Weather Ilminster

© meteogroup.co.uk

The old Somerset market town of Ilminster makes an ideal base for those wishing to experience a relaxing holiday in a rural setting. The pace of life here is still slightly slower, so there is plenty of time to get out and explore the countryside on foot, on a bicycle or by car. Anyone of these modes of transport will eventually lead you to some hidden but picturesque village where a pub lunch accompanied by a glass of 'Zummerset Zider' awaits you. A couple of miles south of Ilminster in the pretty village of Dowlish Wake you will find Perry's Cider Mills and Rural Museum. This is a traditional cider mill using cider apples, such as Somerset Redstreak, to produce a quality of cider that won the Royal Bath and West Show Supreme Champion Cider for 2005. After viewing the cider presses and the collection of farm wagons and implements in the thatched barn why not visit the Country Shop and taste the cider for yourself. But have a care 'Zider' from 'Zummerset' is not to be taken lightly - it can pack a pretty powerful punch!

If an intellectual break is what you seek then the nearby Dillington House, surrounded by gardens and set in park land offers superb accommodation, good food and an amazing selection of courses.

Just five miles north east of the town is Barrington Court. This Tudor manor house is complimented by a set of beautiful walled gardens including an unusual 'white' garden and a working kitchen garden. The design of the gardens is said to have been influenced by the world-renowned gardener, Gertrude Jekyll. Montacute, another historic house with its own living history group, is only ten miles away. This highly ornate late 16th century house with its amazing yew hedges has been used as the setting for a number of films, the most recent being The Libertine starring Johnny Depp. The Long Gallery at the top of the house is home to fifty or more Tudor and Elizabethan portraits on loan from the National Portrait Gallery. Both of these National Trust properties offer the visitor a historic building to explore and a garden to relax in as well as restaurants and shops.

English Heritage also has a property in the area. Out on the Somerset Levels lie the ruins of the Benedictine Abbey of Muchelney. Now all that remains of the once thriving community are its foundations, though standing in the grounds are the original abbot's lodgings. Close by, the village church of St Peter and St Paul has a fascinating painted ceiling featuring seemingly bare-chested angels. It also contains some early floor tiles that may have come from the Abbey after the dissolution of the monasteries. A few miles down the road is the pottery and gallery of the famous potter, John Leach.

The nearby town of Chard, another market town, has a history of lace making and of being the birthplace of John Stringfellow, famous for his pioneering powered aircraft. It is possible to see a replica of that machine in the small but fascinating Chard Museum. Among the other interesting exhibits to be found in the museum are a Victorian kitchen and the workshops of a blacksmith, a wheelwright and a carpenter.

THE SOMERSET GUIDE A Beautiful full colour 81 page A4 guide, packed with essential information for visiting Somerset.



Hundreds of accommodation establishments listed as well as attractions and ideas for families, history & heritage lovers or those who just want to 'escape from it all' !

South Somerset 2012



To view and download this 42 page brochure click here.

CELEBRATING SOMERSET FOOD AND DRINK



An intriguing glimpse at the history of Food and Drink in Somerset and quotes from contemporary producers, all proud of the excellent quality of Somerset fayre