GUEST INFORMATION ~ BLAGDON, THE WEST COUNTRY AND NEARBY
ATTRACTIONS
ON THE DOORSTEP
Ashcroft is located on the outskirts of Blagdon village on the edge
of the Mendips, with stunning views in all directions over the Mendip
Hills, woodland and across the Channel to the Welsh hills.
Blagdon Village
Blagdon is one of the loveliest villages in the Chew Valley, nestling
on the slopes of the Mendip Hills in the heart of the West Country’s
best mountain-biking, horse-riding and walking country. Some of Britain’s
richest archaeology can be found in this beautiful landscape. The village
web site can be found at www.blagdon.org.
The village centre is about half a mile away and provides good amenities
including a wonderful, friendly and well stocked village store, with
a Post Office, more info at www.blagdonstores.com.
There is a real old-fashioned family butcher’s shop selling locally
reared meat, and a stylish beauty salon.
Blagdon is also home to numerous pubs, all serving food, so visitors
are spoilt for choice. Our favourite is The Plume of Feathers at Rickford,
just outside Blagdon, which serves excellent food and welcomes children
of all ages.
Ashcroft is also at the top of Burrington Combe, which is a super starting
point for many wonderful walks and rides. The bottom of the Combe has
a pleasant family café/restaurant, an ideal stop for tea and
cake or an ice-cream after an essential view of the 'Rock of Ages'.
Blagdon & Chew Valley Lakes
Pictured above is Blagdon church on the edge of Blagdon's wonderful
440 acre world-class trout fishing lake with a 7-mile perimeter. Itis
the home of still water trout fishing to anglers the world over, as
well as a being nature reserve and home to many birds and other wildlife.
Walking or driving down into Blagdon, from our vantage point at Ashcroft,
provides a stunning panoramic view of the lake and village below.
Blagdon’s lake also provides some lovely walks and picnic areas.
There are regular events and open days at the Visitor Centre / Pumping
Station, http://www.bristol-water.co.uk/leisure/, owned by Bristol Water.
More fishing information can be found at http://blagdonlake.madasafish.com/
Blagdon is situated 12 miles from Bristol, 9 miles from the City of
Wells and 18 miles from Bath, all of which are very easily accessible.
Bristol International Airport is 5 miles / 10 minutes drive away and
the nearest access to the M5 motorway is at Junction 21, 10 miles away.
Fishing - For more info about the fishing season, availability
of day and afternoon bank permits and hire of rowing boats, www.cse.bris.ac.uk/~cckhrb/BW/blagdon.htm
For local weekly updates open a new browser window for www.blagdon-lake.net.
Birdwatching - Wintering waterfowl are the
main attraction for birders and unusual feathered visitors to the lakes
are often reported in birdwatching magazines. For wonderful local bird
photos by guest Susanne Mueller click here.
Chew Valley Lake
Continuing on, Chew Valley Lake is the largest artificial freshwater
lake in South West England. An internationally renowned spot for birds,
there is boating, a lake side area with visitor centre, tearoom, and
nature trail. Bird watchers should visit http://www.cvlbirding.co.uk.
In addition, it is the location of a submerged Roman Villa – the
old Roman road just continues into the lake, mysteriously! The sailing
club can be found at www.chewvalleysailing.org.uk and fishing information
is at http://eis.bris.ac.uk/~cckhrb/BW/chew.htm. At the other side of
the lake on the A368 Bath road is the award-winning ‘Manor Farm
Shop’, great for real farm shopping and tea and cake in the café!
The Chew Valley web site is at http://www.chewvalley.co.uk/
Mendip Hills AONB
The Mendip Hills is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,
acknowledged as one of Britain’s finest landscapes, and specially
protected and managed. http://www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk. From 'top
of the world', huge panoramic views across the Bristol Channel and Somerset
levels, to stunning vistas through deep, forested combes. Home to numerous
Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI’s), and bordering some
of Britain’s most important wetlands, The Mendip Hills has something
for everyone, and awaits your discovery…
This unique landscape contains some of the oldest hills in Britain,
formed at the same time as the Alps in Europe. It is one of Britain's
richest and most fascinating sites of pre-history and archaeology. The
Mendip Hills contain signs of some of the earliest human occupation
in Britain, and are home to Neolithic henge monuments, Bronze-age barrows,
Iron Age hill forts & evidence of extensive Roman occupation. There
are many sites of special scientific interest (SSSI's), designated for
their rare and important flora as well as the unique geology of the
area, Cheddar Gorge and Caves being of particular note.
