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EAT.
Explore The Area.
Old Rectory House is a prominent property in the gorgeous Somerset village of Kilve. Kilve is ideally placed between the Jurassic coast and the edge of the Quantock Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
We have put together a list of places we enjoy visiting in the local area. We really hope you do too.
Eat.
The Hood Arms (12 mins walk)
01278 741114
www.thehoodarms.co.uk
A family run pub in Kilve serving award winning food and local ales. We highly recommend the Sunday roast! There is a large garden, perfect for lazy lunches and long summer evenings. Booking is essential to avoid disappointment. They're closed on Mondays.
The Plough Inn
(4 mins drive)
01278 741624
A 16th century inn with a warm, country welcome. Recently under new ownership they have invested heavily in the pub and the food is excellent. Food is served 12-9pm. They're closed on Tuesdays.
Chantry Tea Gardens
(5 mins walk)
01278 741457
A charming, al fresco tea room set in a magical cottage garden amongst the ruins of a 14th century chantry. Watch as the birds happily feed from your hands! Perfect for lunch, afternoon tea or a quick ice cream on the way to the beach.
Kitchen at Quantock Lakes
(10 mins drive)
01278 732207
www.kitchenatquantocklakes.com
It's a great place for breakfast, lunch or all day cake and coffee. They also host popular Friday and Saturday dining events such as paella, tapas and other themed evenings. The kids love the waffle menu!
Combe House Hotel (7 mins drive)
01278 741382
www.combehouse.co.uk
This is perfect setting to reward yourself after a long walk on the Quantock Hills. They pride themselves on using local produce. Whether it’s a tasty lunch washed down with some fine Somerset cider, an evening dinner or maybe a bespoke menu for a private celebration.
The Foxy Bean Café (15 mins drive)
A stylish, rustic coffee shop at the base of the Quantock Hills. Fabulous cake and light lunches which are all homemade. They also cater for vegans and vegetarians. The location is idyllic set beside a stream, perfect for paddling when the sun is shining. It's in close proximity to Great Wood, so ideal for a long walk to earn your cake!
Torre Cider Farm
(15 mins drive)
01984640004
www.torrecider.uk
This is a good spot to take the family for lunch. They have a great farmhouse kitchen and there is a play area and farm animals to keep the kids happy while the adults sample the cider!
John's Chippy (10 mins drive)
This traditional fish and chip shop in Williton is a family favourite of ours. Perfect for those evenings when you don't want to cook. If the weather is good, why not eat this down on the beach.
Bitz n Pizzas (10 mins drive)
01984639990
www.bitznpizzas.com
Pizza takeaway and delivery which operates out of the same building as John's Chippy in Williton.
Visit.
Dunster Castle & Village
(20 mins drive)
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunster-castle-and-watermill
Dunster is a beautiful, traditional village with the National Trust's Dunster Castle at its heart. Great boutique shopping, cafes and pubs. Dunster by candlelight is a spectacular event which takes place in December.
Quantock Hills
(10 mins drive)
www.quantockhills.com
The Quantock Hills were England's first 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' designated in 1956. They run for 15 miles starting just outside Taunton and ending at Kilve. The hills are wonderful for walking, bike riding and horse riding. They offer captivating, panoramic views of the South West.
Great Wood
(15 mins drive)
www.forestryengland.uk/great-wood
A fantastic gem of a spot to take the family. A great place to get back to nature, with lovely woodland walks, beautiful open spaces and lovely cooling streams for you and your young ones to explore. There are public toilets available and plenty of (paid) parking. There are several BBQ spots available as well.
On your approach to Great Wood you pass The Foxy Bean Café. An excellent spot to reward your walking efforts!
Sheppy's Cider
(30 mins drive)
www.sheppyscider.com
If you enjoyed your complimentary Sheppy's Cider, why not pay them a visit. They have a heritage cider museum, café, restaurant & bar and a fabulous farm shop/butchers. You can book a weekend tour for a peek behind the scenes at one of the oldest cider makers in the world.
Steart Marshes
(15 mins drive)
www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/steart-marshes
Steart Marshes is a thriving nature reserve. They have well defined, flat paths perfect for little legs to walk or cycle. There are hides dotted around the site with binoculars and charts to identify the wild birds.
Quantock Trekking
(20 mins drive)
www.quantocktrekking.co.uk
The best way to spend two hours in the Quantock Hills! Quantock Trekking is a centre for horse trekking and riding holidays in the picturesque village of West Bagborough. The views are breathtaking!
Tropiquaria Zoo
(10 mins drive)
www.tropiquaria.co.uk
This unique zoo is set around the former 'Art Deco' BBC radio transmitter station. There is a good selection of animal encounters and talks. There are large outdoor and indoor play areas along with a café. Our kids love this quirky place and the gibbons are a favourite!
Doniford Farm Park
(10 mins drive)
Indoor play barn plus outside space with coastal views. There is a café/restaurant, shop and a small selection of animals. Ideal for a few hours on a rainy day for families with toddlers and young children.
Beside the Sea.
Kilve Beach
(8 mins walk)
Kilve Beach is set along the rugged Jurassic coastline with plenty of rockpools to explore towards low tide. It is a renowned area of scientific interest particularly well known for its plentiful fossils. There is a large grassy clifftop behind the beach which is ideal for picnics. Explore the coastal path and enjoy the spectacular sunsets.
Lynton and Lynmouth.
(1 hour drive)
www.visitlyntonandlynmouth.com
Lynton and Lynmouth Harbour are charming, picture postcard twin towns connected by an awesome funicular cliff railway. The approach down to Lynmouth through Exmoor is spectacular. Great food and lots to do in this stunning place. Highlights include the Valley of the Rocks, the local museum and the miniature golf course. Definitely worth the drive and highly recommended.
Minehead Beach
(25 mins drive)
Minehead's sandy beach is perfect for family seaside fun. The promenade is brimming with arcades, seaside cafés, bars and shops. Our family love nothing more than grabbing some fish & chips (Seafare in Alcombe are the best) and a nice drink to take to the beach of an evening.
Porlock & Porlock Weir
(30 mins drive)
www.porlock.co.uk
A beautiful, picturesque village and port with many shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs. Explore Exmoor from here. Porlock hill offers some stunning views of the area. There are lots of opportunities for outdoor adventurous activities and watersports.
Exmouth Beach
(1 hour and 30 mins drive)
Exmouth Beach is well celebrated for its two miles of golden sand, it's a paradise for children and adults alike. Exmouth Beach is the ideal place to try your hand at water sports. If you're driving all that way we really recommend the River Exe Café. It is a destination dining experience: a floating restaurant accessed by water taxi. The sea food is excellent!
