Explore the Countryside

With 370 square miles of countryside, the rolling hills, wooded valleys, moors and levels of South Somerset provide the perfect base for those who enjoy the outdoors.

Dramatic wooded escarpments drop down to the broad sweep of the Blackmore Vale and contrast vividly with the flat moorlands of the rivers Yeo, Isle and Parrett stretching seaward to the Somerset Levels. To the west the hills and vales with their golden hamstone villages give way to the remote Blackdown Hills on the Devon border.

You can see stunning views, watch local wildlife or enjoy a day out with a picnic. Visit our award-winning Green Flag Country Parks, go fishing at Chard Reservoir or discover history and heritage at the ancient Ham Hill and South Cadbury hill forts.

Barwick Park Follies

Four strange follies - Jack the Treacle Eater, the Obelisk, the Fish Tower and the Rose Tower, set in park grounds. South of Yeovil.
Tel: 01935 845 946

Cadbury Castle

Magnificent Ramparted hill fort. Famously linked to Arthurian period. Stunning views to Glastonbury Tor. Museum display in local Camelot Inn Pub.
Chapel Road, South Cadbury, Nr Yeovil, BA22 7EX
Tel: 01963 440 240

Chard Reservoir Local Nature Reserve

Peaceful countryside site. Orchid meadows, native woodlands and excellent bird watching on open water from hide. Good surfaced pathways. Green Flag Award Winner.
Touches Lane, Chard.
Tel: 01935 462 462

Eastfields Local Nature Reserve

A small but beautiful meadowland reserve, alive with insects in the summer months. Perfect for a picnic.
High Ham, Langport
Tel: 01935 462 482

Ham Hill Country Park

400 acre open access country park, superb countryside and Iron Age, earthworks. Panoramic views of Somerset. Green Flag Award winner.
Stoke sub Hamdon, TA14 6RW
Tel: 01935 823 617

Moldrams Ground Local Nature Reserve

Beautiful woodland and grassland wildlife site. Ponds with dragonflies and newts. Peaceful for bird watching and picnics.
Penselwood, Nr Wincanton.
Tel: 01935 462 522

RSPB Grey Lake Nature Reserve

Wetland reserve for birds and wildlife, with hide and boardwalk trails, easy access for all. Open all year.
On A361 between Othery and Greinton Villages.
Tel: 01458 252 805

RSPB Swell Woods

Ancient woodland with trails, which in the spring contain the largest colony of nesting grey herons in South England.
RSPB West Sedgemoor Reserve, Off A378 between Curry Rivel and Fivehead villages.
Tel: 01458 252 805

Town Tree Nature Gardens

Town Tree Nature Gardens north of Martock. Landscaped nature walk with ponds and visiting waterfowl.
Town Tree Lane, Martock, TA12 6AP
Tel: 01935 823 203

Yeovil Country Park

Green Flag award winning countryside site. Woodlands, grassland, river and lakes, including Ninesprings Valley Gardens.
Brunswick Street, Yeovil
Tel: 01935 462 462