We have prepared this welcome pack to help you get maximum enjoyment out of your stay with plenty of local recommendations as well as some practical information on the running of the cottage.

SHEPTON MALLET

Directions

You can easily walk into Shepton Mallet from Grange Cottage in about 10 minutes.

The most interesting way to walk into Shepton is to turn left out of our drive onto Forum Lane and then left again onto the small lane, just before the pub. Keep to the left of the River Sheppey, avoiding the main road and walk through “The Meadows,” your path will take you through some fields, then through a residential area and eventually you should pop out somewhere near the bottom of the High Street by walking up a little no car access road to join Waterloo Road.

Alternatively you can turn left out of our drive and cross the main road at the bottom of Forum Lane and walk up Coombe Lane. Turn left at the top of Coombe Lane, keep walking and you will reach Townsend Shopping Park (here you will find Argos, Boots, Sports Direct, New Look, Pets Corner, Tesco and Costa Coffee) and if you keep walking you will reach the top of the High Street on the left (just past Screwfix). The Coombe Lane route is also the way to the lido which can be reached either via one of two steep foot paths leading up from the left side of Coombe Lane or by getting to the top of Coombe Lane, turning left and then left again down a residential road which has a sign post for the swimming pool.

Shepton Mallet has a lovely park with a brand new kids area. It is called Collett Park

Markets

The regular weekly market is every Friday from 9am to 2pm in the Market Square with a small selection of food stalls including a fishmongers, fruit and vegetables, cheese and eggs, cakes and local cider.

There is also a larger monthly Sunday market on the last Sunday of most months, also in the Market Square. This has a wonderful array of food and craft stalls as well as food trucks, music and entertainment. The market is usually themed depending upon what time of year it is so check online for seasonal items going on. (https://sheptonmalletsundaymarket.org.uk/)

Shops and Cafes

Shepton is a small market town with a rich history and lots of independent cafes and shops. Vintage furniture and clothes dominate the lower part of the High Street. Some of the best cafes include The Hive, Sweet 11, The Cheeky Bean and The Art Bank.

The Art Bank sometimes have live music evenings and other events so it is worth checking their Facebook page for what’s going on. They have a bar serving cocktails etc which is open in the evenings Thursday to Saturday and during the day as a cafe. Check with them for details as things can change. https://www.artbank.org.uk/

There is also a new bar open on the High Street called Trattoria Amalfi. It will soon have a kitchen too.

Kilver Court is a very pretty location which offers a lovely cafe / restaurant, retail outlets (Mulberry, TOAST, Makers & Merchants and Courthouse Interiors) and RHS partnered gardens. https://www.kilvercourt.co.uk

Pubs

The Horseshoe Inn, just down at the bottom of Forum Lane, is a handy local pub within a short stumble of the cottage. 

If you want a pub which has more of a focus on food then may want to try The George in the neighbouring village of Croscombe. You can drive there in 5 minutes or you could walk it in about 30 minutes. It’s best to avoid the main road and instead walk up via Ham Lane (opposite our drive) veering right and follow a map. It might be very dark on your return so take a torch! Alternatively there is a longer walk through Ham Woods that is very beautiful. You'd need to walk up Forum Lane, turn left shortly after Rosamund Green Farm, through the tunnels and beyond. Walking maps are made available in our welcome folder.

Restaurants

The best restaurants in the area are:

Goodfellows@7B - Wells (good for fish)

Hauser and Wirth, Roth Bar and Grill - Bruton (great for steak)

The Chapel – Bruton

The Talbot – Mells

Root – Wells

The Three Horseshoes – Batcombe

Aurora Kusina – Shepton Mallet (A modern twist on Filipino street food)

The Queen of Cups - Glastonbury (Delicious middle eastern food)

La Bella Restaurant (Italian - good family dining) – Shepton Mallet

Higher Farm (Charcuterie / bar  in a great settings with a natural pool for swimming)  - Near Shepton Mallet

Osip (fine dining Michelin-starred restaurant) - Bruton

Wells and Bruton have a number of good restaurants that you can look up.

Take Aways & Other Good Restaurants

Whitstones Fish and Chips restaurant and takeaway – Shepton Mallet

Mughal Empire restaurant and takeaway (Indian) – Shepton Mallet

Dominoes (pizza delivery) – Shepton Mallet

Sunrise (Chinese takeaway) – Shepton Mallet

Taxi Companies

If you think you are going to need a taxi during your stay we would advise booking in advance. Local taxi firms get booked up quickly and we don't want yo to get stranded!

