LOCAL AREA
HOST Sedgemoor Campus is in the historic market and old port town of Bridgwater, while the Hinkley Campus is 10 miles away at Hinkley Point! Take a look at some of the things to do in the local area...
HOST Sedgemoor Campus is in the historic market and old port town of Bridgwater, while the Hinkley Campus is 10 miles away at Hinkley Point. Just minutes from the M5, Bridgwater is easily accessible from Taunton and Weston-super-Mare and is less than an hour away from the city of Bristol.
Bridgwater is a lively market town which is home to several great pubs and restaurants, a selection of shops, and a cinema. Also close by are the historic towns of Glastonbury, home of the festival, and Wells with its cathedral and, some claim, the oldest purely residential street with original buildings surviving, intact in Europe.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Exmoor is on the doorstep, as is the beautiful North Somerset and Devon coast with access to the South West coastal path. For sports, Taunton is the home of Somerset County Cricket Club as well as the Taunton Racecourse. Nearby Highbridge hosts Somerset Speedway and Bristol and Exeter have top level Football and Rugby Clubs.
OUR TOP 5 TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Burrow Mump
Burrow Mump is a hill and historic site overlooking Southlake Moor in the village of Burrowbridge.
The hill stands at a location overlooking the point where the River Tone joins the River Parrett. Although there is some evidence of Roman visitation, the first fortification of the site was the construction of a Norman motte.
A medieval church was built on the hill in the 15th century. The current ruined church on top of the hill was built in 1793. The land and ruin were donated to the National Trust in 1946 as a war memorial.
At 24m tall, it’s a quick clamber up Burrow Mump, walking up the rippled slopes from the car park or the small flight of stone steps leading from the main road. The shield-shaped gate, with sword inset seen when approaching from the main road, hints at the hill’s military history.
The 360 degree views from the top of the hill are spectacular, and definitely worth the short, but slightly steep walk.
The Walled Gardens of Cannington
Located in the village of Cannington, just 5 miles from both Hinkley and Sedgemoor campuses, The Walled Gardens of Cannington lie within the grounds of a medieval priory and many of its fine buildings, including the walls of the garden, remain.
Having undergone extensive refurbishment they have been accredited as a ‘quality assured visitor attraction' by VisitEngland and named as a Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) partner garden.
The Gardens have classic and contemporary features such as; the 'hot' Herbaceous Border; the Blue Garden; the Sub-Tropical Walk; and a Victorian style fernery, amongst others. There is also a Botanical Glasshouse where arid, sub-tropical and tropical plants can be seen and two smaller gardens within the walls (The Bishop's and Australasian Gardens) are areas of real tranquillity.
Oatley Vineyard
This family run vineyard is approximately 6-7 miles from either campus.
Iain and Jane Awty have been producing wines that have been winning international awards since they moved to Oately from London in 1985.
They take sustainability very seriously and run a low-intervention, eco-friendly husbandry.
The vineyard is at its best between May and September when you can walk the vines and enjoy a free tasting. Check out the website for more information www.oatleyvineyard.co.uk
WWT Steart Marshes
Wetlands are amazing for wildlife, but they can also do a lot of great stuff for people. Steart Marshes is WWT's first big Working Wetland. It's home to a vast array of wildlife and it's a place that people love to visit. But as well as that, it's locking away carbon from the atmosphere that would otherwise contribute to climate change.
Throughout the year there are many highlights; from landscape views of the Poldens, Mendips, Brecon Beacons, Exmoor and Quantocks to the hundreds of roosting shelduck that can be seen in late summer.
The tidal area is approximately 1 x 3km, taking around an hour to walk from end to end.
Entry is free all year. https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/steart-marshes
Blake Museum
Located in the heart of Bridgwater, this 16th century house was first opened to the public in 1926. It is said that Robert Blake, Bridgwater’s most famous citizen was born there in 1598.
A museum detailing the history and archeology of Bridgwater and its surrounding villages. There are displays of artefacts from days gone by, an exhibition of John Chubb, artist and merchant, the Transport Room and the Battle Room. Further information can be found at www.bridgwatermuseum.org.uk
