The Somerset Poppies

AT the Bishop's Palace in Wells an installation has literally popped up on the Croquet lawn. Featuring over 8000 poppies made by children at schools in and around Wells, Somerset. Each poppy will represent a serviceman from Somerset, or who served in a Somerset regiment, who lost his life in World War One.

Poppies can be pre-ordered for £5 at www.somersetpoppies.co.uk. All proceeds will be donated to the Wells branch of the Royal British Legion, and SSAFA, the armed forces charity.

The exhibition (11th - 25th November) is free to view.




Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK
Picture Credit: Angela Suter

Outdoor Theatre at Dunster Castle

DUNSTER Castle is the beautiful setting for two outdoor theatre performances this Summer by the Chapterhouse Theatre Company, so bring a picnic and relax in the gorgeous gardens for the evening.

A Midsummer Nights Dream - Shakespeare’s best-loved romantic comedy. Let yourself be whisked away on a thrilling journey to the most magical of forests and meet star-crossed lovers, playful fairies and hilarious travelling players. Beautifully designed Elizabethan costumes, a wonderful musical score and enchanting woodland creatures come together to make this an evening of unmissable summer garden theatre.  June 17 gates open at 5.30pm.

Pride and Prejudice - Take a step back in time to meet Elizabeth Bennet, Jane Austen's most loveable heroine. When Elizabeth meets the rude and abrupt Mr Darcy, she loathes him at first sight. But is there more to him than meets the eye? Brought to life by award winning writer Laura Tuner, this brand-new adaptation celebrates the 200th Anniversary of Jane Austen’s death and promises to be the most splendid evening of the summer.  August 19 gates open at 5.30pm

http://www.seetickets.com

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Last Minute Mother's Day Treats

FOR mothers not much in to pampering or afternoon tea scrap the traditional Mother’s Day routine and head to Haynes International Motor Museum for the perfect alternative experience (26 March). 

Give your mum the opportunity to feel the wind in her hair as she jumps behind the wheel of a Bentley or goes for a spin in a Ferrari off the track and out on the open road.

The pre-planned route takes you off track onto main roads and lasts 15-20 minutes with a briefing beforehand and time for photographs afterwards.

Prices start at £79.

www.haynesmotormuseum.com/events/mothers-day-dream-car-drives

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Bath & West Showground . . . upcoming events

Toy Collectors Fair - October 9
The event for toy enthusiasts from cross the UK with over 300 stalls and is now one of the biggest events of its type in the UK.

Craft 4 Crafters - October 13-15
This 3 day show will feature a mass of crafting delights including; textile displays, demonstrations, lectures, workshops and over 130 national and local craft businesses selling crafting supplies.

2nd 2 None Driving School – Under 17s Driving Tuition - October 23
If you are between 12 and 17 years of age and want to experience the excitement of driving in a private training area under the careful guidance of fully qualified driving instructors then this is the event for you.

Westfest 2016 - October 29
The UK’s biggest celebration of underground electronic music featuring major players from across the electronica spectrum, representing DnB – Garage – Hardcore – Hardstyle – Hard House – Oldskool – Jungle – this is the ultimate dance music experience.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Picture Credit: Tom Simpson 11279883@N00/29524276340 1966 Aurora Batplane model kit via photopin.com

View Somerset artists at work

WITH more than 200 venues taking part, Somerset Open Studios (September 17-October 2) is a county wide opportunity to meet artists and makers from a range of disciplines in their working environment. It includes established names such as Richard Pomeroy and Marissa Weatherhead as well as emerging artists revealing how they work, their inspiration, and creative processes.

Disciplines range from the visual arts, sculpture, stone carving and metalwork to textiles, wood, jewellery, furniture, glass and mixed media. Meet the artist face-to-face in their own small studio, home, or temporary studio space; browse and buy or place a personal commission for a special piece.

For more details go to www.somersetartworks.org.uk or call 01458 253800 for a guide to the artists, venues, and affiliated events.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK


Picture Credit: Marissa Weatherhrad

Foot Trails launches walks for 2017

AN INN-TO-INN walk across the Cotswolds is among the self-guided routes for 2017 unveiled by Foot Trails, a West Country walking-holiday specialist.

The 10-night independent trip, from Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire to Bath, Somerset, will be designed to follow local paths, avoiding the crowded national trails. Guests will stay in hand-picked, country inns, and notes about local history and nature will given to walkers.

The company will also extend its four- or five-night inn-to-inn journey in Dorset –six- and seven-night itineraries will be available in 2017.

