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.

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.

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

January in Devon is a time of crisp mornings, serene landscapes, and an array of activities that cater to all tastes. While exploring this picturesque county in the quieter post-Christmas season, there’s also a wonderful opportunity to contribute to the local economy through mindful spending at local businesses. Valley of Rocks, Lynton 1. Winter Walks and Historic Explorations Devon's countryside and coastal paths offer spectacular winter walks. The South West Coast Path prov

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

Wassailing, an ancient English tradition with roots dating back to medieval times, has found a unique and vibrant expression in the South West. This ritualistic celebration, often associated with the blessing of orchards and the promotion of a bountiful harvest, has evolved into a cherished cultural event that brings communities together. In this article, we will explore the history of Wassailing and delve into its significance, particularly in the orchard-rich landscapes of

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

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

We are so lucky to have a selection of truly beautiful free parks and open spaces across the County of Somerset.

We have put together a list of the easiest produce to grow, for novice gardeners who are keen to get started on their own home grown food.

With Spring in full-swing, we have put together our top 10 favourite Spring flowers to look out for whilst on your daily exercise.

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

We have put together a list of the top 10 subscription boxes available - offering the perfect 'stay-at-home' treat during this tricky time..