Forde Abbey and Gardens
Visiting Places
There are many landmarks you should visit, rich in history and traditions
Ultimate English scenery and a walkers paradise
Cricket St Thomas Estate
Dulverton on the edge of Exmoor
The Blackdown Hills are a range of hills along the Somerset and Devon border just west of Chard, which were designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1991. Nearby is the Wellington Monument. At 53m (175ft), the monument is located at the highest point of the Blackdown hills and was erected to celebrate the Duke of Wellington’s victory at the Battle of Waterloo.
So much to do and so little time !
Dinosaurland and Fossil Museum
The best fossil collection on public display in the South West of England. An exciting collection of pre-historic fossils. This collection is aimed at children from 5 years to 85 years with an interest in dinosaurs and fossils. Here you can find out why the Jurassic Coast is so good for fossils, where and how to find your own 200 million year old fossil. Take a tour in the time gallery and see how life has evolved, and how the collection fits into geological time. There is a natural history room with a collection of present day skeletons, shells, butterflies and taxidermy.
Take in the beautiful landscape of Cricket St. Thomas country estate.
On the 1,000 acre Estate there are miles of walks and cycle trails including the Cricket St Thomas Lakes and Gardens.
Cricket St Thomas Hotel
The gardens and lakes are open for visitors and the facilities inside the Hotel are only available to adults. The Hotel Bar is available for meals but not the main restaurant.
West Somerset Railway
20 miles of heritage railway through stunning Somerset countryside and coast.
Our Railway, a true country branch line of the old Great Western Railway is full of fascination whether you are looking for a nostalgic ride back in time through lovely countryside or to study the railway and industrial heritage which our line preserves.
The Fleet Air Arm Museum
The Fleet Air Arm Museum is located 7 miles north of Yeovil. One of the world's largest aviation museums with many historic aircraft on display.
Step aboard their carrier exhibition and see how sailors live and work at sea. Special group packages are available, there is something for everyone – whatever the weather.
It has an extensive collection of military and civilian aircraft, as well as models of Royal Navy ships, especially aircraft carriers. Some of the museum has interactive displays. It is located by RNAS Yeovilton, and the museum has viewing areas where visitors can watch military aircraft.
Haynes Motor Museum
The prestigious Haynes International Motor Museum at Sparkford offers an excellent day out for everyone.
A living and working Museum, with over 400 amazing cars and bikes from nostalgic classics of the 50s and 60s, glorious Bentleys and Rolls Royces to exciting super cars of today, like the Jaguar XJ220 and the Ferrari 360.
Housed within 17 exhibition areas, the Museum's vast Collection of veteran, vintage and classic cars and bikes offers a fascinating window into motoring history.
Ham Hill Country Park
The history of Ham Hill has a long and fascinating past.
It was prehistoric man who first recognised the advantages of settling on top of this raised outcrop. Little of these pioneers has survived the intervening four thousand years, but just enough has remained to let us know that they were here.
Other attractions and places of interest
Within 20 minutes drive
Lyme Regis (the fossil capital)
Barrington Court (NT), Nr Ilminster
Ham Hill Country Park
Within 40 minutes drive
Montacute House (NT), Montacute
Tintinhull Gardens (NT), Nr Yeovil
Lytes Cary Manor, Nr Somerton
Sherborne Castle
Minterne Gardens
Beer a pretty seaside fishing village
West Bay, Nr Bridport
Within 65 minutes drive
Abbotsbury Swannery
Glastonbury Tor and abbey ruins
Cheddar Gorge
Quantock Hills
Wells Cathedral
Stourhead, National Trust
Bovington Tank Museum
Longleat Safari Park