Nestled in the village of Combwich, besides the Parrett Trail, Quern Barn is ideally situated to discover everything the beautiful county of Somerset has to offer.
Right on our doorstep we have Steart Marshes - one of the UK’s largest new wetland reserves and a wildlife lovers delight. Here hundreds of acres of saltmarsh and freshwater wetlands provide home to a rich mix of flora and fauna. Early summer brings ringed plovers, lapwings, egrets, avocets, and skylark. Late summer and through the season shelduck arrive in their thousands whilst reed buntings, barn owls and merlin can also be seen.
Meanwhile, if you like your wildlife on four legs, an abundance of grazing animals can be found on the marshes, along with roe deer, hares, foxes and otters. And most evenings Quern Barn’s own Riverside Farm plays host to a troop of inquisitive badgers who love to come up to the patios to say hello.
Away from the barn, our guests can enjoy the delights of Dunster village, with it’s famed National Trust gardens, mill and castle. Or perhaps step back in time with a ride on the West Somerset Steam Railway, whilst a trip to Taunton or Clarks Village will satisfy anyone in need of a bit of retail therapy.
For those with a more active spirit, Quern Barn is surrounding by no fewer than three designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty - The Quantock Hills with their deep wooded valleys or ‘combes’, The Mendip Hills with their famed Jurassic landscape and coastline, and The Blackdown Hills are all ideal for walking, cycling or horseriding. Walkers in particular can also enjoy a huge wealth of country and coastal paths including the Coleridge Way, the Two Moors Way and the much loved South West Coastal Path which stretches between Minehead and Brean.
Finally, after a day exploring all that Somerset has to offer, what could be better than coming home to rest in the hammocks in the top paddock, gently taking in the views of the estuary, the Mendip Hills and beyond?
* Photos courtesy of Carl Taylor guest at Quern Barn