Somerset cool blog | writing about cool places & people in Somerset

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A night down the local boozer - theatre, heartbreak and horses!

Oct 19, 2018
4 min

A night down the local boozer - theatre, heartbreak and horses!

Countdown to Victory. That's our quiz team name although believe it or not, this blog isn't about the coolest pub quiz in Somerset! We're actually sitting in our local with a pint of Guinness and a packet of peanuts, watching failing pub landlord, Johnny, shout out quiz questions with the air of a man drowning in the quicksand of mounting debt - and one who's a moment away from being completely pulled under. He's knocking back the booze and desperately trying to keep this "Bi

The Lost Words for Somerset - Four Thoughts

Sep 18, 2018
4 min

The Lost Words for Somerset - Four Thoughts

When I was about 7 or 8, there were days when I loved nothing more than exploring in the woods with my dad... especially in the Autumn when we'd collect huge shiny conkers and copper-coloured leaves, spotting bunnies bouncing around in the fruit-filled hedgerows as we strolled home. The smell of the change of seasons used to fill the air with the sweet promise of a huge hot chocolate once we got there! :) Other times, I'd run a little bit wild with my mates, getting muddy, sp

Art for all - Somerset Open Studios

Sep 13, 2018
7 min

Art for all - Somerset Open Studios

We've started to use the hashtag #artforall on Twitter and Instagram whenever we chat about art, because whoever you are and whatever you do, art can inspire you in ways you'd never expect. Whether it's a detailed pencil illustration bringing nature to life on the paper in front of you, an abstract painting that dazzles you with colour, or a sculpture with simple curves and achingly smooth lines... art can make you think, make you laugh, or just make you stand back and say "W

It's back! Toby's Harvest Festival 2018 - Four Thoughts

Sep 5, 2018
3 min

It's back! Toby's Harvest Festival 2018 - Four Thoughts

September brings with it thoughts of change, that distinctive Autumnal scent in the air and something that's set to become a bit of a Somerset tradition we reckon - Toby Buckland's celebration of all things Harvest, the garden and a whole host of making too! That's right! Toby's Harvest festival is back at beautiful Forde Abbey over the weekend of the 15th & 16th of September and last year, we had a fantastic time exploring all the awesome things to do in these stunning surro

Coastal craving... a North Somerset beach tour!

Aug 16, 2018
5 min

Coastal craving... a North Somerset beach tour!

"Coastal craving", says Graeme "wasn't that a song by KD Lang"? "No. That was Constant Craving" I say, tutting a bit. Coastal craving is clearly miles better, especially when it's a condition that means you can't help but jump in the car and seek out some very cool beaches in Somerset... and that's exactly what we did recently, when we decided the sunshine and sundown just had to be soaked up on the seafront, somewhere we've never properly explored before. Our little adventur

High parts, no lows! A stunning Wells Cathedral tour

Jul 31, 2018
5 min

High parts, no lows! A stunning Wells Cathedral tour

We rush to get to Wells Cathedral on time for the High Parts Tour - a special 'behind the scenes' look at the upper levels of the Cathedral itself, that lets you walk in the footsteps of the stone masons. I don't know if the masons ever had 'one of those days', but for us, everything seems to be late and frustrating (and yes we get stuck behind a tractor on the way here! ;)) As soon as we step through the Cathedral doors though, all that changes. The calm. The clean, cold air

Valley Fest - Year three, Four Thoughts!

Jul 27, 2018
3 min

Valley Fest - Year three, Four Thoughts!

Ahh - flipping gorgeous Valley Fest! ;) It's back in all its' glory this time next week (Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th August) and it's one of the Somerset festivals we look forward to most. There's a very special place in our hearts for the party at Chew Valley Lake! Remember when Craig Charles funked it up (I said FUNKED) in 2016? :) How about that mini tractor driving around last year, full of ace shouty farmers... ... and DJ Yoda headlining the Saturday night? We love all the

Angus and the owls - Four Thoughts

Jul 21, 2018
3 min

Angus and the owls - Four Thoughts

We love a cracking arts trail to follow, don't you? And there's definitely a place in our hearts for wise owls! We've got a stunning barn owl that regularly swoops down into our Somerset garden, an odd 'owl coffee table' sculpture (you put the drinks on her flat head ;)) and we've never been the same since the owls were not what they seemed in Twin Peaks... so when we heard about Minerva’s Owls of Bath 2018, you could say we were a bit over-excited! This major public sculptur

Rubbish art... that's anything but!

Jul 17, 2018
4 min

Rubbish art... that's anything but!

Inside the old HSBC building in Shepton Mallet, something rubbish is happening. "Err... so why are you wasting our time with it," you shout, as you reach for the tea/orange squash/gin (delete as appropriate) and vow never to read these blogs ever again! ;) Well, hang on just a minute... we only say rubbish because this beautiful ex-bank (with its' high ceilings, character by the vault-load and new name the 'Art Bank'), has become home to a small group of artists who are takin

Tankus the Henge - Four Thoughts

Jul 5, 2018
4 min

Tankus the Henge - Four Thoughts

Want to brighten up your week? Fancy jumping on board a runaway train that's hurtling towards Somerset with no plans to slam on the brakes any time ever? Ever closed your eyes and wished for a genie who would sing their heart out and dance on a piano like a deamon? ;) Well, for any and all of this, you've come to the right place... as we take a small theatrical bow, wave our hands about like we're on the fairground waltzers and present our little interview with the inspiring

