Blossom Hill Park

There are many options nearby for those who fancy stretching their legs on a hike: the park is in the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with lots of walks easily accessed (including several that take in a refreshing pub pitstop – hurrah). A little further afield, heaps more trails await in Exmoor National Park and the Quantock Hills – both are around 45 minutes’ drive away. If you’d like to see the area from above, sign up for a gliding lesson or skydive from Dunkeswell Aerodrome, five minutes’ drive away. There’s a golf course and a fishing lake around 15 minutes’ drive away for those who’d prefer to keep their feet firmly on the ground. For a breath of sea air, it’ll take you about half an hour to drive to the coast. Head to Charmouth beach for swimming, Cobb beach for watersports or Lyme Regis for harbour strolls and fishing trips. Fancy washing down your catch with a local vino? Head to Yearlstone Vineyard, a 40-minute drive from the site. Among the other day trips within a half-hour drive or so are Axe Valley Wildlife Park, the Donkey Sanctuary and the gorgeous Bicton Park Botanical Gardens.