20 Attractions to Explore Near Cothay Manor & Gardens (Medieval Manor House & Gardens)

Wellington Monument was begun in 1817 to celebrate the Duke of Wellington, the victor of Waterloo. The Monument is famous as the tallest three-sided obelisk in the world, reaching 174 feet. An ambitious construction, it commemorates a modern yet classical hero. The story of its origins and shambolic construction repeats itself in its conservation and repair story up to the present day.

Once used largely for the carriage of limestone, the canal is now a tranquil recreational waterway for walking, cycling, boating and fishing. An additional purpose of the canal was the supply of limestone and coal to lime kilns along with the removal of the resulting quicklime, which was used as a fertilizer and for building houses.

Diggerland's campsite in Devon is the perfect location for families to build special and unforgettable memories. Set in the stunning grounds of Verbeer Manor. Surrounded by the beautiful, picturesque Devonshire countryside and within an easy 30 miles drive or cycle of two renowned English National Parks.

The National Trust's Knightshayes, Devon, is a Victorian country house surrounded by acres of glorious gardens and parkland. The house is Grade I listed. The gardens are Grade II* listed in the National Register of Historic Parks and Gardens. Out in the parkland, there are woodland walks, acres of tenanted farmland (home to our tenant farmers Exmoor Horn sheep), and our wild play area- so there really is something for everyone.

The Museum of Somerset lies within the 12th century Taunton Castle and tells the county’s fascinating story from prehistoric times to the present day, using real objects, interactive games, eye-catching film projections and the words and voices of Somerset people, past and present. Exhibits include the Frome Hoard, the Low Ham Roman Mosaic, the bronze-age South Cadbury shield and a range of other objects relating to the history of the county.

Vivary Park is Taunton’s premium park, located just minutes away from the town centre. At 7.5 hectares, Vivary Park is the perfect place to go for a picnic, a stroll or to spend the day. The public park came about because it’s so close to the centre of the town. The land had been used as for public events since at least 1851 when the first Taunton Flower Show was held there.

A richly detailed composition set in the middle of Vivary Park. Large circular basin with central fountain erected in memory of Queen Victoria and completed 1907. The large building in the background is Jellalabad Barracks, once a depot for Somerset Light Infantry but now residential apartments.

A beautiful reservoir, which is open to the public for watersports, walking and other outdoor activities. Managed by the charity the South West Lakes Trust, the site is promoted for recreational use by the public.

Fyne Court is a National Trust-owned nature reserve and visitor centre in Broomfield, Somerset, England. It was a large English country house belonging to the Crosse family since its construction, although the date when it was built is not known. It is surrounded by a large country estate of woodland, ponds and meadows. Within the grounds are a folly and boathouse.

Hestercombe House is a historic country house in the parish of West Monkton in the Quantock Hills, near Taunton in Somerset, England. The house is a Grade II* listed building and the estate is Grade I listed on the English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England. It is surrounded by gardens which have been restored to Gertrude Jekyll's original plans and have made it "one of the best Jekyll-Lutyens gardens open to the public on a regular basis", visited by

Hestercombe House is a historic country house in the parish of West Monkton in the Quantock Hills, near Taunton in Somerset, England. The house is a Grade II* listed building and the estate is Grade I listed on the English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England. It served as the Emergency Call Centre for the Somerset Area of Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service until March 2012.

The Quantock Hills are an area of wilderness and tranquillity, which offers Panoramic views lead you through coast, heath and combe. The hills run from the Vale of Taunton Deane in the south, for about 15 miles to the north-west, ending at Kilve and West Quantoxhead on the coast of the Bristol Channel. They form the western border of Sedgemoor and the Somerset Levels.

Cleeve Abbey was founded in 1198, and the first Circestircian monks arrived here from Revesby Abbey in Lincolnshire. Over its 350-year monastic history Cleeve was undistinguished amongst the abbeys of its order, frequently ill-governed and often financially troubled. The abbey remains include a gatehouse, cloister range, refectory with a superb angel roof, and a 'painted chamber' featuring medieval wall paintings.

Tropiquaria Zoo is one of the most unique zoos or wildlife parks in the country. There is a mainly African theme to the tropical hall and aquarium as well as the large number of outside enclosures. The zoo is a member of BIAZA, the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and has successfully bred a number of endangered species of mammals, reptiles, birds, and fish.

Coleridge Cottage is a cottage situated in Nether Stowey, Bridgwater, Somerset, England. It is a grade II* listed building. The 17th century cottage was originally two buildings which were later combined and expanded. The cottage was constructed in the 17th century as two attached buildings. One contained a parlour, kitchen and service room on the ground floor and three corresponding bed chambers above, and an adjoining byre or barn.

.The Bridgwater and Taunton Canal is a canal in South West England. It links the two towns of Bridgwater and Taunton and measures 14.5 miles long and has 7 locks. There is no navigable connection to the River Parrett today but the Canal is enjoyed by walkers, cyclists, nature enthusiasts, fishermen and boatmen alike. The majority of the Canal is rural and offers tranquility to all.

Kilve Beach near Watchet is a fascinating stretch of the Jurrasic coast. Grand limestone cliffs back the slate and shingle beach, with interesting rock formations sweeping the shoreline. The rock and pebble beach is a beloved location for families and children due its scenic views, large grass area ideal for picnics and the nearby Chantry Tea Gardens.

Killerton House is the focal point of a substantial estate given to the National Trust in 1944 by Sir Richard Acland. The Aclands settled in this part of the country in the 16th century and earned the hereditary title of baronet by their loyalty to the King in the Civil War. The estate covers some 2590 hectares. Included in the Estate is a steep wooded hillside with the remains of an Iron Age Hillfort on top of it, also known as Dolby, which has also yielded evidence of Roman occupation, thoug

Dunster Castle is a former motte and bailey castle, now a country house, in the village of Dunster, Somerset, England. The castle lies on the top of a steep hill called the Tor, and has been fortified since the late Anglo-Saxon period. After the Norman conquest of England in the 11th century, William de Mohun constructed a timber castle on the site as part of the pacification of Somerset.

The Tarr Steps is a clapper bridge across the River Barle in the Exmoor National Park, Somerset, England. They are located in a national nature reserve about 2.5 miles south east of Withypool and 4 miles north west of Dulverton. The bridge is 180 feet long and has 17 spans. It has been designated by English Heritage as a Grade I listed building and Scheduled Ancient Monument.