Eat - Visit - Experience
Brown and Forrest Smokery, Restaurant and Shop
A small family run smokery, started 37 years ago here in Somerset, producing the finest smoked eel and salmon as well as a whole range of delicious smoked foods including smoked chicken, duck, lamb and trout. The restaurant menu is mainly made up of fresh offerings straight out the smokers – served simply with salad, new potatoes, bread & roasted veg. Also homemade quiches, terrines, pies and much more depending on the seasons & time of year.
The Drayton Crown
In the picturesque village of Drayton you'll find the Drayton Crown. A Grade 2 listed public house, which has recently undergone sympathetic and extensive restoration. With traditional, yet contemporary décor it offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere much enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
The bar offers a wide selection of local draught beers, guest ales, lagers, ciders, fine wines and spirits.
Open throughout the day for morning coffee, lunches and evening meals, with a comprehensive menu of freshly-prepared dishes, including lighter bites and specials, made from fresh locally-sourced (whenever possible) ingredients.
Lower Woodlands Glamping is perfectly situated for access to many of the Somerset and Devon AONBs. These include the Quantock Hills, the Blackdown Hills, and Exmoor National Park.
Ilminster - Local Market Town
While you're staying at Lower Woodlands it is well worth driving the 4 miles into our local market town
of Ilminster. Here you'll find a lovely selection of small shops and cafes, as well as other essentials such as the Post Office and banks. A must do is a visit to the beautiful Minster church. A small market takes place every Thursday morning.
Badbury Flower Company
Just a short walk down the lane from Lower Woodlands, you'll find our local flower farm. Here you'll find a dedicated cutting garden of traditional british cottage garden flowers - all scented and seasonal. The flowers are sold at local produce markets as well as being available for weddings, events and special occasion bouquets. Come a take a look - and perhaps make a beautiful, fragrant hand-tied posy to take away with you.
Seasonal - please check availability.
If you want to take the slow road - borrow a bike and spend the day cycling through charming villages or along the River Parrett from Langport. You'll really get to see the countryside, breathe lots of fresh country air and experience a variety of good watering-holes along the way (or take a packed lunch). Then return to your shepherd hut for an evening around the firepit, pop a cork or two while watching the swallows go to roost, and as darkness falls, the owls hooting. Then turn-in for a deep, refreshing sleep. What could be more perfect?
For a unique experience, why not take a short walk into the village of Isle Abbotts and visit our very own miniature steam railway. The engines will take you from the platform for a short ride along a landscaped route through part of the village. The railway is privately owned and has been built and maintained by Martin and Barbara over many years. They will be delighted to tell you about it's evolution - and what a great photo opportunity too!
Visits are subject to availability and advance booking is essential. A small donation towards the Isle Abbotts church fund would be greatly appreciated.
At the heart of Isle Abbotts lies the Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, dating back to the 13th Century with a magnificent tower added around 1510. Major restoration work took place in 2006 and the tower is now restored to its former glory. Well worth a visit.
Get an amazing insight into the workmanship, commitment to tradition, care and vision that goes into the creation of a Blackdown Shepherd Hut. Visit the workshop and view just a few of the luxurious huts handcrafted by Will and his team.
Monday to Friday only. Advance booking essential.
Badbury Flower Company
Take a short stroll along Woodlands lane, and just 5 minutes from your hut, you'll find Badbury Flower Company. A small flower farm growing beautiful cottage garden flowers for weddings, markets and everyday. Pop along and treat yourself to a lovely hand-tied posy to take home.
Advanced booking required.