STOGUMBER

For those seeking to get away from the busier tourist areas of Britain, Somerset is a hidden gem of the West Country.

The ancient village of Stogumber lies between the outstandingly beautiful Quantock Hills and Exmoor. It is central to the towns of Taunton, Bridgwater and Minehead.

Excavations within the village have revealed artefacts dating from the Iron Age, and there was an established settlement here in Anglo Saxon times. By the early 16th Century Stogumber was a thriving wool town on the trade route to the ancient port of Watchet - west country wool being particularly highly prized. Stogumber was also famous for the beer made in the village's brewery, although this closed in 1912, and is now a private house. Agriculture remains the main activity in the area, the village being surrounded by miles of rolling farmland. You can learn more about the village by visiting Stogumber's own website.

From Hall Farm, a short stroll through the adjoining churchyard will take you past the 14th Century Church of St Mary, with it's beautiful William Morris style decoration, to the village square, with shop, post office and the village pub.

Stogumber offers the perfect base from which to explore this beautiful and unspoilt area of rural England.