Foot Trails runs walking holidays on more than 900 miles of trails in Somerset, Wiltshire, The Cotswolds, Dorset, and Devon – – and Wales plans to expand into Wales next year.

www.foottrails.co.uk

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Roman Baths and Fashion Museum expand language guides

FOLLOWING an increase in international visitors in the past few years, the Roman Baths and Fashion Museum in Bath, Somerset, have increased their audioguides options, adding Dutch, Korean, Polish, and Portuguese, bringing the total number of languages available at the two museums to 12, plus a British Sign Language guide for deaf people and enhanced audio description for visually impaired people. 

The choice of Dutch, Korean, Polish and Portuguese is based on visitor take-up and feedback. 

Run by Bath & North East Somerset Council, the Roman Baths attracts more than one million visitors a year, making it one of the most visited heritage attractions in Britain. Approximately 40% of these visitors come from overseas, and 30% of the total speak a language other than English.

The biggest increase in recent years has been in the take-up of Mandarin-language audioguides at the Roman Baths, which has grown from 12,800 visitors in 2005, when they were first introduced, to 84,700 in 2015, outnumbering French, which until seven years ago was the most widely spoken foreign language.

The Roman Baths also has information leaflets in more than 30 languages, which helps to identify emerging overseas visitor trends. Russian was introduced in 2010 and Russian visitation peaked at 15,800 in 2013.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Picture Credit: The Great Bath, Roman Baths Copyright David Kernek

Cavemen tales told in new Cheddar Gorge attraction

A £400,000 investment at #CheddarGorge and Caves in #Somerset has seen the opening of a new attraction exploring the experience of early cave dwellers. 

Dreamhunters – The Adventures of Early Man at Cox’s Cave takes visitors on a journey from pre-history to the present day. It is the first new attraction at Cheddar Gorge in almost a quarter of a century and tells the story of how our ancestors made tools and weapons.

Discovered in 1837, Cox’s Cave comprises several small grottoes and chambers, linked by low archways. The natural setting – with the help of modern projectors, sound systems, and lighting – provides the backdrop for the new self-guided trail.

Access to Dreamhunters is included in the general admission price of a visit to Cheddar Gorge and Caves, which includes Cox’s Cave, Gough’s Cave, the Museum of Prehistory, the Lookout Tower, Cliff-top Gorge Walk, and the Gorge Open-top bus.

Group rates apply to parties of 12 or more paying visitors, and can be purchased in advance.

Cheddar has the UK’s largest gorge and the site is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

cheddargorge.co.uk

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Picture Credit: Cox's Cave 03 via photopin.com

See the Roman Baths by torchlight

ONE of the jewels in the UK's cultural crown, the Roman Baths in Bath, Somerset, will be opening until 10pm every evening during July and August for a special season of Torchlit Summer Evenings. The baths take on a magical atmosphere once the sun goes down, when the crowds disappear and the flickering torches are lit.  

Set in the heart of the World Heritage City of Bath, the Roman Baths is a magnificent ancient temple and bathing complex on the site of Britain's only hot spring, which still flows with naturally hot water.

Visitors can walk around the Great Bath where people bathed almost 2,000 years ago, see the ruins of the temple of Minerva where Roman worshippers gathered, and explore the Roman Baths museum.

Run by Bath & North East Somerset Council, the Roman Baths attracts more than one million visitors every year, making it one of the most visited heritage attractions in Britain.

The baths will be open every day in July and August from 9am to 10pm. Last entry is 9pm. Adult tickets for the Roman Baths will cost £15.50 in July and August, while entry is free for the city’s Discovery Card holders.

www.romanbaths.co.uk

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

What shall we do today?

EVERYONE booking a break with West Country self-catering cottage agency Helpful Holidays will get a free booklet – What Shall we do Today? – featuring ideas for days out and discount vouchers for 88 major attractions in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, and Dorset 

It features:

• A calendar of events 
• The best coast and country walks, favourite beaches, places to eat, houses, and gardens 
• Top attractions for children

 
The booklet is sent to holidaymakers before their stay so that outings can be planned in advance.

www.helpfulholidays.com

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Make-over for Cox’s Cave

ONE of the most historic underground spaces in England is being transformed before being re-opened to the public at Easter. 

Cox's Cave in Cheddar Gorge, Somerset – discovered in 1837 – is getting a make-over with the aim of re-establishing it as a must-see attraction.

