A journal rooted in the South West

Tucked into the rolling hills of north Dorset, close to the Somerset border, Sherborne is one of England's most beguiling small towns, and one of its most overlooked.

How independent bookshops are helping to revive town centres across Somerset, Devon, Dorset and Cornwall — and why they’re worth backing.

As the nights draw in and the scent of mulled cider fills the air, there’s no better way to kick off the festive season than with a Christmas market — and in Somerset, we’re truly spoilt for choice. From traditional manor house fairs to buzzing town-centre celebrations, this year's festive markets are packed with handmade gifts, delicious seasonal treats, and a chance to support the incredible makers, bakers, growers and creatives who call the West Country home.

Here’s a guide to making the most of your day in Frome, from sipping coffee to shopping and dining.

Somerset offers a delightful array of spots for those seeking the perfect blend of coffee and cake. Here, we explore some of the best places where you can indulge in these treats, whether you're a local or just passing through. Mr Miles Tea Room , Taunton Mr. Miles in Taunton is a distinguished tea room that opened its doors in 2010, offering a comprehensive breakfast and lunch menu, homemade cakes, and afternoon teas. The venue, which collaborates with local tea blenders and

There's something undeniably enchanting about stepping into a bakery, where the air is rich with the scent of freshly baked bread, the counters gleam with an array of golden pastries, and every bite promises a story of tradition and craft.   Devon, with its picturesque landscapes and quaint towns, is also home to some of the finest bakeries in the UK. Whether you're a local or just visiting, indulging in the delectable offerings from these top bakeries is a must.   Here are t

Somerset offers a plethora of activities that can turn a rainy or grey day in January into an enjoyable experience. This guide is your key to transforming a rainy day into an adventure filled with local culture, community spirit, and the best of Somerset's offerings. From quaint shops to historical haunts, get ready to explore the heart of the county in a way that not only entertains but also uplifts the local economy and embraces the richness of Somerset life.   Explore Loca

Have you noticed the amazing wave of plastic-free pantries sweeping through the West Country? This isn't just a trend; it's a heart-warming embrace of a greener, community-focused way of life. And let me tell you, we've got some real gems in Devon, Somerset, and Cornwall! Ditching plastic is like giving Mother Nature a big hug. Less plastic means less pollution, cleaner oceans, and happier wildlife. In the West Country, where we're blessed with such natural beauty, it makes p

The South West region is known not only for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture but also for its delectable cuisine. With an abundance of fresh ingredients, diverse culinary traditions, and a thriving community of local producers and businesses, the South West has established itself as a hub of gastronomic excellence. In this piece, we explore why we believe that the UK's best food is produced in the South West and highlight the importance of supporting our local

The smell of freshly baked goods floating through the air is enough to make anyone's mouth water, so we thought we'd give you the run down o

The Somerset Food Trail Festival on July 15-24 is an 'open farm’ and farm-to-fork showcase.

Having a good old-fashioned day out at the seaside is one of the best free things to do in the West Country, and apart from the car parking costs and the obligatory ice cream, you can enjoy a day out for the whole family, without breaking the bank! The West Country is renowned for having some of the best beaches in the whole of the UK and it’s our mission to tell you just how great they are! From the exclusive sandy beach at Sandbanks in Dorset, the rugged beaches of north C

There is something so captivating and inspiring about visiting galleries and museums - learning about a time in history, seeing an ancient artefact or considering the message behind a painting. However, whilst so many of us enjoy visiting these places - we often overlook the ones located right on our doorsteps. Here's some of our favourite museums and galleries located in Somerset. The Holburne Museum by Lucy-Claire via Unsplash 1. The Holburne Museum Great Pulteney St, Bathw

With the end of the school year fast approaching, many parents up and down the country and thinking about those 'end of year' teachers' gifts to show their appreciation for what has been a very difficult year in education. To make the task easier, we've put together a list of our favourite teacher's gifts from our small businesses across Somerset. Photo: Dainty Bakes via Instagram 1) Sweet Treats Who doesn't love to sit down with a cup of tea and a sweet treat? In Somerset, w

Now we only have just over a week left of lockdown, before many of our shops and businesses are allowed to reopen. In the meantime, lockdown remains and so we have put together a handy list for anyone living within the Minehead area of our favourite things to do during this time, so have a peek below. As always, please remember to keep your distance from others, wear a face covering when out and about, if you are able to, and make sure you remember to keep your hands clean. P

Do you live in Wells, and you're stuck at home watching the clock for lockdown to end? Well, good news - not only do you live in a beautiful place, but there are so many independent and small businesses that are still operating across the city. We've put together a handy guide of our Top 10 things to do in Wells during lockdown, and hope you might find it helpful! Of course, if you are feeling unwell or you are vulnerable then please stay at home. However, if you are able to

With the next four weeks set to be spent in another national lockdown, we thought it would be handy to put together our guide of the top 10 things to do in some of our favourite Somerset towns and cities, kicking things off with the County town of Taunton for anyone living within the Taunton area. Of course, if you are vulnerable, showing signs of being unwell or have any other reason why you should be self isolating then please ensure you do so. However, if you are able to s

From finding the best local produce to boosting the economy in your area, here’s 7 reasons why it’s good to shop local

The Taunton Independent Market has gone online. You can now shop local produce online with twice weekly deliveries within the Taunton area.

We've put together some ideas of what to do at home with your children to keep them occupied!