Bridlecott, Monksilver

In Monksilver

The Notley Arms Inn -- A traditional country inn on Front Street, rebuilt around 1870 and run by hosts Simon and Caroline. The kitchen holds an AA Rosette and bakes its own bread, cures its own ham, and dry-ages Longhorn beef for up to fifty days. Somerset ales, ciders, and wines are served alongside hearty meals using local produce. There is a beautiful beer garden bounded by a stream and a roaring fire indoors in winter. Dog-friendly and family-friendly. Food is served daily except Mondays. Booking recommended.

Nearby

The Bicknoller Inn (3.5 miles) -- A thatched village pub at the foot of the Quantock Hills, known for its home-cooked food using locally sourced ingredients. The flagstone-floored bar has an open fire, and there is a courtyard garden with a boules court. Tuesday evenings are fish and chip night. Sunday carvery with three meats and seasonal vegetables. Dog-friendly. Booking advised.

Williton (3 miles) -- The town has several restaurants and takeaway outlets for a broader choice of dining.

Minehead (10 miles) -- A seaside town with a wider selection of restaurants, cafes, and fish and chip shops, including harbour-side dining.

Dunster (7 miles) -- The medieval village beneath the castle has several tea rooms and restaurants, including The Luttrell Arms Hotel which offers afternoon teas and evening dining.

All Saints Church, Monksilver -- The village church stands on a rise over Front Street, with parts dating to the 12th century and most of the building from the 13th and 14th centuries. It was dedicated in 1449 and is mentioned in the Domesday Book. Inside you will find a set of outstanding medieval bench ends carved with figures of animals, birds, foliage, and a pagan Green Man symbol. The wedding of Sir Francis Drake to Elizabeth Sydenham is thought to have taken place here.

Combe Sydenham Hall -- A Tudor manor house just a quarter of a mile from Monksilver, built in 1580 by Sir George Sydenham. The 500-acre estate features a deer park with fallow deer, heritage parkland, and woodland trails. The country park is generally open from March to September. Check opening times before visiting.

West Somerset Railway -- The longest heritage steam railway in Britain runs 20 miles from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard, with ten stations along the route. The nearest station at Williton is three miles away and has a heritage diesel and steam depot. A wonderful day out for all ages.

Cleeve Abbey (3 miles) -- A medieval Cistercian monastery at Washford, managed by English Heritage. It has the most complete set of monastic cloister buildings in England, with a magnificent tiled floor dating from around 1270 and a refectory with a beautiful angel roof. Open April to October.

Dunster Castle (7 miles) -- A striking medieval castle set in beautiful gardens, managed by the National Trust. The historic village of Dunster at its feet has a yarn market, dovecote, and packhorse bridge.

Stargazing -- Exmoor was designated as the first International Dark Sky Reserve in Europe in 2011. On clear nights you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye. Brendon Two Gates is a designated Dark Sky Discovery Site, and guided stargazing sessions and telescope hire are available.

Horse riding -- Several riding stables in the area offer moorland treks across Exmoor, suitable for all abilities.

Walks

The Coleridge Way -- This 51-mile waymarked trail between Nether Stowey and Lynmouth passes close to Monksilver, crossing both the Quantock Hills and Exmoor National Park. Shorter sections make excellent day walks with glorious scenery.

Combe Sydenham Estate -- Woodland and parkland trails through the 500-acre estate begin right on the doorstep at Bridlecott. A gentle walk through the deer park and ancient woodland.

Brendon Hills -- The rolling hills south of the village offer quiet lanes and footpaths with wide views across mid-Somerset. Good for cycling as well as walking.

Quantock Hills -- This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a short drive east and offers ridge walks with panoramic views, ancient oak woodland, and herds of wild red deer. The Quantock Greenway is a 25-mile trail through the heart of the hills.

Dunster and Horner Woods (7 miles) -- Walk through one of the finest ancient oak woodlands in Britain, part of a National Nature Reserve. Excellent for autumn colour and wild red deer spotting.

South West Coast Path -- The coast at Watchet and Minehead is within easy driving distance. From Minehead, the South West Coast Path runs 630 miles to Poole, and the stretch east along the coast to Porlock is particularly dramatic.

Beaches

Minehead (10 miles) -- A sandy beach with facilities, ideal for families. The seafront also has an esplanade and gardens.

Watchet (5 miles) -- A small harbour town with a pebbly beach and a marina. The town has connections to the Rime of the Ancient Mariner and a statue of the mariner on the harbour wall.

Blue Anchor (7 miles) -- A quiet pebble and shingle beach with views across the Bristol Channel to Wales.

North Devon beaches -- The golden sand beaches at Woolacombe, Croyde, and Saunton are within reach for a day trip, approximately one hour by car.