Close By Attractions

Cricket St Thomas Golf Club has over 80 years of history and provides members and visitors alike the chance to play on a beautiful parkland course with outstanding views across the surrounding countryside. Its stunning location in Somerset provides the ultimate golfing experience in the South West. Enjoy their award-winning Toptracer driving range, they also boast an adults-only gym, fitness studio, sports bar, restaurant, private function and conference facilities.

The golf club being a short 5 minutes drive from the hotel means you can enjoy our hearty breakfast before teeing off.

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Many visitors know Chard for its beautiful countryside location and easy access to Somerset, Devon and Dorset. However, the town is also home to a thriving manufacturing and engineering sector that attracts professionals, contractors and business travellers throughout the year.

One of the area's most recognisable employers is Numatic International, famous for producing the much-loved Henry vacuum cleaner. The company has been manufacturing in Chard for decades and remains a major employer in the region.

Alongside Numatic, Chard is home to a number of highly respected engineering and precision manufacturing businesses serving industries including aerospace, automotive, packaging, construction and advanced manufacturing. Companies such as Metaltech Precision, Turnweld Engineering, Coker Engineering, Chard Precision (Doncaster Group) and several specialist engineering firms contribute to the area's reputation for quality manufacturing and innovation.

As a result, Chard regularly welcomes engineers, project managers, contractors, sales teams and visiting suppliers who require comfortable accommodation during their stay. Whether visiting for a single meeting, a week-long project or ongoing contract work, business travellers appreciate the town's convenient location and excellent transport links to the wider South West.

At Watermead House, we regularly welcome guests working with local manufacturers and engineering companies. Our comfortable rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, ample parking with EV chargers, early breakfast options and convenient location make us an ideal base for those travelling on business.

Chard Museum is a fascinating local museum that showcases the town's rich history, spanning from prehistoric times to the present day. The museum houses a diverse range of exhibits, including artifacts from the town's industrial past, a remarkable collection of fossils, and memorabilia from the Victorian era. One of the highlights is the exhibit dedicated to John Stringfellow, a pioneer in powered flight who hailed from Chard. His contributions to aviation are celebrated through models and displays that demonstrate his groundbreaking experiments. The museum provides an insightful look into the people, places, and events that have shaped Chard over the centuries, making it an essential stop for history enthusiasts and families alike.

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Chard Reservoir Nature Reserve is a haven for wildlife and a favorite spot for nature lovers. The reservoir attracts a wide variety of bird species, making it a great location for birdwatching. Well-maintained paths wind through the reserve, allowing visitors to enjoy peaceful walks amid lush greenery. The reserve is also home to other wildlife, including otters, which can occasionally be spotted in the water. With picnic spots and viewing points, Chard Reservoir provides a scenic and relaxing environment for those looking to unwind and connect with nature.

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Forde Abbey is a historic house and gardens located just outside of Chard. This former Cistercian monastery dates back to the 12th century and is now a stunning stately home. Visitors can explore its exquisite interiors, including a chapel, a great hall, and various lavishly decorated rooms that reflect different historical periods. The gardens are equally impressive, featuring one of the highest powered water fountains in the country, beautiful flower beds, and peaceful water features. Forde Abbey is a wonderful blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty, offering a tranquil escape into the Somerset countryside.

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Montacute is a masterpiece of Elizabethan Renaissance architecture and design. With its towering walls of glass, glow of ham stone and surrounding garden and parkland, it is a place of beauty and wonder.

A beautiful garden surrounds Montacute House, constantly changing, filling the house with scent in summer and providing an atmospheric backdrop for a winter walk.

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Situated on the world-famous Jurassic Coast, Lyme Regis is a pretty seaside resort and it is only 12 miles from Chard. Lyme Regis boasts beautiful beaches, breathtaking scenery, a fascinating history and picturesque harbour as well as plenty of activities, attractions and a varied programme of events all year round.

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Bridport is a lively and vibrant market town with a rich, rope-making heritage. It also has a tremendous reputation for arts, culture, events and food. The town is a hive of activity with an eclectic mix of interesting shops, cafes and restaurants that give the town a wonderfully welcoming atmosphere.

Just a mile to the south of Bridport is West Bay - a charming fishing village located on one of the most dramatic stretches of the Jurassic Coast.

West Bay has enjoyed a surge in popularity in recent years thanks to ITV’s smash hit Drama Broadchurch starring David Tennant and Olivia Colman being filmed here. It’s not hard to see why the location was chosen. West Bay offers some stunning landscapes to explore with breath-taking views from the cliff tops surrounding the village.

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Just a short drive from Chard, Perry's Cider Mill in Dowlish Wake offers a glimpse into traditional cider making. This family-owned cider mill has been producing cider for generations, using locally grown apples and traditional methods. Visitors can tour the mill, learn about the cider-making process, and enjoy tastings of the various ciders produced on-site. The mill also has a shop where visitors can purchase cider, local produce, and souvenirs. Perry's Cider Mill is a charming destination that celebrates Somerset's cider heritage and provides an authentic rural experience.

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