Daniel Langwost – 07540427646

Driving Miss Diane - 07732 444847

Rain Taxi – 07471529436

Shepton Taxis – 07407 430784

Tudor Rose Cars - 01749939814

Swift Car – 01749 340820 / 07555 444 303

G&D Taxi Hire – 07811 459227

Call a Car - 01749 346033

Supermarkets

There are lots of supermarkets nearby. Shepton has a large Tesco and an Aldi. On the High Street there is a Morrison Local which is also open later on a Sunday. On the approach to Wells there is a Morrisons and further on there is a Lidl and a Waitrose. All the main supermarkets deliver to Grange Cottage.

Walks

We are situated at the foot of the Mendips and it’s easy to join the East Mendip Way a bit further up Forum Lane. You could venture East to Wells or West towards Frome. There are many other walks around us to investigate but notably there is the beautiful wooded valley (Ham Woods) which is crossed by a majestic disused viaduct. In the box of leaflets you should find one called Walks of Croscombe. This leaflet includes Bowlish and you can find Forum Lane on the map. If you walk up Forum Lane up to where an old railway bridge used to cross the road (just after the show jumping venue on the left), you can turn left up the bank and join a new path that will take you through the old rail tunnels and over the viaduct, at the end you can turn left into the woods and join the paths which will take you back in the right direction for home or onwards to Croscombe.

Outdoor Pursuits

The Mendip Hills offer a wide range of outdoor pursuits including caving, climbing, abseiling and even a dry ski slope. Please Google for details.

PLACES TO VISIT

Glastonbury

A bohemian spirited town with some interesting shops and cafes. The Abbey (it is now a ruin but can still be visited) has an incredible history and used to be the second richest abbey in the country after Westminster. The Tor is really worth a walk up. It has fantastic views of Somerset and beyond and a mystical quality. You can park in Drapers car park.

In 1539 the last Abbot of Glastonbury was hung drawn and quartered on top of Glastonbury Tor.

“The next day, Saturday, 15 November, he was taken to Glastonbury with two of his monks, treasurer of the church John Thorne and sacristan Roger James, where all three were fastened upon hurdles and dragged by horses to the top of Glastonbury Tor which overlooks the town. Here they were hanged, drawn and quartered, with Whiting's head being fastened over the west gate of the now deserted abbey and his limbs exposed at Wells; Bath, Somerset; Ilchester; and Bridgwater.” (Wikipedia)

Wells

A beautiful tiny city with a vast cathedral. The Bishop's Palace is well worth a visit as the grounds are beautiful inside and there is a good children's area. Vicar’s Close is a unique surviving mediaeval street. If you have young kids there is also a very good playground by the Bishops Barn. There is a large weekly market every Wednesday and Saturday plus there are lots of shops on the high street.

Bath

30 minutes by car or an hour by bus. If you drive you can use the Park and Ride at Odd Down. The local bus to Bath is very convenient as it stops at the bottom of Forum Lane, on Wells Road, every hour and takes you right into the centre. Check the internet for an up to date timetable. The main attractions include the Roman Baths, The Georgian Streets and the Theatre Royal. Bath Thermae Spa is also very good if you want to swim in a rooftop pool in natural thermal waters in the centre of the city.

ATTRACTIONS NEARBY

Longleat

30 mins drive from here, Longleat is an English stately home and the seat of the Marquesses of Bath. It is noted for its Elizabethan country house, maze, landscaped parkland and safari park. The house is set in 1,000 acres of parkland landscaped by Capability Brown, with 4,000 acres of let farmland and 4,000 acres of woodland, which includes a Center Parcs holiday village. It was the first stately home to open to the public, and the Longleat estate includes the first safari park outside Africa.

Many of our guests come and stay to visit Longleat. There is a full day of fun for the whole family with plenty of entertainment for children.

Wookey Hole Caves

Wookey Hole Caves are a series of limestone caverns, a show cave and tourist attraction in the village of Wookey Hole. They are about 20 minutes drive from here.

HMP Shepton Mallet

HMP Shepton Mallet, sometimes known as Cornhill, is a former prison located in Shepton Mallet. When it closed in 2013, it was the United Kingdom's oldest operating prison, and had been since the closure of HMP Lancaster Castle in 2011. Before closure Shepton Mallet was a category C lifer prison holding 189 prisoners. The prison building is grade II* listed, while the former gatehouse and perimeter walls are grade II.

It is possible to book onto guided tours around the prison by guards who used to work there, and it is also possible to do self-guided tours. The prison also hosts themed events, check on their website for up to date listings. They also now offer escape room challenges, iCombat, archery and paranormal investigations!