It comprises seven small grottoes joined by low archways, offering a natural, atmospheric setting of calcite sculptures and mirror pools.

Access to the cave will continue to be included in the general admission price of a visit to Cheddar Gorge. 

The make-over is part of a £400,000 investment plan at Cheddar Gorge and Caves for 2016.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

A history of fashion in 100 objects

BATH’S fashion museum is to unveil a new exhibition on March 19: A History of Fashion in 100 Objects. Celebrating fashion from the 1500s to the present day, it will showcase 100 star objects drawn from the museum's collection. 

The exhibition, which will run until January 2018, will feature garments and fashion accessories that created the look of history or hit the headlines. From a late 1500s 'blackwork' embroidered man's shirt to a 'body-con' Galaxy dress of the early 2000s, the exhibition will present iconic and influential garments and accessories spanning five centuries of fashion design.

One of the earliest fashion garments to go on display is an intricately embroidered woman's jacket – known at the time as a waistcoat – worked in coloured silks and glittering metal thread and dating from the 16th century.

Silk robes and embroidered and tailored coats for men, the styles fashionable during Bath's Georgian heyday, will also be on display, along with Regency fashions from the time of Jane Austen. 

The finale of A History of Fashion in 100 Objects is a selection of the most recent choices in the museum's Dress of the Year collection, commencing with the Dress of the Year 2011, a frock in ivory silk tulle embroidered with tiny silver bullion eagle motifs by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. 

The exhibition will include four collections of accessories to dress – gloves, fans, and jewellery. These include a collection of 17th century gloves.

www.fashionmuseum.co.uk

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Picture Credit: www.flickr.com/photos/36967498@N00/7094496837>The weir, Bath.</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)

Lantern & Larks opens glamping site in Somerset

LANTERN & LARKS is opening its fourth glamping site in April 2016, in the hills of Somerset.

It’s in Kittisford Barton near Wellington, on an organic farm with the Blackdown Hills as a backdrop. 

Half an hour west of Taunton and 10 minutes from junction 26 of the M5, some of the delights of the Somerset/Devon border are within easy range, including the beaches at Minehead and Weston-super-Mare, Bridgwater Bay, Cheddar Gorge, and the National Trust's Dunster Castle & Water Mill.

All Lantern & Larks colonial-style tents sleep six people in three bedrooms (double, twin and bunk) and also have a large living/dining area, fully equipped kitchen with running water, log burning range, WC and shower with hot and cold running water, and a large wooden deck.

At Kittisford Barton, there will be five tents in a 12-acre field.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

The golden thread that links tourism gems

THE SOUTH WEST COAST PATH is fast becoming known as a vital link between South West businesses, particularly those in the tourism sector and the coastal towns and villages through which it runs. Every year, it attracts almost nine million visitors who come to walk this world-class route, each of whom contributes to a total spend of £436 million that can be attributed directly to the coast path. This figure does not include the everyday walkers such as dog-walking local residents, who might frequent the various places to eat and drink on a more regular basis.  

Alistair Handyside, chairman of the South West Tourism Alliance, says the coast path is ‘critical and integral to the visitor economies of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, and Somerset’. 

With 630 miles of continuous coastal walking, from Minehead on the edge of Exmoor to Poole in Dorset, thousands of businesses benefit from the access to the coastline that the path provides for free. But it costs at least £1,000 to maintain just one mile, and it needs help.  

Businesses can show their support for the path and the income it generates for the local economy by becoming a business member. Available to businesses large and small, there are a number of benefits, from online listings alongside relevant walks, to being part of the marketing and promotion of the National Trail, which receives approximately one million annual visits to its website. 

Ken Carter, vice chairman of the association, says:
‘It really is the thread that brings tourism businesses together in the region. In supporting our activities, from path improvements, to event support and advertising online, businesses and individuals can give something back while continuing to benefit at the same time. With the public sector’s declining investment, it is more important than ever that we raise funds to improve the path for everyone to enjoy.’

Full details of the benefits for business members are listed online at www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk, while more bespoke arrangements can be made by contacting staff members: Esther Pearson or Sophie James on 01752 896237 or email hello@southwestcoastpath.org.uk 

South West Coast Path National Trail is considered one of the world’s great hikes, covering two World Heritage sites, five areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and one National Park.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Picture Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/127726808@N04/15765047495">Hurlstone Point_U3A Photography _5</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/">(license)

West Country escapes

WEST COUNTRY COTTAGES’ 2016 brochure features approximately 130 self-catering holiday homes in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, and Hampshire’s New Forest. Sleeping two to 11 guests, they range from romantic retreats to converted barns and large family houses. More than 50 welcome pets. 

