Attractions and Places To See around Chard - Top 10

Chard is rich in history. You can visit Forde Abbey and Gardens, a stunning former Cistercian monastery with grand architecture and extensive gardens. The Chard Museum delves into the town's industrial past, including its claim as the birthplace of powered flight. Other notable historical sites include St. Mary's Church, Dillington House, and the ancient Castle Neroche Iron Age Hill Fort.

Absolutely! For nature lovers, Chard Reservoir Nature Reserve is a tranquil spot perfect for birdwatching and peaceful walks. Snowdon Park offers winding footpaths and wildflower meadows. Just a short drive away, the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) provides rugged landscapes and panoramic views, while the iconic Jurassic Coast is about 30 minutes away for dramatic cliffs and fossil-rich beaches.

Families visiting Chard have several engaging options. Ferne Animal Sanctuary offers a chance to see rescued animals in a beautiful countryside setting. The Axe Valley Wildlife Park, just over the border in East Devon, features animals from around the world. Additionally, Chard Reservoir Nature Reserve has a children's forest play area, and Sharandys Birds of Prey Centre provides interactive experiences with raptors.

The area around Chard is excellent for walking. You can enjoy circular walks at Chard Reservoir Nature Reserve and explore the footpaths of Snowdon Park. For more extensive hiking, the Blackdown Hills AONB offers miles of public footpaths and bridleways with stunning views. The Jurassic Coast also provides spectacular coastal walks.

Chard has a unique industrial heritage. The Chard Museum highlights the town's role in the early days of powered flight through local inventor John Stringfellow. You can also explore the remnants of the ambitious 19th-century Chard Canal. For a taste of local tradition, Perry Cider Mill offers a museum and tastings of local 'scrumpy' cider.

For birdwatching and wildlife spotting, Chard Reservoir Nature Reserve is a prime location, home to herons, kingfishers, and otters. Snowdon Park also provides opportunities to spot local wildlife amidst its wildflower meadows and woodlands.

Yes, the region boasts impressive stately homes and gardens. Forde Abbey and Gardens features magnificent architecture and extensive landscaped gardens with water features. Barrington Court, a National Trust property, offers a beautifully restored Tudor manor house with enchanting gardens and a working kitchen garden.

While specific cycling routes directly linked to Chard in our data are not available, the Blackdown Hills AONB, a short drive from Chard, is known for its bridleways suitable for cycling. Additionally, The Stop Line Way is a scenic cycling trail that passes through the area, offering a pleasant outdoor activity.

For impressive panoramic views, head to Castle Neroche Iron Age Hill Fort, which offers amazing vistas from its ancient earthworks. Lambert's Castle Hillfort, managed by the National Trust, also provides lovely views of the surrounding landscapes from its 2,500-year-old earthworks.

Yes, several spots in Chard welcome dogs. Chard Reservoir Nature Reserve and Snowdon Park are both dog-friendly, offering pleasant walks for you and your canine companion. Always ensure dogs are kept under control and follow local guidelines.

The Chard Guildhall is a historic Elizabethan building located in the town center. Beyond its architectural significance, it also serves as the Tourist Information Centre, providing valuable resources and assistance for visitors exploring Chard and its surroundings.

Fans of classic British television might enjoy visiting Cricket St Thomas. This estate is famously known as the setting for the popular BBC sitcom "To The Manor Born." It features exquisite gardens and lakes, perfect for heritage walks and afternoon tea.

The spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities in Chard, with warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours ideal for walking, cycling, and exploring nature reserves. Autumn also provides beautiful scenery with changing foliage, particularly in areas like the Blackdown Hills AONB.