The highest point on the Mendips, Beacon Batch on the top of Blackdown,
can give a feeling of true wilderness and isolation without ever being
too far from civilisation. Wildlife abounds, watch as Kestrels dive
into the heather to catch their prey and Buzzards circle high overhead
on thermal air currents. From Ashcroft House, Blackdown provides an
ever-present back-drop, swathed in purple heather in the spring, and
sometimes snow-capped in winter. Deer and wild ponies are silhouetted
against wonderful summer sunsets. Blackdown affords remarkable 360 degree
views across the Severn Estuary, and both Severn Bridges to Wales, across
the Somerset Levels and Moors to the Quantock Hills, Blackdown Hills,
Chew Valley & Blagdon lakes and Cheddar Gorge.
Horse riding and trekking at Tynings Farm -
Not far from Ashcroft - Tel: 01934 742501
The Mendip Hills AONB Service - www.mendiphills.org.uk
- for events including rural skills courses.
The Mendip Society - www.mendipsociety.org.uk
- for talks, walks, visits and events.
August: The Green Gathering (Mendip, local)
At the Cheddar crossroads, 2 miles from Ashcroft. Fabulous eco-friendly
event at Ferndale Farm. www.big-green-gathering.com/
Burrington Ham / Black Down / Roberrow Forest
Right on our doorstep, this is the largest area of open land in the
AONB. Black Down trig point is the highest point on Mendip offering
terrific views across to Wales. There is significant wildlife and archaeology
in the immediate area including a substantial iron-age hill fort (Dolebury,
pictured). There are stunning views of Black Down from both our family
rooms, and similarly breathtaking views across to Wales from the rear
of the house. You can walk directly to Burrington Ham from Ashcroft
by footpath, following the West Mendip Way Limestone Link.
Cheddar Gorge & Caves
This dramatic limestone gorge ends in the village of Cheddar with shops,
pubs, tearooms, restaurants situated at the bottom. A major tourist
attraction, Britain’s biggest Gorge offers plenty to do above
and below ground with the Cathedral-like Caves, million-year-old Ice
Age river bed & of course, ‘Cheddar Man’, Britain's
oldest complete skeleton! http://www.cheddarcaves.co.uk/
Wookey Caves & Papermill
Britain's most spectacular showcaves, home of the Witch of Wookey;
Victorian Papermill - Traditional papermaking - Old Penny Pier, Magical
Mirror Maze, Neptunes Kingdom, Caves Museum. Attractive picnic areas
Safe environment for children
http://www.wookey.co.uk/welcome.htm
ATTRACTIONS NEARBY
WELLS
 The City
of Wells is just 15 minutes from Ashcroft and is not to be missed! It
is Britain’s smallest city and is home to one of the loveliest
English Cathedrals, featuring the finest medieval statuary in the country
(603 figures of kings, princes and nobles). We love the mechanical clock
inside the cathedral. There are numerous other historical buildings,
including the Bishop's Palace, which is still home to the Bishop of
Bath & Wells. If you’ve seen the movie ‘Hot Fuzz’,
you’ll recognize much of Wells, as it was filmed here!
Wells also has a bustling market, normally held every Wednesday and
Saturday morning, and numerous lovely shops. The Cathedral hosts many
concerts and events, and it’s well worth checking out the web
site to see what’s going on. A visit to Wells isn’t complete
without lunch at ‘The Good Earth’. Formerly an Egon Ronay
‘just a bite’ recommendation, this wholefood café
serves excellent food at a very sensible price. It has been our firm
favourite for many, many years and always gets rave reviews from our
visitors and guests.
On the way to, or from, Wells you might like to call in to Milton Lodge
Gardens. This Grade II listed garden is delightful, with outstanding
views of Wells Cathedral and the Vale of Avalon. It has mixed borders,
roses, fine trees, and a separate 7 acre arboretum. Opening is limited
- Easter - Oct. Tues, Wed, Sunday & Bank Hols. Tea & cake served
(on Sundays in the old stables) by the owner’s mother, a delightful
lady who, if it’s quiet, is usually happy to tell you all about
the history of this quirky place.
GLASTONBURY
 Glastonbury
Tor rises dramatically from the flat landscape of the Somerset Levels,
close to the town of Glastonbury, to a height of 158 metres (525 feet).
The Tor is topped by the tower of a ruined 15th-century church (St Michael's).
The hill and its approaches are owned by the National Trust, and offer
free public access, but visitors are advised to walk there from the
town centre, or to take the 'Tor Bus', due to parking restrictions around
the site. Views from the summit are stunning in all directions. History,
myth and legend surround the Tor. Dark Age and Saxon remains excavated
here suggested that it was once a Saxon fortress, or perhaps an early
Christian hermitage.
