Portland to see Ross’ parents but there is a list of places that we would love to visit over the coming year. Here they are in no particular order.
1. Wookey Hole and Caves
I remember visiting this place as a teenager. It was a fantastic (if a little scary) experience but it is a memory that has stuck with me for the beauty of the place. I understand that Wookey Hole has had a revamp this year and looks more stunning than ever. The caves were beautiful and mysterious and it is where the infamous Witch of Wookey hangs out! There is also a hand-made paper mill, Hyenas Den – caves reckoned to be occupied many years ago by Hyenas -, a Fairy Garden and they also have a hotel now too. I would love Grace and Ross to experience this place too.
Wookey Hole and Caves on daytripfinder | Image from stephen jones
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2. Cheddar Gorge
Whilst this is similar to Wookey in the fact that it has caves, I found it a very different feel. When you drive into Cheddar you feel like you are in a new world, away from real life civilisation. I stayed in Bristol on Guide Camp at the age of 11 and I shall never forget the experience. I would love for Grace to feel the magic of this place too. The caves are a maze of true wonder and this is a world-famous site in the fact that it is named as an Area of Outstanding Beauty.
Cheddar Gorge on daytripfinder
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3. East Somerset Railway
This looks like a stunning place to visit. The railway takes you on a journey through the Mendip Hills on a real-life steam train. I have to admit to probably imagining I was in the railway children! They have a fantastic trip to meet Father Christmas this December so this is one for the planning list. I also see that they run wine and dine events on the Mendip Belle. The coaches look stunning and Ross has told me that he has always wanted to eat a probably a la carte meal on a train. Their next one runs on 6th December and is a Christmas Event.
East Somerset Railway on daytripfinder | Image by Michael Day
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4. The Grand Pier, Weston-super-mare
This looks like the most awesome pier ever – and that’s really saying something when I love Brighton pier so much. There are go-karts, a 4D cinema, a crystal maze, a laser, a crazy circus, house of horrors, adventure cove…the list seems endless. As well as all of that there is the traditional things that the seaside offers you with slot machines and fish and chips – all on a Grand scale (pardon the pun). I would love to spend a fun family day out with Ross and Grace there.
The Grand Pier on daytripfinder | Image by Chris Sampson
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5. Coombe Mill Family Farm
How could I leave Coombe Mill out? Fiona is a fellow blogger and wife to the Farmer there. I read her blog on a regular basis and have a yearning to go there. Now they are so much closer to us it will mean that at some point we can go there for a weekend or possibly even a day trip. It is an amazing family place which is so much more than a farm. They have cottages to stay in, you can get involved in the farm activities and there is even a fabulous train. The scenery alone looks enough to entice you in.
Coombe Mill Family Farm on daytripfinder
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So, these are just 5 of the places on my bucket list of places to visit now we have moved to the West Country and I intend to discover so many more.
