Chard, Somerset
Chard is a small market town in Somerset, just a few miles from the borders of Devon and Dorset, so it's almost where the three counties meet. That makes it well located if you want to explore the area when you're on your large group holiday in Somerset - the beaches of the Jurassic Coast are within easy reach, likewise attractions like Forde Abbey and Ferne Animal Sanctuary, and of course, some fantastic walks in the immediate countryside.
Chard is famous for being the Birthplace of Powered Flight; the inventor, John Stringfellow, lived in a cottage in the High Street and flew his first prototype in the town's lace mill. It was also home to Margaret Bondfield who served as a Labour Party politician from 1929-1931, and to James Gillingham, who made artificial limbs in the town. If you want to know more, go to the museum, housed in a lovely thatched building in the High Street.
The town serves its local community and visitors well, with 3 supermarkets and several independent shops, including butchers, bakers and cafes. The main street is wide for towns of this size and has an open water channel running down each side; it's said that one eventually flows into the Bristol Channel and the other, the English Channel.
On the edge of the town is Chard Reservoir Nature Reserve which is lovely to stroll around, and if you venture just a few miles to some of the surrounding villages you'll find friendly country pubs where you can sample the local ale and have a spot of lunch – recommended are The Cotley Inn and The Tytherleigh Arms, or for a good cream tea and Sunday Roast, Hornsbury Mill.
All information correct at the time of writing