On the banks of the River Tone in Somerset, Dallybank is a lovely place to stay if you’re looking for an idyllic location for a quiet family holiday or a celebration escape with your nearest and dearest. Think of it as a rural retreat that has something for all ages any time of year – 4 very restful bedrooms sleep 8, there’s a games room, a playroom, and in the garden at the front of the house, a covered hot tub and a play area with a hand-built pirate boat and a living willow hut. Life slows right down here, the hubbub of the city seems a million miles away.
From the back of the house you can see for miles across the Somerset Levels, a unique area that’s rich in wildlife, etched with rhynes (pronounced REENS) that help to drain the land. Because it’s such a flat landscape, it’s good for walking – even little legs won’t tire so easily. Step out from the doorstep and stroll along the riverbank – in one direction you can walk to the village of North Curry where there’s a beautiful church known as ‘The Cathedral of the Moors’, in the other you can amble along to Burrow Mump, one of the few hills rising out of the Levels. At the top is a ruined church and staggering views, at the bottom is the King Alfred Inn.
Pootle up the road to Coates English Willow to find out about the withy trade that’s been a big part of life in these parts, how they still grow the willow, and the uses it’s put to in basket making, garden hurdles and sculptures. Follow the nature trail, have cake in the café, browse the makers shops in the courtyard.
Explore Langport, just a few miles away, hire bikes from Parrett Trail Bikes (they do children’s bikes, child seats, tag-alongs and trailers) and set off for your own adventure; take a boat trip on the Duchess of Cocklemoor. Go out to Muchelney to see the beautiful abbey and the angels on the painted wagon roof in the parish church.
Soak up the woo-woo vibe of Glastonbury with its kooky shops, breathe in the tranquillity of the Chalice Well Gardens, climb the famous Tor for the most spectacular views. Take a day trip to Wells, England’s smallest city, and see the glorious cathedral and 14th century Bishop’s Palace.
Head over to the Jurassic Coast for a day on the beach at Lyme Regis; go out to sea on a fishing or sightseeing trip, take the kids to the little Marine Aquarium at the end of the harbour and to Dinosaurland Fossil Museum in town.
Wherever you go, whatever you do, you’ll make such wonderful memories when you stay at Dallybank. These are dream days that won’t ever be forgotten. Book your stay today.