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Whether you plan to stay at Blackberry Barn for two days or two weeks, you will never run out of things to do.
The extensive and varied countryside offers amazing walking and cycling routes for enthusiasts of all abilities.
Being situated close to the Somerset Levels and Moors, Blackberry Barn is perfect for anglers. The King Sedgemoor Drain is only 2 miles away and offers good weights of Bream, Trench and silver fish, and Pike of up to 30lbs.
Come rain or shine, there is plenty to keep the family entertained. From sunny days on the beach, to the bright lights of the Winter carnivals, Somerset has it all to offer. For a great day out, take the kids to one of the many farm/animal parks, for a ride on one of the county’s three steam railways, or visit the legendary Wookey Hole. If all you want to do is relax, then you don’t even need to leave Blackberry Barn. We have a wide range of books and DVDs, a PS2, an adventure play area for the kids, and even a football pitch.
Blackberry Barn could not be better situated for exploring the many historic towns and cities of Somerset. Glastonbury, Wells, Street and Cheddar are all within easy reach, and all have plenty to see and do.
Somerset is a wonderful county, full of contrast, and there is no better way to absorb the beauty, variety and drama than on foot. The rights of way network and quiet roads and lanes make getting about an enormous pleasure. There are 14 long distance routes that explore Somerset, including the South West Coast Path, Celtic Way and the River Parrett Trail.
The county has five ranges of hills: the Blackdowns, Mendips, Quantocks, Brendons and Poldens, all with their own special character, and all offering the walker a different experience. If this all sounds too strenuous, then the Levels and Moors are the flatlands of Somerset, and offer miles of hill free, low lying meadows.
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The fact that Blackberry Barn lies close to ‘The West Country Way’ (Route No.3 of the National Cycle Network), gives an indication of how well placed Blackberry Barn is for cyclists. There is a wide selection of routes for all cycling enthusiasts.
In the immediate vicinity of Blackberry Barn, the Levels and Moors are the flatlands of Somerset and are ideal for families. Until the middle ages, when these marshes were drained, only a few isolated hills stood above water. As a consequence, the wildlife and vegetation here are unique. Coupled with the quiet roads and lanes, cycling in this area is a real pleasure. There are numerous lakes and reservoirs in the region, many with toilet and refreshment facilities, but all providing excellent family cycling.
For a more challenging experience, there are plenty of circular routes that take in the county’s hills. It is all a matter of choice! Once again, to help you with your decision, at Blackberry Barn you’ll find OS Explorer maps of the area & guide books.
Somerset is home to some of the finest Coarse, Game and Sea fishing in the UK. Many national competitions are held here, making it a must for anglers.
For good weights of Bream, Trench and silver fish, then the King Sedgemoor Drain is only 2 miles away and the Huntspill River is 6 miles away. If you’re after large Carp, then Durleigh Reservoir offers Carp of up to 35lbs, and is only 8 miles down the road. If Pike fishing is your interest, once again, the King Sedgemoor Drain has specimens of up to 30lbs.
Excellent game fishing is available all over the County. For a wonderful day out, Burton Springs Fishery is set between the Quantocks and the coast, and is a scenic 16 mile drive.
Sea fishing in the Bristol Channel gives you a wide selection of fish including Flounder, Bass and Conger. Sea fishing is available at the sea front at Burnham-on-Sea (11 miles), at Weston-super-Mare (18 miles) or boat charter.
Come rain or shine, there is plenty to keep the family entertained. From sunny days on the beach, to the bright lights of the Winter carnivals, Somerset has it all to offer. Blackberry Barn is less than 30 minutes from long sandy beaches and is surrounded by excellent family days out.
Cheddar Gorge and Caves are less than half an hour away. This is yet another place of wild and rugged beauty. It is Britain’s biggest gorge and features Britain’s most beautiful caves. You can explore the area on an open top tour bus and go to the ‘Cheddar Man’ museum to be told the story of 40,000 years of human occupation in the caves. ‘The Crystal Quest’ fantasy is the children’s favourite…because everyone knows that dragons live in caves!!
Wookey Hole also unveils more spectacular caves. This is another great family day out. There are a wide variety of play areas including the crazy mirror maze and the pirate zap zone. You can also visit the handmade paper mill and explore the many nature trails. Wookey Hole also offers festive fun and hosts West Country’s largest Christmas Grotto.
The Animal Farm Adventure Park is one of the many farm/animal parks offering all weather fun within 25 minutes of Blackberry Barn. A little further away, but well worth the visit is Cricket St. Thomas Wildlife Park. Home to the largest walk-through Lemur enclosure in the world, Cricket St. Thomas allows you to get up close to a wide range of animals in a more natural habitat. There is also a softplay area, adventure play areas, and a range of eating establishments (including a pub!). We have enjoyed some wonderful family days out here.
16 miles away, at the foot of the Mendip Hills, is Wells. Wells may be the smallest city in England, but it is packed with a variety of attractions and heritage. At the heart of the city lies the cathedral, the Bishops Palace and many streets flanked with historic buildings. Wells also hosts many attractions throughout the year including concerts held in the cathedral, the illuminated carnival and traditional markets and fayres.
Glastonbury is also worth a visit. Not just the home of the pop festival, but the Tor and Abbey ruins offer an interesting day out.
Just 8 miles away is the town of Street. This is a great day out for all who enjoy or need retail therapy!! Clarks Village is the first purpose built factory shopping centre in the country, with a wide range of branded goods at discounted prices!!
Just 5 miles from Blackberry Barn, the world’s largest illuminated winter carnival takes place. The Bridgwater Carnival is a sight once seen, never forgotten. Many people come back year after year to witness this spectacular event.
The Bridgwater Carnival commemorates Guy Fawkes’ attempt to blow up Parliament, and takes place on the first Friday of November. The Carnival ‘carts’, so called as they were formerly horse-drawn carts, use up to 25,000 light bulbs and can be a maximum of 100ft long, 11ft wide and 17ft high. Processions are more than two miles long, taking almost two hours to pass any one point.
Squibbing is another Bridgwater tradition. After the carnival procession, the giant fireworks or ‘squibs’ are carried through the town and are set alight in the High Street. The squib that burns the longest is the winner. A fiery finale to a fantastic evening!
If you can’t make it to Blackberry Barn for the Bridgwater Carnival, then there are six more opportunities to see spectacular winter carnivals at other Somerset towns throughout November. If you come to stay at Blackberry Barn to experience these amazing carnivals, why not combine your visit with a trip to Clark’s Village to blitz the Christmas shopping!
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