The Cottage InnThe Quantocks
Quantock Hills
Stretching from the Vale of Taunton to the Bristol Channel coast the Quantock Hills offer a great diversity of landscapes. The imposing sandstone ridge rises out of the surrounding agricultural land and is famous for its views. The Quantock Hills were designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1956, the first such designation in England.
The Quantock Hills AONB covers 99 sq km and is recognised as one of England’s most attractive landscapes, especially rich in flora and fauna. The primary purpose of AONB designation is to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the area, protecting it for future generations.
The 41 AONBs in England and Wales share equal status with National Parks in terms of scenic beauty and landscape protection.
Nether Stowey
Nether Stowey is not only a vibrant and busy village, but is also designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, surrounded by some stunning coastal and moorland scenery. This pretty village is located at the foot of the Quantock Hills in Somerset, just below Over Stowey and is a great base for walking, riding and other rural pursuits.
Nether Stowey is most famous for being the home for many years of Samuel Taylor Coleridge who lived in the village and wrote several of his poems here. The cottage where he lived in the village is now owned by the National Trust ("Coleridge Cottage") and is open to the public from April to September. You can also walk the "Coleridge Way" where you can follow in the footsteps of the famous poet from Nether Stowey to Porlock. The walk is 36 miles long.
This historical village is said to be mentioned in the Domesday Book and features tea shops, a hair dresser, butcher and library. There are also 3 pubs: Rose and Crown, George and the Ancient Mariner.
The North Somerset coast is about 2-3 miles away. The small port of Watchet and the resort town of Minehead can be found to the west. Further west again is the Exmoor National Park, another area of outstanding natural beauty.
Bridgwater
The town lies in the valley of the fiercely tidal River Parrett at the foot of the Quantocks, with the Somerset levels and the Mendip Hills stretched out before it.
Such a position has made Bridgwater and ideal centre for holidaymakers wanting to explore the delights and charms of the West country with its picturesque villages wealth of history and world-famous attractions
Bridgwater’s history starts almost at the beginning with an entry in the Doomsday book. Throughout the following centuries it has played an important part in the growth of the area, in 1402 it was a major shipping port in the West Country and today it is a thriving industrial town attracting many new businesses and major retail parks.
Bridgwater’s social life is also thriving with an abundance of pubs, restaurants and boasting three nightclubs. It has many amateur drama & theatre groups who regularly perform at the local Town Hall and Arts Centre. It has a strong live music scene with local bands playing around the town almost every weekend. There are many Sports Associations, Clubs, and Health & Fitness centres. There are two museums, a cinema, ten pin bowling alley, snooker club and of course its own swimming centre complete with water shoots and wave machine.
