Things to do

Somerset Levels

The Somerset Levels and Moors stretch from the clay-based coastal plains across peat-based Avalon Marshes to the feet of the Mendip and Blackdown Hills. They’re situated to the east of North Newton village and play host to a diverse range of wading birds and wildfowl, and is home to an RSPB reserve at Fivehead.

Quantock Hills

The Quantock Hills are situated between Taunton and Bridgwater stretching to the sea at the Bristol Channel. A walkers and mountain bikers paradise, they offer extensive views over much of Somerset and the Bristol channel, and are characterised by deep wooded valleys and open heath land that’s rich in flora and fauna.

Cothlestone Hill  TA5 1AU

Lydeard Hill   TA4 3DY

Triscombe Stone TA4 3HF

Great Wood TA5 1HN

Holford Combe TA5 1SA

Bridgwater & Taunton Canal

The Bridgwater & Taunton Canal is 200m from Dragonfly Barn with Kings Lock within 1/4 mile.  Starting at Bridgwater Docks, guests can explore the old lock where the canal is connected to the River Parrett, take a boat trip or start with a drink and a bite to eat at the Admirals Landing. The Boat and Anchor is an ideal waterside location and about a 20 minute bike ride from Dragonfly Barn.  Check out the World War II Pill box’s along the canal path that form part of the Stop Line.  A defensive line designed to stop the enemy’s advance from the West.

Maunsel Lock Teashop

Mid-way along the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal and just a 20 minute peaceful stroll from Dragonfly Barn lays Maunsel Lock Canal Centre & Tea Shop. A wonderfully relaxing place to discover, sit back and enjoy a light lunch or cream tea or take a trip along the canal on the Maunsel Lady.  Maunsel Lock Map

Somerset Space Walk

Somerset Boat Centre

Fancy messing about on the water?  The Somerset Boat Centre at Higher Maunsel Lock, a 1.5 mile stroll from Dragonfly Barn, offers you a variety of ways to get on or be near the water.  How about hiring Canoes, kayaks, Paddleboards, self-drive motor boats and a chartered narrowboat.

Willows and Wetlands Visitor Centre

­­Go and find out how willow is grown, harvested and processed before it is crafted into beautifully practical baskets.  Situated in the village of Stoke St Gregory, the Willows and Wetlands Visitor Centre is in the heart of the Somerset Levels, Watch their skilled basket-makers create a willow basket before your eyes.  Walk through the woods to the “withy beds” and the river beyond to discover the Somerset moors.

Newt Beer Festival

One of North Newton’s most well known events of the year. The Newt Beer & Music Festival is held every year during a weekend in July and has been running since 1991. It is organised to raise funds for North Newton Community Primary School and many of the villagers are involved in the running of this spectacular 2 day event.

Hestercombe House

Hestercombe House and Gardens is a unique combination of three centuries of garden design. The award-winning visitor facilities include the warm and welcoming Stables Kitchen Cafe with a bright, airy courtyard, gift shop and plant centre. The gardens are dog-friendly and host events throughout the year.

Glastonbury Tor

Glastonbury Tor is an iconic and evocative landmark offers magnificent views of the Somerset Levels, Dorset, Wiltshire and Wales. Situated 20 miles from Dragonfly Barn, Glastonbury Tor is a beautiful place to walk, unwind and relax.

Wells Cathedral

The city of Wells in Somerset is home to the historic city centre and the magnificent Wells Cathedral. Visitors are welcome every day of the year to experience this wonderful and holy place. Entrance is free, however they do ask visitors to make a donation if they are able to do so.

Museum of Somerset

Situated in Taunton town centre, The The Museum of Somerset itself can be found within the 12th-century walls of Taunton’s historic castle. The Museum of Somerset is a wonderful day out for the whole family, where you can explore contemporary galleries and exhibitions showcasing over 400 million years of history.

Dunster Castle

Dunster Castle and Watermill is a former motte and bailey castle, now a country house, in the village of Dunster – 50 minutes away.  The castle lies on the top of a steep hill called the Tor, and has been fortified since the late Anglo-Saxon period

Montecute House

Montacute House is a late Elizabethan mansion with garden in Montacute, South Somerset- 35 minutes drive.  Explore the grounds and gardens

Lynton & Lynmouth

Lynton & Lynmouth are a 1 hour 25 minute drive on the Exmoor coast.  Lynton perched high above  Lynmouth are connected by the Cliff Railway, the highest and steepest fully water powered Victorian railway in the World

Take a walk in the beautiful Valley of the Rocks or have a cup of tea by the Waterfalls at the National Trust Watersmeet Tearooms

Burrow Mump

Burrow Mump is a 12 minute drive from Dragonfly Barn. It is a prominent hill with the ruins of a church, built in 1793, at its summit. The church was built on top of an earlier medieval church and now serves as a war memorial to those who lost their lives in the Second World War. The carpark is run by the National Trust  and the summit is just a short climb away, offering panoramic views across the county.

Nearest postcode: TA7 0RB

Bird Watching

The Somerset Levels and moors are rich in flora and fauna with may reserves a short drive from Dragonfly Barn. Go in search of bitterns, egrets and marsh harriers or watch the stunning starling murmurations at Ham Wall

RSPB Greylake 20 minute Drive

RSPB Ham Wall 30 Minute Drive

RSPB Swell Woods 20 minute Drive

Shapwick Heath Nature Reserve 30 Minute Drive

Westhay Nature reserve 25 Minute Drive

Cheddar Gorge

Cheddar Gorge is a limestone gorge in the Mendip Hills, near the village of Cheddar, Somerset, England, a 35 minute drive from Dragonfly Barn. The gorge is the site of the Cheddar show caves, where Britain’s oldest complete human skeleton, Cheddar Man, estimated to be 9,000 years old, was found in 1903