Hands up who's ready to start planning for and enjoying the warmer weather, the longer days, the DRIER weather. Here in South Somerset we are hyped for Spring 2024, here are some of my recommendations.
It's been a long old winter hasn't it, but while I type the birds are in full song, the air is warmer, not quiet T-shirt weather but getting warmer all the same, and there's nothing falling from the sky! The clocks will spring forward soon and surely this means we can start planning our outdoor adventures with some optimism.
If you enjoy walking in picturesque woodlands we have a few near our Shepherd's Hut. This bluebell walk image was captured during April last year at Chedington, a pretty village around 3 miles from here. This walk will only take around 15 minutes and has the added bonus of Winyards Gap Inn next door, great food with a stunning view.
Further West is another hugely popular local woodland at Wayford, another pretty Somerset village which is accessible via a single track road. Worth the risk of needing to reverse to a passing bay though.
If you're less into walking and more into gardens and plants you may well enjoy the Mapperton Gardens Spring Plant Fair on April 14th. This gorgeous garden is only open two days each year and so this is a rare opportunity to admire the plentiful flora and make some purchases to take home.
We have a number of National Trust houses and gardens here in South Somerset; Montacute House, Barrington Court and Lytes Cary for starters. Another absolute beauty of a private garden is Forde Abbey, open from March through to October, just glorious.
Of course we have to mention the most obvious and our closest of walks being that of the apple orchards a few minutes from Esme's Escape, shepherd's hut, belonging to Parrett Brand fruit farm. In blossom during May the rows upon rows of delicate blossom are a sight to behold. You can sample the juice from these fruits at the farm shop at the Southern end of the orchards, maybe enjoy some quiche and cake while you're there.
If you are visiting on a Friday night, you are recommended a walk to the Northern end of the village where you can walk through yet another orchard to attend the North Down Orchard's Cider Barn. They serve their delicious home brewed ciders, my favourite is the medium sparkling, other drinks are available, in the rustic setting of their farm buildings. Guest chefs operate a pop up kitchen and live music is often playing in the background. A true Somerset evening.
If all this sounds too good to miss maybe you should book yourself a stay in our 1940's Land-girl inspired Shepherd's hut, where you can add soaking in the hot tub while star gazing to your itinerary.