Surroundings
Location
Our workshop is located 10 minutes outside of Taunton town centre, in Somerset, positioning us perfectly between the north and south Devon coasts. These famous coastlines have so much to offer with long sandy beaches, dramatic scenery, harbours, marinas and the spectacular Exmoor coastline. Rural Somerset in contrast has rolling hills, wild moorlands, ancient woodlands and historic villages for you to explore.
Accommodation
Short term and longer term accommodation is available locally, either in the surrounding rural villages, or within Taunton. Alternatively, many commute from nearby cities like Bristol or Exeter on a daily basis.
The average rent for property can range between £250 to £600 per calendar month (depending on whether you have a room in a shared house or whole property), and most include utility bills. Some of our students have chosen to save money in the summer by utilising the facilities of local campsites. Our school has links with local farmhouses and accommodation providers who provide good value accommodation, and for students that would like our help, we are able to put them in contact with these landlords. You are welcome to contact us for assistance in finding accommodation.
Local travel
We are situated in a beautiful, but very rural location. As such, the workshop is not served by public transport and our nearest bus links are 5.4 miles away. Some of our students are very fit and cycle, but in truth, we would advise that you have access to other means of transport. Students lift share, but that is generally something they arrange once they start their courses and meet others who live in the same area as them.
We are at hand to help if you need assistance looking into car rental, lift sharing or taxi/local transport options. Use the contact form to get in touch or call us on 01984 667555.
Places to stay
There are a variety of options in and around the Taunton area for places to stay, from B&Bs, house sharing or renting your own place.
www.quantockonline.co.uk
www.visitsomerset.co.uk
www.west-somerset-today.co.uk
www.rightmove.co.uk
Travel
The workshop is located approx 20mins by car from the M5 Junction 25, and 40mins from the A303. Taunton has good rail networks around the South West and to most major surrounding destinations including; Bristol, Exeter, Bath, Birmingham, and London.
Bristol International Airport - www.bristolairport.co.uk
Tel: 0870 1212747. Distance from workshop : 46 miles
Exeter International Airport - www.exeter-airport.co.uk
Tel: 01392 367433. Distance from workshop : 40 miles
Taunton Railway Station - www.nationalrail.co.uk
Tel: 0845 700 0125. Distance from workshop : 10 miles.
Places of interest
Exmoor National Park contains an amazing variety of landscapes within its 267 square miles, including moorland, woodland, and rugged valleys, shaped by nature over thousands of years. The Quantock Hills are also right on our doorstep. With both Bristol and Exeter easily accessible via car and with good train links you won't be too far from city life. West Somerset Railway is one of Britain’s longest steam railway running 20 miles between Bishops Lydeard to Minehead.
Activities
If you are interested in surfing we are spoilt for choice, with Saunton Sands, Woolacombe and Croyde Bay all in north Devon. Kiteboarding, Paddle boarding, and Sea Kayaking are also popular at these beaches.
If hill walking and mountaineering is your thing, Somerset has much to explore with the Somerset levels & moors, Exmoor National Park, the Quantocks, Blakdown and the Mendip Hills. There are many lakes used for Watersports throughout Somerset and Devon. Many of these lakes such as Wimbleball have on site instructors and facilities to hire equipment.
Rock climbing, absailing and Coasteering also popular in Somerset and the north Devon. The south west has plenty of off-road routes to suit all abilities and levels of cycling. These include energetic mountain bike trails to leisurely scenic trails.