Lavender fields forever

Jun 27, 2018
8 min

Lavender fields forever

Move over strawberry fields... lavender has arrived! Ahh. The smell of it. That unmistakable mix of floral and herbal. It’s relaxing, healing and I absolutely love it - always have. For me, there’s something about the scent that can be calming and soothing on the one hand and on the other, it can give you a natural boost. Don't worry... I'm not about to get hooked and do dodgy lavender deals in pub car parks ;), but I never knew why it could have different effects, until I vi

The Junkyard Rabbit - Four Thoughts

Jun 21, 2018
3 min

The Junkyard Rabbit - Four Thoughts

It's about time we had another 'Four Thoughts' don't you reckon? The time when we interview someone ace and ask them four questions we think you'd love to know the answers to? Well, we're really excited about this one because we've been chatting to Laura New, the brilliant creative behind The Junkyard Rabbit - a virtual shop filled to the brim with colour and dinosaurs and cool toys and retro figures that have been given a completely new look... and that look is RAAAWesome! (

Caught by the (Hot) Fuzz!

Jun 6, 2018
7 min

Caught by the (Hot) Fuzz!

Police Constable Nicholas Angel. Born and schooled in London. Graduated Canterbury University in 1993, with a double first in Politics and Sociology. Attended Hendon College of Police Training. Displayed great aptitude in field exercises and made Sergeant in *whispers* Sandford, Gloucestershire... … but we all flipping know that most of Hot Fuzz was filmed in Wells, Somerset ;) and we love the bones of the film, so when we discovered we could go on a Hot Fuzz Walking Tour to

Change tastes great at Clavelshay!

May 30, 2018
4 min

Change tastes great at Clavelshay!

Have you been to Clavelshay Barn yet? It’s no secret that it’s one of our favourite places to eat out in Somerset. Magically tucked away on a farm in the stunning Quantock Hills, it’s relaxed yet special, dog friendly so you can take your hounds with you and it’s had all the love and attention poured in to it that owner Sue Milverton has to give. This shows in the very heartbeat of the barn. Since discovering this Somerset gem last year, we’ve spent some brilliant times there

Somerset Garden Day 2018 - Four Thoughts

May 10, 2018
4 min

Somerset Garden Day 2018 - Four Thoughts

If you follow us on Twitter and Instagram you'll know that just over two years ago, we took on the care of a beautiful garden that used to be part of the National Open Garden Scheme (no pressure then! ;)). It's a place of absolute beauty and it's been an adventure trying to keep on top of it, put it that way! We're learning as we go and for us, the joy of planning, being outside in the fresh air, seeing the wildlife that lives here and pouring our hearts in to the garden when

Children's World - Four Thoughts

Apr 29, 2018
4 min

Children's World - Four Thoughts

It’s definitely about time for another 'Four Thoughts'… when we interview the people doing amazing things in Somerset. For this one, we’re focusing on Community and Charity and we’ve been chatting to Paddy Hill and Kristen Lindop, Directors of Children’s World - an awesome charity that brings creativity, learning and fun to children all across our county and beyond. They enrich children's lives through workshops, integration and other interactive sessions, particularly the li

Lion Rock Tea Rooms - Four Thoughts

Apr 20, 2018
4 min

Lion Rock Tea Rooms - Four Thoughts

Pop the kettle on and get out the celebratory bunting! It's National Tea Day 2018 today and as we love nothing more than a beautiful cuppa, we've been chatting to the owner of one of the loveliest Somerset tea spots... Simon, at The Lion Rock Tea Rooms in Cheddar. So, sit back, relax, sip your tea of choice and read Simon's take on what makes Lion Rock so special, who he'd have a cuppa with at the Tea Rooms if he could and all about their loose leaf teas. Now that's what we c

The Luttrell Arms - history, secrets & the best fish & chips!

Apr 15, 2018
5 min

The Luttrell Arms - history, secrets & the best fish & chips!

We’ve been to Dunster Village twice now and both times we’ve been drawn to The Luttrell Arms – the historic hotel and coaching inn at the top of Dunster High Street. There’s something magical about the imposing stone entrance that tempts you inside to discover more... and both times we’ve also been flipping freezing, so the roar of the log fires has certainly shouted out to us, and to our dogs! :) Once you’re through the door, The Luttrell Arms is definitely more than meets t

Heavenly afternoon tea at Chapel House

Mar 26, 2018
6 min

Heavenly afternoon tea at Chapel House

What makes a great tea room, coffee shop or somewhere to grab a spot of lunch when you’re out and about? A place with amazing homemade cakes and savouries? Fresh Cappuccino made by people who genuinely understand coffee quality? A beautiful building to while away the hours in? Somewhere bright and beautiful that’s dog friendly too? (woo hoo!) Well, if you’re in Dunster and this sounds like your idea of heaven, pop by Chapel House Tea Room on West Street… because not only hav

A Winter weekend away, with Ted

Dec 31, 2017
5 min

A Winter weekend away, with Ted

A few weeks ago, our head was well and truly turned. By Ted. He stole a piece of our heart too… but don’t panic, you haven’t accidentally stumbled across our other 'secret romantic confessions' blog (that doesn’t exist, you’ll be relieved to hear) ;). Ted is actually a truly amazing Shepherds Hut, nestled in the stunning Somerset countryside of the Mendip Hills, just outside Wells. He’s a very special rural retreat and a bit of a mystery too, as there’s no sign and definitely