A journal rooted in the South West

It isn't modesty that stops people from making grand claims about this corner of the country. It's that the facts do it better.

Discover where some of Britain's most beloved TV shows and films were really made. From the cobbled streets of Port Isaac standing in for Doc Martin's Portwenn, to the clifftops of Cornwall doubling as Poldark country, the West Country has quietly been one of the UK's busiest filming locations. We look at the real places behind the fiction, including Broadchurch's Dorset coast, Hot Fuzz's Wells, and more.

These six coastal walks made for chilly days – routes where you can breathe deeply, walk slowly and discover just how cosy winter by the sea can be.

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

As the scent of ripe fruit hangs in the autumn air and the last of the leaves turn gold, today the West Country celebrates Apple Day – a moment to raise a glass to the orchards, the cider-makers, and the communities that keep this deeply rooted tradition alive.

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 are ten spots in Somerset where you can find true peace and tranquillity in the heart of nature.

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

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

In the midst of the cost of living crisis, many are tightening their belts and looking for budget-friendly ways to enjoy their free time. Somerset offers a plethora of free activities that not only help in saving pennies but also provide immense well-being benefits. Here's a guide to some of the best free things to do in Somerset: 1. Museum of Somerset, Taunton Located within the 12th-century Taunton Castle, the Museum of Somerset is a cultural gem. It offers a deep dive in

Living in the South West, we are blessed with an abundance of scenic landscapes and walking routes right on our doorsteps. Even if you live in one of our more urban areas, the likelihood is that you won't have to go far before you spot some nature. Well, not only does it look beautiful, but getting outside in nature has a plethora of health benefits too. And the best bit? You don’t need a gym membership, transportation, or special equipment: you just need to walk right out yo

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.

With the Summer fast approaching, we have entered the best time of year for Point-to-Point events. But what are they, and are they worth att

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

Whilst we are now allowed to go out and about, and shops have reopened across the UK, many of us are still conscious about staying as safe as we can be and remaining at home as much as we can. But with the pressure of Christmas less than two weeks away, it's so important that we continue to shop locally as much as we can. We're so lucky that these days we can do both: shop locally and stay at home. We have put together a list of some of our favourite local shops, with online