HMP Shepton Mallet is in the centre of the town and you can easily walk to it within 15 minutes. Alternatively it is a 5 minute drive away with plenty of parking nearby.

https://www.sheptonmalletprison.com/

Cheddar Gorge

Cheddar Gorge is a limestone gorge in the Mendip Hills, near the village of Cheddar, about a 25 minute drive away. The gorge is the site of the Cheddar show caves (now closed), where Britain's oldest complete human skeleton, Cheddar Man, estimated to be over 9,000 years old, was found in 1903. Older remains from the Upper Late Palaeolithic era (12,000–13,000 years ago) have been found. The caves, produced by the activity of an underground river, contain stalactites and stalagmites. The gorge is part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest called Cheddar Complex. There are also some good walks around the top of the gorge with great views.

Burrington Combe

Burrington Combe is a Carboniferous Limestone gorge near the village of Burrington, on the north side of the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. "Combe" or "coombe" is a word of Celtic origin found in several forms on all of the British Isles, denoting a steep-sided valley or hollow. Burrington Combe is a gorge through the limestone hills although there is now no river running through it. Various cave entrances are exposed which have been occupied by humans for over 10,000 years, with a hill-fort being built beside the combe in the Iron Age. The geology has led to a diversity of plant life. Burrington Combe is similar to Cheddar Gorge only a little smaller and it is on the north side of the Mendips as opposed to the south. Burrington Combe has not been commercialised in the same way and there are some lovely walks around it.

Ebbor Gorge

Set within the ancient limestone Mendip Hills, Ebbor Gorge is designated a National Nature Reserve, managed by Natural England. Here you’ll find woodland, rocks and caves. There are small streams good for paddling and fallen trees to clamber over. Fill a day wildlife spotting, exploring the woodland, playing in streams and climbing up the rocky path to the Gorge. The car park is free but please note that it is locked at dusk and managed by Natural England. It is sometimes described as a 'mini Cheddar' and is a lovely place to visit, located near Wookey Hole.

Stourhead (National Trust)

Stourhead is a Palladian house and world-famous landscape garden, a 30 minute drive away. When Stourhead first opened in the 1740s, a magazine described it as ‘a living work of art’. The world-famous landscape garden has at its centrepiece a magnificent lake reflecting classical temples, mystical grottoes, and rare and exotic trees, and offers a day of fresh air and discovery.

There is a Regency library, Chippendale furniture and inspirational paintings to view. The Palladian house is set amid ‘picnic perfect’ lawns and extensive parkland. Set in 1,072 hectares, the Stourhead estate has chalk downs, ancient woods and farmland managed for wildlife.

The Newt

The gardens and landscaping at The Newt are an incredible spectacle and well worth a visit. It is a working country estate with acres of farmland, woodland, orchards and gardens. Please check their website for entry details (membership may be required) and seasonal events. (20 min drive).

The Coast

It is possible to drive to the coast within an hour.

Brean (54mins drive)

Weston-Super-Mare (53 minsd drive)

Weymouth (1h 15mins)

Lyme Regis (1h 15mins)

Durdle Door (1 h 30min)

Our favourite beaches are along the Jurassic Coast including Lyme Regis, Charmouth, West Bay and Hive beach.

Wraxall Vineyard

A lovely setting for a wine tour and tasting.

Bath and West Showground

Home of the massive Royal Bath and West Show which takes place at the beginning of the summer, the show ground also hosts a wide range of other events throughout the year. A couple of regular events are listed below:

- Giant Flea Market

One of the most popular events held at The Showground, the Giant Flea Market offers a bounty of retro collectables, vintage articles and unique finds. This event happens every two months – check the website for upcoming dates.

- Antiques and Collectors Fair

Unique finds, retro collectables and a vast variety of vintage items make this the West Country's premier antiques event. This event happens regularly throughout the year – check the website for upcoming dates.

Soft Plays

If you have young children and it’s pouring with rain there is always the soft play! There are good soft plays at Wells, Cheddar and Farrington Gurney.

