Posts tagged cheese
Top Tips for visiting the West Country
May 31st
Its the time of year when tourist destinations will be swarming with holiday-makers enjoying all the fabulous attributes this country is famous for. 
For us on the West Dorset coast that includes stunning scenery, breathtaking coastlines, Ample historic buildings and landmarks, great local organic produce and some of the best artisan cheeses, beers and ciders the country can offer.
There are a number of people though who sound as though their trip to West Dorset has been more of a trial than a treat.
For this reason we have compiled some top tips to help you enjoy your west country break.
1. Plan when to go
If you don’t have to travel during the school holidays, then my advice is…don’t. For many the school holidays is their only holiday time – but it is the peak when accomodation is in short supply, the beaches are crowded and tensions are higher as a result. The weather is generally good from March to October so plan a time which suits you, and perhaps which also gives you the best choice of accomodation and restaurants outside of this seasonal peak.
2. Decide what to do
Decide in advance what you want to get from your holiday and choose the destination with this in mind. For example choosing a hotel on the coast is great if you’re planning a lot of time on the beach, or walking the Jurassic path http://www.jurassiccoast.com/ , but if you want a base to explore the area, then a hotel just inland may provide better relaxation and easier accessibility (Devon/Dorset roads were not built for heavy traffic so get rather clogged during peak times)
3. Choose who you share this time with
If you have decided that relaxation, good food and some walking are what you need for this break, then choose someone who will enjoy this with you – rather than someone who will only be happy lying on a beach with a good book, and moan every time you try to drag them on a 2 mile walk up to Golden Cap! Your relax time is precious so make sure everyone on your trip has the same goals in mind.
4. Take some time to enjoy it
There is so much to do in this area it is tempting to cram as much as possible into your short break (see our Things to do section for further info!) This can be stressful in itself and get in the way of your relaxation time. So choose carefully what is going to make you happy and prioritise your time. If necessary book 2 breaks – one for sightseeing and travelling around, another for some scenic walks and good food – to avoid ‘holiday havoc’
5. Stay somewhere which takes the stress out of it all!
At Fernhill we take the stress out of any short break with
- ample free parking;
- simple directions to help you find us;
- holistic therapies to help unwind;
- delicious home cooked locally sourced food;
- a reception team happy to help you plan your stay, book taxis & restaurants and recommend places to visit based on your interests.
Make sure the accomodation you choose can help make your stay relaxing and memorable!
One cheese, three National Parks and as much cider as you can handle!
May 3rd
If you’re the kind of person that’s very much “at one with nature”, you’ll be amazed at just what you can see, do and taste within 50 miles of the Fernhill Hotel in Lyme Regis.
One Cheese
The first and most obvious place for the cheese lovers amongst you is Cheddar Caves and Gorge, where the world famous cheese is produced. Even if you’re not a big cheese fanatic you can revel in the sights and sounds of some of the largest inland cliffs in the UK (500 feet in places!) that form the famous Cheddar Gorge. A designated site of outstanding natural beauty since the early 1970′s, it provides an unforgettable day out.
A little cider.
Just a few miles from Cheddar, in Sandford, is Thatchers Cider Company. For over 100 years the company has produced award winning cider.
Three National Parks
Being located between three of the UK’s most glorious national parks is something we’re proud of, and each has its own particular attractions. To the north-west, there is Exmoor National Park, Dartmoor National Park is to the west, and to the east there is the New Forest National Park.
More cider!
And if you fancy another drop of cider after visiting the National Parks, you’ll not be disappointed.
On the way back from Exmoor there are Hancocks in South Molton (Devon side of the park), The Somerset Cider Brandy Company Ltd & Burrow Hill Cider in Martock, with their champagne method cider, and cider brandy as distinctive specialities. The centuries old Sheppy’s is just outside of Taunton at Bradford-on-Tone, and the award winning Perry’s is located in Ilminster.
For those of you heading out to the New Forest, in Burley near Ringwood you’ll find the very traditional New Forest Cider company.
Not a cider drinker? Between Dartmoor National Park and and Lyme Regis is the Lyme Bay Winery, producing and selling ciders, country wines and speciality liqueurs to boot.
So you see, with the Fernhill Hotel as your base you are naturally spoilt for choice 