Chard

Chard, at 400 ft. above sea level, is the highest town in Somerset and so you can enjoy some impressive views of the surrounding countryside from nearby Windwhistle Hill -on a clear day you can see both the English and Bristol channels.

This ancient town was first incorporated as a borough in 1234 and while its early industry was in the wool trade it has developed into a centre for machine made lace. Visit the courthouse group of Elizabethan houses or the town museum, where you will learn about John Stringfellow who launched the first steam powered aeroplane in 1848.

A few miles south of Chard is Forde Abbey, which was founded by Cistercian monks around 900 years ago and they remained there until the dissolution of the monasteries in the 16th century. After a period of standing empty the building was renovated in 1700 and has been a family home ever since. Both the house and gardens are stunning and you can visit the gardens throughout the year, while the house is open to the public from April to October.