Nestled in a designated area of outstanding beauty, Buckland Farm Log Cabins are in the heart of the Blackdown Hills. Ideally located on the Somerset and Devon border, Buckland Farm Log Cabins provide the perfect hub to visit the beautiful west country.
While you may never want to leave our lovely log cabins, we are in a perfect location to enjoy some of the wonderful sights, tastes and experiences the west country has to offer. Here are just some of our top tips.
Wonderful west country walks
Our farmland extends to Staple Hill, part of the Forestry Commission’s Neroche Castle. Staple Hill is perfect for a short walk, where views stretch for miles across the Vale of Taunton – on a clear day you can see all the way to Wales. But if you feel in the mood for a more challenging walk, Staple Hill is part of the Staple Fitzpaine Herepath trail, stretching over 13 miles.
If you want to explore further afield, Exmoor National Park, the Quantocks and the World Heritage Jurassic coastline are all within an hour’s drive, where you can enjoy miles of walks and wonderful west country views.
Shop ‘til you drop
If you prefer your walking to include shopping, we are in easy reach of Taunton (15 minute drive) – the county town of Somerset. Here you’ll find a large range of shopping and dining choices. Clarkes Village Designer Retail Outlet, is 40 minutes away. The cities of Exeter and Bristol are within an hour’s drive and well worth a visit.
For groceries, the small market town of Ilminster is a delight, with local butchers, bakers, greengrocers, delis and cafes, plus supermarkets. We also permit supermarket deliveries (strictly between the hours of 10am & 6pm) if you prefer to get your groceries online.
Eating & drinking
If you don’t fancy cooking in the fully equipped, modern kitchen, there are is a lovely range of local pubs, cafes, and places worth a visit:
Local pubs:
- The Candlelight Inn – lovely food, specialist gins, cosy, dog friendly. 3 miles away, (TA20 3RS)
The Eagle Tavern – pub grub, ideal for families. Large beer garden, dog friendly. 3 miles away, (TA20 3JE)
The Five Dials – warm and cosy, offering fresh, seasonal food. 6 miles away, (TA19 9QH)
Local cafes:
- Monks Yard, Ilminster – ideal for traditional breakfasts, sumptuous lunches, and delicious afternoon teas. (TA19 9PT)
- Barleymow’s Farm Shop, Chard – farm shop and café offering lovely, local produce. (TA20 3PS)
- River Cottage, Axminster – Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s canteen & deli (EX13 5AN)
Coastal gems:
- Lyme Regis offers a wide range of dining options from fish and chips on the beach, sea view pubs and restaurants, and fine dining at Hicks Oyster bar.
- Anchor Inn, Seatown – multiple award-winning pub. Fantastic food with an unbeatable coastal view (DT6 6JU)
Of course, you shouldn’t visit the west country without trying award winning local ales, ciders and cheeses.
Fabulous days out
We are in easy reach of many west country visitor attractions, perfect for day trips.
Visit the wonderful west country coast – Lyme Regis, Westbay (Broadchurch location), Seaton, Beer (runner up for village of the year 2018), and Sidmouth (home to the Donkey Sanctuary), with many coastal villages in between worth exploring.
Perfect for the kids – Longleat Safari Park, Fleet Air Arm Museum, Diggerland, Crealy Adventure Park, The Bear Trail, Wookey Hole and Haldon Forest (forest walks, Segway, extreme cycle trails, Go Ape, and disability tramper hire).
Art & Heritage – There are many National Trust properties including Barrington Court, Montacute House and Cheddar Gorge. Travel under steam power along the Somerset Heritage Railway (Bishops Lydeard to Minehead) with many beautiful stops along the way including the medieval town of Dunster. Glastonbury, Hestercombe Gardens, Wildwood Escot, the beautiful city of Bath are also all worth a visit. We’ve even managed to get to Stonehenge within an hour (we recommend setting off early).
Cabins
Primrose
Snowdrop
Poppy
Foxglove