Attractions - Holly Bush Park

Local Attractions

There are some fantastic attractions to visit in the South West. Below are a few of our favourites. Some more local than others but all worth the effort, we hope you agree. For more exhaustive details of all the regions attractions, visit the Holly Bush Park shop.

Goughs Cave at Cheddar

The Cheddar Caves and Gorge is a site of special scientific interest having been created from ice age river beds.
Visit their site at www.cheddarcaves.co.uk

Wookey Hole - Europe's most spectacular caves and the legendary haunt of the witch of Wookey. Also featuring Wookey Gorge and Britain's only surviving paper mill.
Call on 01749 672 243 or visit www.wookey.co.uk

Cricket St Thomas Wildlife Park - A unique chance to see over 600 animals at close quarters. Learn about what is being done to save endangered species and enjoy and educational and fun family day out.
Call 01460 30111 or visit www.wild.org.uk

A cider orchard

Sheppy's Cider is set amongst 42 acres of cider apple orchards. The 370 acre farm produces some of the regions finest cider as well as apple juice and other local produce with an apple edge such as cider apple cheeses. The farm has a museum along with picnic area and licensed tea room.
Visit them at www.sheppyscider.com

The Fleet Air Museum is great day out for all the family, including flight deck simulator and adventure playground.
Contact them on 01935 840 565 or visit their site www.fleetairarm.com

Dunster Castle

Dunster, a fantastic medieval village with its cobbled streets and pack horse bridge is famous for its Norman Castle (remodelled in 1868-72) and 13C gatehouse. Its vast park and gardens, owned by the National Trust provide areas of outstanding beauty. Dunster also houses a working water mill built in the 18th Century and still working today providing flour available from its store. The Tea Rooms at the Mill are definitely worth a visit and don't forget the home made fudge shops.
Visit their National Trust page at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-dunstercastle

Willow

The Coates Willows and Wetlands is a family run business making baskets and other willow goods. They have been growing willow in Somerset since 1819 and provide free entry to their basket museum. The surrounding area also has a number of fine walks and upon your return you can seek refreshment in the tea rooms.
Visit their site at www.coates-willowbaskets.co.uk

Surrounding Towns and Cities

Should you wish to use Holly Bush Park as a base to explore the South West here are some details of nearby places of interest.

Taunton Town Centre

Taunton

Taunton is the county town of Somerset. It has a fine tradition as a market town, a cattle and crop farming area and of course a cider producer. Taunton has a wealth of stores offering good local produce. The town centre has had significant investment over the last ten years and is host to most of the country's major chain stores. Taunton has a number of fine bars, pubs and cafes as well as out of town retail parks, restaurants and the Odeon Cinema.

Wellington

Wellington, to the west of Taunton, is a smaller town offering a range of more specialised shops. Nonetheless, Wellington is a pleasant town to visit offering a more relaxed alternative to the hustle and bustle of Taunton.

Exeter

Exeter is the regional capital of the South West and is popular with tourists because of its diversity of attractions. Probably the most unusual of these are the famous underground passages, originally used in the 14th century to pipe fresh water to the town. These passages can be explored via a guided tour where the full history will be revealed in all its glory. Exeter is close to the sea and the new quays provide a vibrant area with shops, restaurants and water sports to be enjoyed.

Bath

Bath is of course famous for its Roman Baths and Pump Room and has some of the UK's finest Georgian architecture. Close to the Cotswolds the area is ideal for those wanting to explore further than the Mendips. The city sits on the River Avon, looked upon by the Abbey's towers and is a historian's dream with over 40 museums.

Honiton

Full of lace and antique shops, the quiet Devon town of Honiton is an ideal place to spend an afternoon browsing.