Tag: countryside

6 Places to visit in Somerset  

Somerset is a lovely county in the South West of the UK. If you go by the common misconception you would think everyone is country bumpkins, who speak funny and drink too much cider. Actually that is kinda right but it just adds to the charm of this stunning area. 

I’ve lived in this beautiful area of the UK for almost a third of my life and still haven’t even been everywhere yet.

However I have chosen 6 of my favourite places that if you should definitely visit if you find yourself down this way. All within less than an hour drive of each other so you could do all of these in one weekend. 
Glastonbury Abbey
I have been to this place so many times as I just love it. Anyone in the south west knows there is much more to Glastonbury than the festival. It’s a very spiritual town and the abbey is said to be the final resting place of King Arthur. It’s a serene place clocked in history, from the Saxons to the Normans. It truly is beautiful even in its ruined state I can only imagine how beautiful it was in the past. 


Cheddar 
Cheddar cheese, cheddar village and Cheddar Gorge. All great and all need to be enjoyed on your visit. The gorge has lots of walks for all levels of fitness with spectacular views of the mendips. There is caves to be explored and lots of lovely tea shops to stop at and refuel.You can also rock climb if you want something more adventurous than hiking. 


Clevedon Pier
This Victorian Pier is stunning both in looks and that it’s still standing after so many years. It was opened in 1869. Pier’s are a key part of the Great British Seaside and the museum that is attached to the pier shows just how much this pier shaped the history of Clevedon and Somerset. Also if you’re a 1D fan they filmed one of their video clips here a couple of years ago. 



Middle Hope and Sand Point- Kewstoke
Another recent find. This is a National Trust area and perfect for a picnic or walk along the coast line. This area is in British history as weapons were tested here in the Second World War. There is stunning views out over the Estuary and is just as lovely in winter as it is in summer.  


Burnham on Sea Lighthouse

I discovered this gem only last year and you can find some more pictures here. I went in Autumn so the beach wasn’t as busy as it would be in the height of summer and it was beautiful even then. Bit of an odd one but I do love a beach walk in Autumn and winter. This lighthouse is super photogenic and also really interesting to see as it sits low on the beach. 


Wells 
Wells is the UK’s smallest city and has a stunning Cathedral that has to be seen. Closely located to the Cathedral is The Bishop’s Palace and the extremely photogenic Vicars Close. The Cathedral is in Gothic Style and is open to all to explore. The Bishop’ Palace has been the home of the Bishop for over 800 years. The Garden and Moat are beautiful and although there is always others walking it’s always quiet and peaceful. The Vicars Close is thought to be the only complete medieval street left in the UK. Whenever I am there I always feel like I’m in a scene from Harry Potter!

So these are 6 of my favourite places in Somerset. To be honest I could have done a list of 20 but this is more of a taster for you to get you down to our gorgeous county. 

Have you been to Somerset? Where was your favourite place? I’d love to hear them so please do share below in the comments

Maverick and Goose take to the skies

My other half loves machines. And I mean LOVES machinery.

So for his birthday this year I got him an experience that could add to his long list of machines that he’s driven… or in this case flown.  He was going to fly a plane.

Luckily the day of the flight was a crisp sunny day so no chance of being rescheduled. When we arrived we were able to pay an extra £25 for me to also go up and sit and the back. I then assumed the position of official photographer. Obvs.

Our pilot knew the area where we lived so had planned a route that would take us over and around the point of interest for our area and also over the village we live in. As soon as we were in the air the controls were handed over to my partner and then for the next hour he flew the plane. I could see by the pure joy on his face that I may have started him off on a very expensive new hobby.

Seeing the fields, towns, villages and lakes from up above is just beautiful and reminds you actually how big the world is. Even in your small part of the world.

The team at Bristol and Wessex were amazing. Really informative, professional and great at teaching my Maverick through the whole experience.  For an hour flight it was £189 plus the £25 for  me to go up as well. They have other options including a half an hour trial and an hour land away.  |Check them out here http://www.bristolandwessex.co.uk/

Being able to do this experience as well (without the risk of me trying to fly- me driving  a car is bad enough) was amazing. We’ll long remember this over any material item I could have brought for him for his birthday.

It was really a beautiful way to see the area you live in and silly me I have started something now.. he’s booking up a trail lesson to fly a helicopter when we are on the Gold Coast later this year.