Close to the foot of the Tor are the Chalice Well Gardens, a lovely
place to stop and relax, have a wander around, contemplate life the
universe, etc! There is also a font with water from the ‘Holy
Well’, the spring, where you can collect water to drink. We also
like the Rainbow’s End café, it serves good value and very
tasty vegetarian food.
The Somerset Rural Life Museum is also not far from the Tor. It is
a magnificent Medieval Abbey barn and Victorian farmhouse with displays,
 exhibitions,
craft and farming demonstrations and special events. Shop & tea
room. www.somerset.gov.uk/museums
Traditionally the oldest Christian sanctury in the UK, Glastonbury
Abbey www.glastonburyabbey.com is the legendary burial place of King
Arthur. 36 Beautiful acres, Holy Thorn. Award winning museum.
SOMERSET LEVELS
 This
remarkable area has international status as one of the most important
wetlands of its type in the world. Almost half of the Levels &  Moors
is designated an Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) and parts of the
wetland are designated a 'Ramsar' site of international importance,
and a Special Protection Area, to ensure 'wise' or 'sustainable' use.
Several DEFRA initiatives specifically encourage farmers to 'wise use',
such as the Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS) and Environmentally
Sensitive Areas Scheme (ESA). Wise use of a wetland results in richness
of flowers and wildlife. You can visit the Peat Moors Centre, http://www.somerset.gov.uk/somerset/cultureheritage/heritage/pmc/
for craft and living history demonstrations, and insight into the history
of the area.
CLEVEDON
Clevedon is a Victorian seaside town of unspoiled charm. Enjoying
glorious views across the Bristol Channel, the local coastal walks have
inspired many great writers including Tennyson, Thackeray and Coleridge.
Clevedon Pier is the jewel in the crown, one of the finest and most
important Victorian Piers in the country. The town also boasts the Curzon
Community Cinema which is said to be the "oldest purpose-built
continuously operated cinema in the world."
An ideal resort for all the family with plenty of activities, whether
you like to take things at a leisurely pace or prefer a more energetic
approach. There are summer concerts in the seafront bandstand, and other
events, plus activities such as golf, fishing and riding nearby. Salthouse
Fields adjoining the seafront has children's attractions, donkey rides,
a play area and nearby a miniature railway.
There is individual charm in the specialist shops plus the familiar
high street names and an excellent choice of restaurants and cafes.
Close to the town there is a craft centre where you can buy quality
gifts from the artists themselves. There are National Trust properties
nearby and fantastic garden centres.
Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm at Wraxall. www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk
Big zoo animals close up, huge indoor adventure playgrounds, friendly
farm animals to handle.
BRISTOL
(25-35 minutes from Ashcroft)
Clifton Suspension Bridge www.clifton-suspension-bridge.org.uk
Brunel’s world-famous bridge is the symbol of Bristol. Visitor
information point, great walk across from Clifton to Ashton Court estate.
SS Great Britain www.ssgreatbritain.org
The world’s most exciting and accessible historic ship. Dockyard
Museum, various attractions, family fun.
The Matthew www.matthew.co.uk
Bristol’s one and only tall ship. Public harbour cruises, part
of the SS Great Britain visitor attraction.
Bristol city sightseeing www.bristolvisitor.co.uk
Live guides, hop on and hop off buses. Discount vouchers, free kids
packs. Tel 0870 444 0654.
Bristol Ferry Boat Co www.bristolferry.com
Take a ride on one of Bristol’s ferries! Tel 0117 927 3416.
@t Bristol www.at-bristol.org.uk
The interactive adventure of a lifetime. Explore is the UK’s most
exciting hands-on science centre. Wildwalk has botanical houses, live
animals and interactive exhibits. Finally, take a voyage with the IMAX
theatre.
Bristol Zoo Gardens www.bristolzoo.org.uk
New monkey jungle with monkeys, lemurs and gorillas. The award-winning
seal and penguin coast, bug world, twilight world, reptile house and
much more.
Ashton Court Estate
Stunning 850 acre historic public park and major event venue. Café,
visitor centre and rose garden. 0117 963 9174.
Horseworld www.horseworld.org.uk
Rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing of horses, ponies and donkeys.
Family-friendly visitor centre. Groom the animals, indoor and outdoor
play areas, gift shop, tea room.
Avon Valley Railway www.avonvalleyrailway.org
Located between Bristol & Bath, this heritage railway offers a nostalgic
journey. Riverside walks, picnic areas, etc.
BATH
(30-40 minutes from Ashcroft)
Bath Spa www.themaebathspa.com
Located in the heart of Bath and fed by the natural hot springs. Spa
sessions and treatments.
