The Old Pigsty

Tourist Attractions

 

Here are a few suggestions of some enjoyable days out on the doorstep of The Old Pigsty:

 

Bishops Lydeard Mill - to the North West of Taunton this restored water mill was opened to the public in 2003. There are a number of traditional trades and crafts on display including a wheelwright shop, saddlers shop and a thatching display. The exhibits are brought to life with the use of authentic sights and smells. The mill has a teashop with an excellent view of the waterwheel and an outside seating area for those hot British summers!

 

West Somerset Railway - also to the North West of Taunton at Bishops Lydeard, this is a restored county branch line of the old Great Western Railway. The trains take a 20 mile journey to Minehead, passing through varied and beautiful countryside. Besides the incredible scenery of the Quantock Hills, the farms and lanes and the towns of Dunster and Minehead, visitors can see first hand the historic steam locomotives, coaches and wagons together with the unique station buildings.

 

Wellington Monument - Named after the Duke of Wellington following his victory over the French at Talavera, the monument stands 175feet tall and overlooks the town of Wellington. Completed in 1854, it is owned by the National Trust and stands in 4.8 hectares affording delightful walks. On a clear day, there are spectacular views to Exmoor, the Quantocks and the Bristol Channel.

 

Sheppy's Cider - off the A38 between Taunton and Wellington, this is a family run business providing quality cider. This is a 370 acre farm using traditional methods of production and aiming to give the public as close a view as possible of how and where its product is produced. There is a museum and cider shop, cider sampling as well as a tearoom and picnic area.

 

Somerset Levels & Moors - at the heart of Somerset lies an area of outstanding beauty called the Levels and Moors. It has international status as one of the most important wetlands of its type and is immensely rich in wildlife, being particularly important for migrating birds and otters.

 

Surrounded by the wetlands of the Somerset Levels, Burrow Mump is a large hill topped by a ruined church. The church was used as a refuge by the Royalist troops in the Civil war and is now owned by the National Trust. The hill affords spectacular views over the village of Burrowbridge and beyond.

 

Westonzoyland Pumping Station Museum - just outside the village of Westonzoyland, not far from Bridgwater, is the South of England's largest collection of Stationary Steam Engines & Pumps. With over 28 engines in operation on Steaming Days it is a must see attraction. Open every Sunday and in Steam on the first Sunday of the Month April to October and most Bank Holidays including New Years Day. 

 

Willow and Wetlands Centre - to the North East of Taunton on the Somerset levels, this is the home to a 150 year old family business and an exhibition on the traditional Somerset art of willow growing and basket making. There is a tearoom and a shop where willow crafts may be purchased together with guided walks.

 

Clarks Village - is a fantastic shopping outlet with a broad range of shops, from clothing through to cookware, chocolate and cosmetics.