The Local Area
Hills, Moors & Woodland
With Somerset on one side, and Devon on the other; visitors to Cosy Barn are spoilt for choice when it comes to Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, National Parks, woodlands and gardens. Visit the famous gardens of Hestercombe House, or head to the wildernesses of the Quantock Hills, Exmoor National Park, Dartmoor, and many more! Ideal for walkers, cyclists, and even horse-riders; there are so many locations to choose from which can guarantee a full day of natural beauty, plenty of wildlife, and most importantly… special memories!
Quantock Hills AONB
As the first region in Britain to be recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, The Quantock Hills are famous for its deep wooded valleys, open heathland and rich flora; making the area perfect for walking, cycling and horse riding. And with so many picturesque villages, traditional pubs, and so much history waiting to be discovered, you won’t fall short of places to explore! Grab your camera and binoculars before you go, you won’t want to forget this stunning scenery! And it’s all just 13 miles away!
Exmoor National Park
Spread across 267 square miles of wild moorland, woodland, valleys and farmland, the stunning landscape of Exmoor National Park boasts so much wildlife, so many quaint villages, and breath taking trails to discover. With thousands of years of history on offer, connect with the nature around you and rediscover your sense of adventure; keep your eyes peeled for red deer, birds of prey, and on a night – dark skies full of stars like you’ve never seen! Wander into villages to discover local pubs, old architecture, tea-rooms, and much more.
Blackdown Hills AONB
We’re so lucky to be based at the foot of the glorious Blackdown Hills; an uninterrupted landscape of steep valleys, forest, farmland, rivers and streams. Thriving with wildlife and with breathtaking views around every corner, the Blackdown Hills is a stunning region to spend your day! So grab your bike, walking boots, saddle up, or call the dog, and head for the hills! With so much to see, history to learn, and villages to discover, you won’t tire of this gem.
Dartmoor National Park
Thriving with open moorland, deep river valleys, rare wildlife, and a rich history, the famous Dartmoor National Park is a unique area of beauty, and ideal for long walks and scenic drives. Spot the wild ponies and other animals roaming free across the National Park, stop off at beauty spots for picnics, and discover picturesque towns and villages! To learn more about this incredible landscape, head to the National Park Visitor’s Centre in Princetown where you can discover suitable trails to walk, learn the local history, or just chat with the locals!
Hestercombe House & Gardens
Known as ‘Somerset’s jewel in the crown’, Hestercombe is a collection of world-renowned gardens that spread over 50 acres, and with so many beautiful plants, activities, talks, exhibitions, and other events to see, it’s no surprise that it’s one of the county’s most popular destinations. Wander through 300 years of garden designs, learn about plants from all over the world, and even buy some flowers to take home and plant yourself!
Mendip Hills AONB
Boasting natural and historic sites such as Chew Valley Lake, Cheddar Gorge, Wells Cathedral, Bishop’s Palace and much more; the Mendip Hills form the perfect location for a day’s adventure with friends or family. With its breathtaking landscapes, steep slopes, deep gorges and valleys; the region takes pride in its status as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. So grab your walking boots, or take a road trip to discover ancient monuments, rich grasslands and a wide variety of wildlife! Noteworthy towns and villages to visit include Cheddar, Winscombe, Blagdon, Bishop Sutton, and Priddy.