Nearby
Attractions
Chard
Hornsbury Mill is in Chard, is a charming historic town in Somerset, England, nestled on the edge of the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Known as the birthplace of powered flight, it boasts a rich heritage showcased at the Chard Museum. Visitors can enjoy scenic walks, explore local shops and cafés, and discover beautiful countryside surroundings.
Lyme Bay (Jurassic Coast)
Lyme Bay is a stunning stretch of coastline along the Jurassic Coast, celebrated for its dramatic cliffs, fossil-rich beaches, and charming seaside towns like Lyme Regis—often called the “Pearl of Dorset.” It’s a perfect spot for fossil hunting, coastal walks, and enjoying the sea views. From Hornsbury Mill Hotel in Chard, Lyme Bay (specifically Lyme Regis) is approximately 12 miles away, and the drive takes around 20–25 minutes by car.
Crealy Adventure Park
Crealy Adventure Park & Resort is a lively, award-winning family attraction in Devon with over 60 rides, live entertainment, zoo animals, and indoor & outdoor play zones. It's perfect for families, offering everything from toddler-friendly areas to thrilling coasters. Located about 23 miles from Hornsbury Mill — roughly a 35–40 minute scenic drive — it makes for a fun and easily reachable day out.
Cricket St Thomas House & Gardens
Cricket St Thomas House & Gardens is a beautiful Regency manor set in around 160 acres of landscaped gardens, lakes, and woodland—perfect for peaceful walks, heritage exploration, and afternoon tea. Just a short 8‑minute drive (roughly 3 miles) from Hornsbury Mill, it also served as the filming location for the beloved TV series To the Manor Born and now welcomes visitors as part of the Warner Leisure Hotels group
Forde Abbey
Forde Abbey is a magnificent former 12th-century Cistercian monastery, now a private country house surrounded by 30 acres of award-winning gardens, including water features, wildflower meadows, and an arboretum. Just 4 miles from Hornsbury Mill, it’s a short 10–15 minute drive, making it a perfect destination for a peaceful and scenic day out steeped in history and natural beauty.
Wookey Hole
Wookey Hole is one of Somerset’s most iconic family attractions, featuring spectacular limestone caves, the legendary Witch of Wookey, and a range of activities including adventure golf, soft play, a vintage arcade, and circus shows. The caves stay at a cool 11°C year-round, offering a refreshing escape in any season. Located about 24 miles from Hornsbury Mill, it’s an easy and scenic 35–40 minute drive—perfect for a fun and fascinating day out.
Glastonbury Abbey
Glastonbury Abbey is a fascinating historic site with impressive ruins and deep ties to legend, including the burial place of King Arthur. Once one of England’s richest monasteries, it now offers peaceful gardens, medieval architecture, and centuries of history to explore. Located about 29 miles from Hornsbury Mill, it’s an easy 45-minute drive for a memorable day out.
Fleet Air Museum
Fleet Air Arm Museum is Europe’s largest naval aviation museum, featuring four exhibition halls with over ninety historic aircraft—including a Concorde—interactive carrier experiences, and a live aircraft restoration workshop. Located at RNAS Yeovilton, it offers extensive displays on naval aviation history, wartime heroism, and modern rescue services. It’s about 24 miles from Hornsbury Mill, a scenic 35–40-minute drive, making it an engaging and accessible day out for families and aviation enthusiasts.
Cheddar Gorge
Cheddar Gorge is one of Britain’s most striking natural landscapes, featuring dramatic limestone cliffs, ancient caves, and fascinating archaeology, including the famous Cheddar Man. Visitors can explore Gough’s and Cox’s Caves, climb Jacob’s Ladder, enjoy cliff-top walks, and spot local wildlife. Just 40 miles from Hornsbury Mill, it’s a scenic 50–55 minute drive—ideal for a day of adventure and natural beauty.
Haynes Motor Museum
Haynes Motor Museum, located in Sparkford near Yeovil, is Somerset’s premier automotive attraction—home to over 400 cars and motorcycles spanning a century of motoring history. Housed in several themed galleries, it features everything from early veteran vehicles to F1 racing legends, alongside interactive exhibits and an outdoor play area. Just 16 miles from Hornsbury Mill, the scenic 30-minute drive along the A303 makes it a fun and accessible day trip for car enthusiasts and families.
Perrys Cider Mills
Perry’s Cider Mills is a traditional cider farm in the picturesque village of Dowlish Wake, near Ilminster. Set in a 16th-century barn, it offers a rural museum, historic cider-making displays, a café, and tastings of award-winning ciders. Just 7 miles from Hornsbury Mill, it’s a scenic 15-minute drive and a great spot to experience authentic Somerset cider heritage.
River Cottage
River Cottage is the award-winning home of Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s cookery school and organic farm, set in the beautiful countryside near Axminster. Visitors can enjoy seasonal feasts, hands-on cookery courses, and a true farm-to-table experience in a stunning rural setting. Just 12 miles from Hornsbury Mill, it’s an easy 20–25 minute drive—perfect for food lovers looking to explore sustainable dining in action.
East Somerset Railway
East Somerset Railway is a charming preserved steam line winding through the Mendip Hills between Cranmore and Mendip Vale. Offering round-trip rides, themed dining events, and “drive your own engine” experiences, it combines nostalgia with countryside views. Family- and wheelchair-friendly, it’s about 25 miles from Hornsbury Mill—a scenic 40-minute drive.
Pecorama Trains and Gardens
Pecorama Trains & Gardens is a scenic family attraction in the hillside village of Beer, East Devon. It features the Beer Heights Light Railway, beautifully themed gardens, a model railway exhibition, and outdoor play areas. With sea views, café options (including a Pullman carriage), and dog-friendly paths, it offers something for all ages. Around 35 miles from Hornsbury Mill, it’s a pleasant 50-minute drive—perfect for a relaxed day out.
Seaton Tramway
Seaton Tramway is a unique heritage electric tram line running 3 miles through the Axe Valley from Seaton to Colyton. With open and covered trams, it offers great views of riverside wetlands and local wildlife. Ideal for families and nature lovers, it also hosts themed events and special experiences. Just 14 miles from Hornsbury Mill, it’s a pleasant 25-minute drive for a relaxed and scenic outing.
Conferences and Events
Hornsbury Mill is an ideal conference venue with unique character and peaceful surroundings. It’s hard to believe that you are only 20 minutes from the M5 when enjoying the peace and tranquillity of our water gardens and surrounding countryside. We have ample free car parking and being situated just off the main road (A358) and 10 minutes from the A303, the ideal location for your South Somerset meeting.
Christmas Bookings
We have many private rooms available for Christmas celebrations. The Coachroom seats up to 30 people and can be set out in banquet dining or buffet style. The Wheelroom or Orangery are perfect for intimate dinners or parties of up to 60. No matter how big or small your event we are your perfect Christmas venue! Book Now
Prosecco Brunch
Available on a daily basis with 24 hours prior booking notice. Includes 2 hours of prosecco, fresh fruit and pastries to start, followed by a delicious brunch style main course. Booking times available between 11.00am – 2.00pm. Please contact us on 01460 63317 or email info@hornsburymill.co.uk for further information.
Conference Rooms
Beautiful West Country Conference Venue in Chard, Somerset on the Dorset / Devon border, only 25 minutes from Somersets County town Taunton. 20 minutes from the M5. Ample free car parking. We have a choice of rooms for your conference or meeting accommodating from 2 to 150 people. View more information.