Highlights include two holiday homes, Quakers and Chaffinch, converted from ancient barns on a former Quaker farm and meeting place near the unspoilt village of Membury in East Devon. Quakers is attached to the Grade II listed farmhouse, which has its origins in the 14th century. Chaffinch is a ground floor retreat for two. Dogs welcome at both.

Tucked away in a hamlet just over a mile from Chagford in the heart of Devon’s Dartmoor, thatched and detached Thorn Cottage – which sleeps six – has woodland and moorland walks all around.  Dogs are welcome here, too.

The agency has several holiday homes welcoming more than one dog. Among them is Bramble Barn, converted from a three-bay cart shed at Longcross, a mile from the Dorset town of Shaftsbury. Sleeping four plus two dogs, the cottage has been built from local Shaftesbury green stone and Gillingham brick, and has views over the ancient woodland of Duncliffe Hill and Blackmore Vale.

For a free copy of #WestCountry Cottages 2016 brochure, go to www.westcountrycottages.co.uk.  

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Take a ride … and a walk

COMBINING a train ride with a country walk is a popular option for many visitors to the #WestSomersetRailway. 

A new leaflet has been published encouraging walks between the coastal stations at Blue Anchor, Dunster, and Minehead. Produced by the volunteers at each of the three stations, the leaflet features a description of each station and a full-size colour map showing roads, tracks, and footpaths in the surrounding countryside to help visitors plan a ramble.

It is available from the stations, and via a link at www.wsr.org.uk/ba-dr-md-leaflet.pdf

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Picture Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/10708196@N00/1598059812">P1030838</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/">(license)

Try a break in the woods

WOODLAND-BASED lodge breaks for those looking to make the most of the great outdoors has been introduced by domestic holiday specialist Hoseasons.

Available to book now - www.hoseasons.co.uk/lodges - for the start of next year, Wanderwood offers nature escapes at six locations in England and Scotland: Norfolk, Surrey, Somerset, Shropshire, the Lake District, and the Northern Highlands.

The lodges are pet-friendly and come with complimentary binoculars, and umbrellas WiFi is also included, and hot tubs feature at all locations.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

West Country choices

WEST COUNTRY cottage specialist Helpful Holidays' 2016 brochure features almost 600 places to stay, with an increase in properties in Cornwall and North Devon.

The agency’s holiday homes – in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, and Somerset – range from romantic retreats for two up to large country houses for a maximum of 38 guests, with weekly rates from £179 to £7,175.

Many are within strolling distance of a beach or local pub, and more than half welcome pets. More than 70 have an indoor or outdoor swimming pool, while others have private moorings or fishing rights, and some are on working farms.

www.helpfulholidays.com

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

See Somerset lit up

THE Guy Fawkes fireworks #carnivals in November are among the highlights of the year in Somerset, when brilliantly lit and decorated floats – or carts, as they’re known locally – parade through the packed streets of some of the county’s main towns 

Medieval in origin, they were banned during the 19th century because of the bawdy and unruly behaviour they inspired.

Many visitors book an overnight stay, or catch several carnivals, making them the focus of a family-friendly autumn holiday.

The carnival towns in November are: Bridgwater, Burnham On Sea, Weston-Super-Mare, North Petherton, Shepton Mallet, Wells, Glastonbury and Wincanton which is tonight 16th October at 7.30pm

Whichever one you choose, check the route, arrive early as some roads may be closed, dress warm, be prepared for big crowds and a show lasting several hours, and bring plenty of loose change … it’s a free show, and there are collections for charities.

www.somersetcarnivals.co.uk 

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Picture Credit: Weston-super-Mare carnival 2011 Vagabonds CC Haunted Mansion by Geof Sheppard - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Somerset get-away

A FORMER milking parlour sleeping four near the #Somerset village of Wookey –and the caves at Wookey Hole and Cheddar Gorge – is available for the autumn half-term week from Friday, October 23. 

The cathedral city of Wells, and Glastonbury with its tor, are within easy reach for days out.

Newly-converted using sympathetic local materials and preserving many original features, the property has oak beams, high vaulted ceilings and a woodburner for chillier autumn evenings.

It’s priced at £530 for the week through West Country Cottages (www.westcountrycottages.co.uk)

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Picture Credit: www.westcountrycottages.co.uk