Roman Baths www.romanbaths.co.uk
The finest religious spa in Northern Europe, built 2000 years ago around
the country’s only hot springs. Roman museum, special audiotour
for children, etc.
WESTON-SUPER-MARE
(15-20 minutes from Ashcroft)
Weston-super-Mare is a bustling seaside resort. The broad sweep of
Weston Bay has an award winning Grade II listed Grand Pier, a level
promenade, and of course the famous Weston donkeys!
Helicopter museum www.helicoptermuseum.co.uk
World’s largest helicopter museum. 70+ helicopters, undercover,
including the world speed record holder. Take a helicopter flight! Under
12’s can stage a rescue in the Lynx helicopter play area.
Puxton Park http://www.puxton.co.uk/info.php
Family farm attraction, farm shop, animals, play areas, suitable for
all weathers!
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
(1 hour from Ashcroft)
Slimbridge Wetlands Centre www.wwt.org.uk
One of nine Wildfowl and Wetland Centres run by the WWT. The world’s
largest collection of exotic, rare and endangered ducks, geese and swans
in a reserve of international importance.
Westonbirt Arboretum www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
One of our favourite places, Westonbirt has one of the finest collections
of trees and shrubs in the world, set in 600 acres. Beautiful and family-friendly
at any time of the year.
Golf Courses
Brean Golf Course
Burnham-on-Sea
01278 752111
proshop@brean.com
Burnham & Berrow Golf Club LTD
Burnham-On-Sea
01278 785760
secretary@burnhamandberrow.co.uk
Cheddington Golf Club
South Perrott
01935 891413
admincgc@tiscali.co.uk
Clevedon Golf Club
Clevedon
01275 874057
secretary@clevedongolfclub.co.uk
Farrington Golf Club
Farrington Gurney
01761 451596
info@farringtongolfclub.net
Frome Golf Club
Frome
01373 453410
fromegolfclub@yahoo.co.uk
Isle of Wedmore Golf Club
Wedmore
01934 712222
gc.gcgs1@btconnect.com
Long Ashton Golf Club
Clarken Coombe
01275 392229
secretary@longashtongolfclub.co.uk
Mendip Golf Club
Radstock
01749 840570
secretary@mendipgolfclub.co.uk
Mendip Spring Golf & Country Club
Congresbury
01934 852322
info@mendipspringgolfclub.co.uk
Orchadleigh Golf Club
Frome
01373 454200
info@orchardleighgolf.co.uk
Tall Pines Golf Club
Backwell
01275 472076
tallpinesgc@uhonline.co.uk
Wells Golf Club
Wells
01749 675005
secretary@wellsgolfclub99.freeserve.co.uk
Weston-super-Mare Golf Club
Weston-super-Mare
01934 626968
wsmgolfclub@eurotelbroadband.com
Wheathill Golf Club
Somerton
01963 240667
wheathill@wheathill.fsnet.co.uk
Worlebury Golf Club
Weston-super-Mare
01934 623214
info@worleburygc.co.uk
Swimming Pools
Backwell Leisure Centre
Backwell
01275 463726
Burnham Pool
Burnham-on-Sea
01278 785909
Cheddar Swimming Pool
Cheddar
01934 744939
Churchill Leisure Centre
Churchill
01934 852303
Frome Leisure Centre
Frome
01373 465446
Greenbank Swimming Pool
Street
01458 442468
Hutton Moor Leisure Centre
Weston-super-Mare
01934 425900
Parish Wharf Leisure Centre
Portishead
01275 848494
Portishead Open Air Pool
Portishaed
01275 843454
Shepton Mallet Outdoor Swimming Pool
Shepton Mallet
01749 342126
Strode Leisure Centre
Clevedon
01275 877182
Strode Swimming Pool
Street
01458 443918
Taunton Swimming Pool
Taunton
01823 284108
Wellington Sports Centre
Wellington
01823 663010
Wells Leisure Centre
Wells
01749 670055
LINKS
Visiting
the Heritage City of Bath? Stay
with our friends Sue & Alan in their gorgeous Victorian townhouse
at Belgrave Crescent B&B
for a warm welcome, easy access to the centre of Bath, luxurious rooms
and stunning views.
www.walkthemendips.com
- Conservation & Ecology for Leisure or Professional Development
on the Mendips
All web site content
copyright Adrian Boots 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007. Photographs of Blagdon,
Burringon & Lakes with thanks to Dave Parke.
Ashcroft House, Ellick Road, Blagdon, Bristol BS40 7TU. Tel:
01761 463356 Email: Ashcroft
B&B |
