Chard Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Chard Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Chard sits in a brilliant spot for exploring Somerset's best bits. I always recommend starting at Forde Abbey (TA20 4LU, open 10am-4pm daily), a former Cistercian monastery with 30 acres of award-winning gardens. The Great Pond and rock gardens are spectacular and kids love the fountain display that shoots 160ft high!

Chard Museum (TA20 1QB, open Tues-Fri 10am-4pm) houses fascinating exhibits on local history including the town's lace-making past and John Stringfellow's flying machines. It's small but packed with interesting artefacts - the Victorian schoolroom is particularly good.

Chard Reservoir Nature Reserve is perfect for morning walks. We spotted kingfishers, great crested grebes and even a water vole last time. The 1.5-mile circular path is easy going and suitable for all ages.

Cricket St Thomas Wildlife Park (TA20 4BZ) was once a popular attraction and filming location for TV's 'To The Manor Born'. Though the wildlife park closed in 2009, the grounds remain beautiful for walking.

Pet Friendly

Many Chard cottages welcome dogs and the area is brilliant for four-legged holidays. The Blackdown Hills offer endless walking routes where dogs can roam freely. I particularly recommend the circular walk from Staple Hill car park (TA3 7ET) which has stunning views across Somerset.

The Cotley Inn (TA20 3EP) in nearby Wambrook is a proper country pub that welcomes dogs in the bar area and garden. They even provide water bowls and treats! Their Sunday roasts are exceptional.

Chard Reservoir allows dogs on leads, making it perfect for morning walks before returning to your hot tub cottage. The path is flat and accessible year-round.

If you're heading to the coast, Monmouth Beach in Lyme Regis permits dogs all year round, unlike many beaches with summer restrictions. The fossil hunting here is fantastic too!

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Chard

The Chard Museum (TA20 1QB) is surprisingly good for a small town museum. It's housed in a 16th-century building and tells the story of Chard's industrial past. The exhibits on lacemaking and Stringfellow's flying machines are fascinating. One visitor wrote: "So much more interesting than we expected - we spent two hours here and could have stayed longer!"

Forde Abbey and Gardens (TA20 4LU) is absolutely worth the 10-minute drive from Chard. This former monastery features stunning architecture and 30 acres of gardens. The Great Pond with its massive fountain is spectacular and the walled kitchen garden supplies the excellent tearoom. A recent visitor noted: "The gardens are immaculate and the house tour gives real insight into its history."

Chard Reservoir Nature Reserve offers a peaceful escape just a mile from town. The 88-acre reservoir attracts diverse birdlife and the flat walking path makes it accessible for everyone. Bring binoculars if you have them! The fishing here is excellent too, with day tickets available for anglers after carp, bream and pike.

Is Chard a good base for exploring Somerset?

Yes! Chard's location on the Somerset/Devon border makes it perfect for exploring both counties. You're just 30 minutes from the Jurassic Coast, 25 minutes from Taunton and surrounded by pretty villages. Having a hot tub cottage here gives you the perfect relaxing base.

What's the best time to visit Chard?

Spring and summer are lovely for exploring the gardens and countryside. However, autumn offers spectacular colours in the Blackdown Hills and winter is perfect for cosy cottage stays with hot tubs under starry skies. The area is less busy than coastal hotspots, so works well year-round.

Are there good restaurants in Chard?

Yes! Try Masons Arms (TA20 4QH) for excellent pub food, Bath House (TA20 1QF) for quality modern British dishes, or Spice Villa (TA20 2AH) for great Indian cuisine. For something special, River Cottage HQ is just 20 minutes away near Axminster.

Can I bring children to a hot tub cottage in Chard?

Absolutely. Many cottages cater specifically for families with enclosed gardens and games facilities. Kids love hot tubs too! Nearby attractions like Forde Abbey have child-friendly activities and Chard Reservoir is great for wildlife spotting.

How far is Chard from the coast?

Lyme Regis and the Jurassic Coast are just 14 miles (about 25 minutes) drive from Chard. West Bay (where Broadchurch was filmed) is 30 minutes away. After a day fossil hunting, nothing beats returning to your hot tub!

Is there public transport in Chard?

Limited. There are bus services to Taunton and Axminster (for trains), but a car is recommended to make the most of the area. Most cottages provide parking.

Some helpful links:

1. Visit Somerset - Chard Information
2. Forde Abbey and Gardens
3. Chard Reservoir Nature Reserve
4. Chard Museum