Great Days Out
World Heritage Bath
Bath is the only destination in the UK to have the whole city designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO. To experience the heart of the World Heritage Site where bathing in the spa water was enjoyed 2,000 years ago, visit the Roman baths, a magnificent temple and former bathing complex.
Bath is the only place in the UK where you can bathe in the thermal water that comes directly from the natural hot springs deep beneath the city. Bathing can be enjoyed at the remarkable visitor attraction Thermae Bath Spa which artfully combines ancient history with contemporary flourishes. Visitors are also able to relax and unwind in the warm, open-air rooftop pool and take in the spectacular views across Bath’s skyline.
During the 18th century, three ambitious local entrepreneurs set out to make Bath one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Today Bath has around 5,000 listed buildings. The most famous is the Royal Crescent, comprising of 30 houses laid out in a crescent shape. Designed by the architect John Wood the Younger and built between 1767 and 1774, it is among the greatest examples of Georgian architecture in the world.
https://visitbath.co.uk/things-to-do/world-heritage-bath
Lyme Regis and the Jurassic Coast
An ancient town featured in the Domesday Book, and home to a number of historical landmarks, its historic Cobb and harbour are iconic features. Situated at the heart of the Jurassic Coast, Lyme Regis is a major centre for fossil collecting, recognised and acclaimed worldwide.
An official World Heritage Site, the Jurassic Coast is a must-visit for anyone interested in geology, history or stunning coastal scenery, and some of the 95-mile long stretch’s most scenic spots can be found around the Lyme Regis area. Places worth exploring include the Blue Lias cliffs – which are abundant with rare ammonites and other fossils – and the inspirational Pinhay Bay. The Jurassic Coast covers 95 miles of truly stunning coastline with rocks recording 185 million years of the Earth's history.
http://jurassiccoast.org/ http://www.lymeregis.org/
Dunster and the North Somerset Coast via The West Somerset Steam Railway
From Graymanes drive to Bishops Lydeard Station (for Satnav use TA4 3RU) approximately 21 miles. There is plenty of free parking at the station.
There is a twenty minute walk from Dunster station to the village itself, some up hill. The medieval village of Dunster is in the Exmoor National Park. With it's Castle, Yarn Market, Tithe Barn and a wealth of listed buildings, there are plenty of fine cafes as well as pubs and restaurants.
A short walk from the village is Dunster Castle (Operated by The National Trust) Home of the Luttrell the original Norman castle was converted to a lavish country home in the 19th century. There is a discount on entry prices for those with a valid West Somerset railway ticket.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunster-castle
If you still have time return to Dunster Station and continue on to Minehead, a traditional seaside town and the gateway to Exmoor. It is a short walk from Minehead Station to the Esplanade and the West Somerset Coastal Path.
For those who prefer to drive there is plenty of parking at Dunster Castle (A fee is payable) and the village is a short walk from the castle. For something different on the return journey, the drive across Exmoor and down the Ex valley is stunning. You can also visit Dulverton a short detour but worth the trip.
To make the drive across Exmoor worthwhile you need a clear day.
Longleat House - Safari & Adventure Park
Longleat House is widely regarded as one of the best examples of high Elizabethan architecture in Britain and one of the most beautiful stately homes open to the public. Substantially completed by 1580 and now home to the 7th Marquess of Bath, Longleat House is set within 900 acres of stunning ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped parkland.
The safari park is excellent and will be enjoyed by all ages. There are plently of activities for children, this is family fun at its very best.
Horse racing
If you fancy a sporting day out rather than a tourist attraction – you may fancy a day at the races at one of our local tracks. Wincanton (30mins), Taunton (30mins), Exeter (1hr) and Newton Abbot (1hr 10 mins) all boast top class National Hunt Racing throughout the Autumn and Winter.
During the summer, Bath(1hr 15mins) hosts highly competitive flat racing with day and evening fixtures. All courses have on course restaurants and bars – tables for the restaurants can be booked in advance.
For fixture card and advance tickets as well as restaurant bookings visit the following websites:
www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/wincanton
www.tauntonracecourse.co.uk
www.newtonabbotracing.com
www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/exeter
www.bath-racecourse.co.uk
Cricket
Enjoy an exciting evening watching a 20/20 cricket match at the County Ground Taunton, home of Somerset County Cricket Club. Alternatively spend a lazy day sat in the crowd with a glass of cider watching one of the many limited over and one day matches.
It pays to book tickets for 20/20 matches before you book your stay to avoid disappointment, as these tickets sell out very quickly.
Muchelney Abbey
Muchelney Abbey lies two miles south of Langport. History lovers in particular will enjoy this fascinating site but there is also plenty for families to do.
Pitney Farm Shop and Café
It’s a half hour walk from Gray Manes and well worth it. The shop is open Monday - Saturday from 10:00am to 4:30pm, we are closed Sundays & Bank Holidays The café is seasonal but usually open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10am - 4pm.
https://pitneyfarmshop.co.uk/pitney-farm-cafe
The Devonshire Arms
Up market pub/restaurant in the nearby village of Long Sutton
https://www.thedevonshirearms.com/
The Half Way House
Heavenly for those real ale lovers. Great pub, log fires in the winter – 40 minute walk from Gray Manes in the neighbouring village of Pitney. Lovely food and always good beers on tap (and to take away if you prefer!)
https://thehalfwayhouse.co.uk/
Cycling through The Levels
https://www.parretttrailbikes.co.uk/
Cider tasting
A trip to Somerset isn’t complete without a trip to a cider farm. Visit the Bere Cider Farm. You will be made most welcome to visit them at their cider "shack"
http://www.berecidercompany.com/
Paddleboarding
A couple of free launch site in Langport where you can paddle along the River Parrett.