SWIMMING AND WILD SWIMMING

Shepton Lido

April to September the lido is open in Shepton and it’s a 10 minute walk from the cottage - perfect for a lovely swim in the fresh air during the summer season. It’s areas for young and old and it is heated by the excess heat from the cider factory next door! Drinks and snacks available plus a lovely splash area for the children. Shepton Lido

Higher Farm

Beautiful location with a very large natural pool and sauna etc. Drinks and food also available. https://www.higher-farm.co.uk/

Farleigh and District Swimming Club:

Farleigh boats the only river swimming club left in the country. The water is fresh, with a deep area above the weir for lovely swimming. There are toilets and changing rooms available. There is also a car park with easy access to the swimming. Open late April to mid September. You must be a member to swim here but can sign up on arrival or online. Annual membership – Families (up to 6) £20, Adult £10. Also visit the local castle in the village. (near Trowbridge)

http://www.wild-swimming.com/farleigh.html

West Lydford:

A pretty 100m stretch of river running alongside church lawns between old bridge and weir. Gravel bed by weir, though a bit mushy from old leaves by bridge. Access from either bank of weir. Rope swing. 1.5m deep by weir. 2m under bridge. The right bank is accessed from a church yard. No picnics allowed here or swimming during services. This site gets VERY busy on a hot day, especially with local teenagers. (10 miles away)

https://wildswim.com/west-lydford

Claverton Weir aka Warleigh Weir nr. Bathampton:

Arrive early for this popular swimming spot near Bath. Soak up the scenery in the beautiful Limpley Stoke Valley. There’s a big sunbathing field, a long deep relaxing swim upstream and downstream of the weir. Walks along the canal here are beautiful. Be sure to visit the nearby Limpley Stoke Aqueduct and the lovely Hop Pole Inn. (20 miles away)

http://www.wildswimming.co.uk/map/claverton-weir-avon/

Tellisford Mill near Rode village:

A popular swimming spot with a sloping green field by a large weir pool. Lovely pastoral aspect with trees and hillside. 1m deep by weir wall but much deeper (3m) just upstream under fallen tree. Popular with locals and a lovely place for a picnic. (19 miles away)

Scuba Diving and Swimming at Vobster Quay:

We are lucky to have the UK’s premier freshwater Diving school close by. Introduction days to full PADI and BCAC Courses available. (9 miles away)

GRANGE COTTAGE

Recycling

Please use the back compartment of the sliding bin in the kitchen for your recycling. The recycling bins are location just outside of the annex kitchen. The blue bag takes tin and plastics, box 1 takes glass and Tetra packs, box 2 takes cardboard and paper.

Kitchen

We have a new kitchen which occupies the space of a former conservatory and still retains many of its features. It is well located for the outdoor and indoor dining areas. Please be mindful of the granite work surface taking care to wipe any spillages promptly (particularly anything acidic, wine and tea) to avoid any staining.

Food waste

Please use the compost caddy provided which is then emptied into our large black compost bins which are near the wheelie bins. There are extra compostable bags in one of the kitchen cupboards if you fill up the first one.

Coffee

There is a Nespresso compatible L'or coffee machine which uses the original style Nespresso coffee pods or the two sizes of L'or coffee pods. The are also cafetières available.

Bins

If you need to empty your bin, the black wheelie bins are on the right of the entrance to the drive. There are spare black bin liners in one of the kitchen cupboards. Bins and recycling are collected on Friday mornings so please put any items out on Thursday evening.

Heating

In the winter months the heating is set on a program. All the radiators have heat settings that can be adjusted. They are digital so just nudge them in the positive or negative direction. This will temporarily override the programmed settings. There is also a room thermostat controller in the living room which can temporarily override the settings for the living and kitchen areas. It’s best to keep the internal doors shut in order to keep the heat in the living room.

Laundry

There is a washing machine on the upstairs landing within the cupboard. You are welcome to use it if you need to. There is a drying rack that you can lower in the sitting room which can be used in conjunction with the dehumidifier, alternatively you can hang your washing out in our garden on the washing line.

Garden

Your children our welcome to use our garden, we have a trampoline and swings available. We ask that you please use your private courtyard for eating and drinking outside, we have also created the decking area for you to use. If you wish to close the main gates on the driveway to keep your children safe that is absolutely fine.

BBQ

If you wish to use the BBQ you will need to provide your own charcoal.

Art Work

In the small double room there is a Noah's Ark picture on display that is ideal for a children's bedroom. If you would like to purchase framed prints of this picture please do let us know. The artist is a family member and it can even be personalised if desired.

Parking

If anyone has a need to park in front of the house then that is fine and you can also pull in for loading and unloading. Otherwise it would be appreciated if you can park just outside the gates on the lane so that the front of the house does not get congested with cars and we can keep the gates shut.

If you have any questions for us during your stay please either give us a knock (we are usually around as we both work from home), or you can contact us on one of the following numbers:

GEORGE: 07786 938384

HANNAH: 07740 082672