Start Your Day at Muchelney Pottery
Nestled in the heart of the Somerset Levels, Muchelney Pottery is the perfect place to begin your day. This charming village is home to one of the finest potteries in the area, started by the talented potter John Leach, grandson of the legendary Bernard Leach.
As you step into the gallery and shop, you’re welcomed by the beautiful handmade pieces that have started their life on the pottery wheel, yards from the gallery itself.
Next Stop: Somerset Cider Brandy
Once you’ve soaked up the creative atmosphere at Muchelney, it’s a short drive to the Somerset Cider Brandy Company, located near Burrow Hill. This historic cider farm has been producing Somerset’s famous cider brandy for years, using traditional methods handed down through generations. A tour here takes you through the orchards, where rows of apple trees thrive in the Somerset air, before visiting the ancient copper stills used to create their renowned cider brandy. You’ll learn about the process from apple pressing to distillation and ageing in oak barrels. To top it off, you can enjoy a tasting session, sampling their smooth, rich brandy, along with some of their award-winning ciders.
*tours need to be booked in advance
Lunch at Brown and Forrest Smokery
By now, you’ll have worked up quite an appetite, and the nearby Brown and Forrest Smokery, in Hambridge, is the perfect place to refuel. This family-run smokery is famous for its delicious artisan smoked foods, all made using traditional hot and cold smoking methods.
The cosy café, with its welcoming atmosphere, offers a variety of seasonal dishes created with local ingredients. Whether you choose their signature smoked salmon, or perhaps a hearty ploughman’s lunch, everything is beautifully prepared and bursting with flavour. Don’t forget to pick up some of their wonderful smoked goods and chutneys to take home.
The Craftsmans Cabin, Kingsbury Episcopi
Extend your adventure and stay the weekend in South Somerset at the Craftsmans Cabin in Kingsbury Episcopi. This charming retreat offers a peaceful escape with rustic interiors inspired by the region’s artisan heritage. Nestled within the idyllic countryside, the cabin features handcrafted wooden furniture, cosy decor, and a private outdoor space to unwind under the stars. It’s a perfect base to explore the area’s creative workshops, cider orchards, and local markets, or simply relax and soak up the beauty of the Somerset Levels.