Chard Hotels

Chard's nature and scenery

Somerset has a lot of hills and dales to explore, and Chard is bordered on the east and west sides by massive expanses of green space.

Start with a walk around the town, following the Historic Plaque Trail. There are 14 blue plaques to spot, identifying the most important historical buildings and structures in Chard.

The Blackdown Hills are to the west of the town. They stretch along the border between Devon and Somerset, and have been designated an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. No less than 16 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) have been created in the hills, as a variety of wildlife exists there.

Roughly a mile north of town, Chard Reservoir is a scenic nature reserve. It's popular with dog walkers, and has a bird hide from which to spot various species. You might see a heron, a kingfisher or even the great white egret.

Family activities

In the town itself, the Chard Museum can be found in a converted, listed building from the 16th century. The museum holds World War I memorabilia, costumes from the Chard Carnival, pottery, photographs and model aircraft.

Forde Abbey House and Gardens offers a tailored tour for kids aged three to 11. There's a hidden trail around the grounds, with special stamps to collect.

Take a short drive to reach the Ferne Animal Sanctuary. Over 300 animals call the sanctuary home, ranging from pigs and horses to ferrets, donkeys and goats.

Food and drink

Apples are strongly associated with Somerset, and locally made apple juice and cider go down great with dinner. The county is also home to the Butcombe Brewery, which supplies a number of pubs and hotels in the area.

An hour's drive away, Cheddar Gorge is one of the last remaining places in the UK where cheese is made by hand. Go on a clifftop walk to work up an appetite, then head to the village of Cheddar for lunch.