Washford, Somerset
Washford is a very peaceful village that lies just short of the Quantock Hills and Exmoor National Park, and only a couple of miles from the Somerset coast. The village straddles the A39 so it’s easy to get to and once you’re off the main road, it’s a different world; all the while you have that wonderful backdrop rolling hills and big open fields so it’s a far cry from the hullaballoo of urban life.
You wouldn’t think there would be much to do in a such a small village, but actually, it’s easy to pass the best part of day in Washford. You could pop into the village shop to pick up a few local goodies, lace up your boots and go for a jolly good walk for starters. Have a leisurely lunch at The White Horse Inn, take a tour of Torre at Torre Cider Farm, and if you want history and tranquility, go and see the ruins of Cleeve Abbey, a medieval monastery once home to Cistercian monks.
Stroll up to the station and you can catch a steam train with the West Somerset Railway and pootle off to the coast, for a few hours playing on the sands at Blue Anchor or Minehead. Also good for families is Tropiquaria Zoo, housed in the former BBC transmitting station on the edge of the village.
All information correct at the time of writing