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Pond Hill
Wordsworth's Quantock Hills
The Quantock Hills, home to the red deer, are considered by many to be the most beautiful part of Somerset. In contrast to the desolate Mendips, the Quantocks consist of gentle slopes, peppered with small villages, pastures and heather covered moors with dark woods, loud and running brooks.
The visitor will find no towns or large villages here. This is a region of hamlets and isolated farms. The best vantage point from which to see this stunning county is at crest of the Qantocks. From here, the Severn Estuary can be seen meeting the sea. To the east, the Mendips and the lowlands of Somerset can be viewed. Westward lies the horizon of Exmoor.
The Quantocks inspired the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, who lived at Nether Stowey. During his times at the village, he wrote some of his finest works including ‘The Ancient Mariner'. William Wordsworth also found inspiration in this countryside – he would often accompany Coleridge on long local walks.
Aisholt
A traditional village with a small church and a collection of cottages that lie halfway up a wooded combe. From the churchyard there are fine views across the trees to Will's Neck, Quantock's highest point.
Broomfield
This village was the birth place of Andrew Crosse, a pioneer in the development of electricity. The pre historic Ruborough Camp, about a mile to the north, was used by the Romans as a fort. It's now overgrown with trees.
Combe Florey
This delightful village lies in the foothills and features a handsome 18th century manor house, which was home to the novelist, Evelyn Waugh. Two miles to the East, at Cothelston, visitors will find an impressive Jacobean manor house.
Cothay
This village has one of the finest 15th-century country houses in England with mullioned windows and roughcast walls. It features an imposing gatehouse that was converted into a chapel and is now surrounded by impressive gardens.
Crowcombe
The town's church features elaborately carved Tudor bench-ends and a Tudor church house.
East Quantoxhead
This village consists of a cluster of cottages set next to a duck pond. Away from the pond lies the Court House, built of local stone and unaltered since the east front was added in the 17th century.
Holford
A lane winds past its tiny church which leads to Alfoxton House, were William Wordsworth rented in the 18th century. With Samuel Taylor Coleridge, they wandered the Quantocks, which are said to have inspired some of Wordsworth's finest poetry.
Nether Stowey
Coleridge once lived here in a cottage now owned by the National Trust. Next to the local church is Stowey Court, a manor house that dates from the 15th century. dating A stream flows next to the road from the mound of a ruined castle – the houses here stand behind small bridges which span the gentle stream. Attractions include Dodington Manor House. It is located about two miles to the north-west and dates back to the 16th century.
Stogursey
The parish church of St Andrew contains some impressive Norman carvings. The remains of a castle is situated nearby which was destroyed during the Wars of the Roses.
Taunton
This is the county town of Somerset. Its most significant landmark is the restored Norman Castle. This striking fortification includes a museum and a great hall. Other buildings of note include the parish church, St Mary's and the nearby Church of St James both of which feature impressive towers. Gray's Almshouses and the Octagon Chapel in Middle Street are also worth seeing.
Watchet
This harbour village at one time served Exmoor and the Qauntocks although its importance diminished in the 19thcentury. The town is now a quiet seaside resort, which boasts some fine cliffs to the west and a sandy beach. The remains of the 12th century, Cleeve Abbey, lie to the South west.
Wellington
This is a picturesque town, which has some grand Georgian houses. It renowned as a wool town and its cloths are exported all over the world. An obelisk is located to the South commemorating the Duke of Wellington, victor of Waterloo, who took his title from the town.
About the Author
John Brown writes travel articles for self catering websites such as Cottages to Rent, which also includes his guide to Somerset.
Wild cow milking at Pond Hill