Latest news with #Crewkerne
The Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Six UK farm stays inspired by Clarkson's Farm from remote cottages to Highland cow petting
CLARKSON'S Farm is back on the box and fans are lapping up the rural adventures of Jeremy and pals as they shine a light on the highs and lows of life at Diddly Squat Farm. As the TV presenter has highlighted in his series, British farmers are having to diversify to make working the land profitable. 6 6 Farm stays are a great way to experience the joys of the British countryside while helping rural communities. And with Jeremy turning his hand to becoming a pub landlord in this latest season of the show, our round-up today suggests some great places to stay — with a lovely countryside pub nearby. PECKMOOR FARM LODGES: Get your boots muddy at this working farm close to the Somerset - Dorset border. 6 Nestled among wooded valleys and open pastures, these lodges blend rustic charm with creature comforts, featuring private hot tubs and uninterrupted country views. Families will love the menagerie of animals on site, from alpacas and emus to Highland cattle and pygmy goats, sheep and ducks. Guests can even try their hand at horse riding before breakfast. Just under two miles away, the market town of Crewkerne offers characterful pubs, notably The Crooked Swan — a handsome Georgian inn known for seasonal menus and ales. And for those looking to venture further, the Jurassic Coast is within easy reach, promising dramatic cliffs, hidden coves and a geological history lesson carved in stone. GO: A four-night stay for four is from £745 total. See NEW OAKS FARM LODGES: Wake to the gentle bleating of lambs and the clucking of hens from your wooden lodge on this Somerset haven, which is just 20 minutes from Glastonbury. north wales staycation The working farm at West Lydford is home to pigs, sheep and oodles of countryside charm. Each lodge is kitted out with private outdoor hot tubs — ideal for taking in the rolling farmland and ending the day under the stars, cider in hand. Less than a mile down the lane lies The Cross Keys Inn, a lovely traditional country pub where low beams, local ales and live music nights make for a warm welcome. Wookey Hole Caves and the towering cliffs of Cheddar Gorge are half an hour away, while the Mendip Hills, safari thrills of Longleat and the seaside charm of Burnham-on-Sea are all comfortably within an hour's drive. GO: A four-night stay for four is from £549 in total this June. See FARM COTTAGE: Tucked into a wooded valley just outside St Ives, this 300-year-old granite cottage is one of four charming boltholes at Chypons Farm. 6 Once part of the working farm, Farm Cottage at Nancledra still holds its rustic charm — with thick stone walls, exposed beams and a generous lawned garden that invites you to unwind among birdsong and trees. The two-bed cottage sleeps four and dogs are welcome. Though it feels delightfully remote, the surf beaches and art-filled streets of St Ives are just a short drive away, while Marazion and St Michael's Mount lie across the bay. For a low-key evening, stroll to the nearby Engine Inn for a pint of Cornish ale and proper pub grub. SYCAMORE FARM: Get up close and personal with the herd of Highland cattle that graze in the fields surrounding Sycamore Farmhouse near Bramford, Ipswich. 6 This 15th century, timber-framed property is set amid the gently undulating fields near Bramford, and guests are invited to groom the Highland cows in the lead-up to show season. The generous, four-bedroom house sleeps eight and is all beams and roaring fires, with the luxury of a private hot tub, sauna and games room. Days here might begin with coffee in the garden, followed by long, leisurely walks through the Suffolk countryside and a trip to Jimmy's Farm or Baylham House rare breeds farm, which is just 15 minutes away. For a decent pint, head to The Bramford Cock just a four-minute drive from the farmhouse. GO: A four-night break for eight, plus three pets, is from £865 in total in June. See FOLLY FARM: Imagine waking up to the sounds of farm and zoo animals in Pembrokeshire at Folly Farm Holiday Park. Choose from themed luxury lodges, charming Showman's Wagons, exotic Twiga Tents, or even Folly View, a spacious house that sleeps up to 10 people — ideal for larger families or groups. What truly sets this park apart is its proximity to Folly Farm, one of the UK's top attractions. Within walking distance, you can explore the farm with its lions, giraffes, penguins and the Jolly Barn, where you can meet farmyard favourites. When you're ready to unwind, a short two-mile drive takes you to The Boars Head, a recently refurbished and characterful pub offering hearty food and a selection of local drinks. GO: A four-night stay for four people is from £489 in total this June. See 6 Once home to saddles and stirrups, this lovingly converted barn now opens its French doors to a slower rhythm of life, where birdsong and bleating sheep are the soundtrack to your mornings. Just a mile or two from the sweeping chalk grasslands of Martin Down Nature Reserve and only six miles from the New Forest's ancient woodlands and the famous New Forest ponies, this one-bedroom retreat is perfectly poised for rural rambles and woodland wonder. Inside, the light-filled space features a kingsize bed, wood burner and a Nespresso machine to fuel plans for the day. Guests can stroll through the orchard garden, greet the ponies or sip wine as the sun dips below Hampshire's rolling hills. For a pub garden to enjoy a pint, it has to be The Rose And Thistle in nearby Rockbourne, close to Fordingbridge.
BBC News
15-05-2025
- BBC News
Crewkerne pedestrian hit by lorry
A pedestrian has been seriously injured after a collision with a lorry, police and Somerset Police were called at 11:50 BST on Thursday morning to Crewkerne Town Centre, to reports of a collision between a lorry and a pedestrian has serious injuries which could be life-changing, police South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust attended the incident and brought the patient to Southmead Hospital with an air ambulance.
BBC News
09-05-2025
- BBC News
Somerset man who raped two women jailed for 24 years
A Somerset man who raped, assaulted and coercively controlled two women has been jailed for 24 years. William Chalkley, 40, of Court Barton, Crewkerne, was sentenced on Thursday at Taunton Crown Court, after being found unanimously guilty after a trial in March. The offences, which started in 2015, involved two women and included rape, assault by penetration, sexual assault, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault causing actual bodily harm. In a victim impact statement, one woman said Chalkley had "completely destroyed me as a person". "One of the main reasons why I wanted to pursue this case was so he could not hurt another woman and to get justice for those of us who had been affected by his behaviour and his crimes," she said. "I feel this has now been achieved." She added Chalkley "took away a lot of my life", but said she was now ready to "move on" and "be the person I want and deserve to be". 'Disbelief' The court heard how Chalkley had raped and sexually assaulted one woman before seeking out his next victim who he later assaulted and raped. His second victim said the attack had left her "in complete disbelief" and "terrified" of him hurting her again. "This has changed my life," she said."I need to rebuild my whole self and life again. I want to be back to the me before this happened." In a joint statement, the two investigating officers Det Con Nicola Raybould and Det Con Simon Ledbury thanked the victims who had "brought a dangerous offender to justice". "Chalkley has refused to accept the severity of his actions against the two victims and has shown no remorse throughout the investigation and at court," they added. "We hope this conviction sends out an important message – any acts of violence towards women and girls will never be tolerated and every victim deserves to be heard and supported." If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, you can visit the BBC Action Line to find information and support.
