The Old Parlour is a cosy converted milking parlour offering ground floor accommodation for four. The detached cottage has a sun flooded open plan living space; there's a four-seater dining table and two comfy sofas, wood burner and kitchen area equipped with a controllable electric AGA.
There are two pretty bedrooms providing easily accessible accommodation. One of the bedrooms has a 5' bed with an en suite shower and the other double/twin bedroom has a 5' zip and link bed. There is a further wet room with walk-in shower. Outside, there’s a shared seating area and small private patio.
Our hidden gem is tucked behind secure gates in the farmyard at Blatchbridge Farm, offering guests a wonderful, peaceful and relaxing stay. Blatchbridge is a pretty hamlet only five minutes’ drive/thirty minutes’ walk from Frome with its independent market, shops and diverse cuisine. The local pub, The Cross Keys, is a minutes’ walk from the cottage, offering good bitter, cider, and food. Its location on the door step to two AONB - the Mendip Hills and Cranborne Chase makes for ample walks and cycling and the river Frome is nearby.
The Old Parlour is also a great base for exploring Bath, Wells, Wookey Hole, Longleat House and Safari Park and tucked away gems like Nunney castle. There are good railway links and easy access to the A361 and B3092, making Stonehenge, Salisbury, Bristol and the Mendips all within an hour’s drive.
LOCAL INFORMATION
FROME (2 miles). A leisurely 30 minute stroll (6 minute drive) will bring you into Frome, where an array of amenities await. The town additionally enjoys a thriving contemporary and performing arts scene, from entertainment at Merlin Theatre, Westway Cinema and Cheese & Grain. Take a stroll around Frome Museum to learn of the local history, or walk along the River Frome for some beautiful waterside scenery.
Frome is a town with a charming historic and architecturally interesting centre and has a wonderful selection of independent shops and cafes. Known as Somerset’s original market town, Frome has held markets for centuries and continues to run its bustling independent market on the first Sunday of the month from March right through to December.
The town offers a wide selection of shops for food shopping (Sainsbury’s, Asda, Lidl), as well as cafés and pubs for every taste.
EATING & DRINKING
The Cross Keys (1 minute walk). Down the lane from The Old Parlour. The pub is popular with locals for a Sunday roast.
T&G Cafe (Tool & Gauge) (0.9 miles/18 min walk), Frome BA11 4FN - Delicious, locally sourced dishes, with an extensive menu including spectacular burgers available takeaway, delivery or drive through (2 minute drive away).
Tytherington Milk Station, 45 Bull's Quarries Rd, Frome BA11 5EP. Local milk vending machine with other yummy treats to be found too! 1 mile/2 minutes.
The Fox, Bull's Quarr, Tytherington, Frome BA11 5BN (1.5 miles). A takeaway menu is available Friday & Saturday 5.30pm-8pm
The Masons Arms, Frome BA11 4DJ (1.6 miles) - pub offering good food just 3 minutes’ drive 01373 461400.
The Fox, Bull's Quarr, Tytherington, Frome BA11 5BN (1.5 miles).
Castello Restaurant, 17 Palmer St, Frome BA11 1DS (1.9 miles/5 minutes’ drive). A great little Italian in Frome, 01373 228100.
Archangel, 1 King St, Frome BA11 1BH (2 miles/6 minutes)- An award-winning British dining room, situated amongst the steep hills and cobbled streets of Frome. 01373 456111.
Flow Bar, 8 The Bridge, Frome BA11 1AR (2 miles/6 minute drive/30 minute walk). Happy hour cocktails from opening until 7pm and all evening on Thursday and Sundays.
Bistro Lotte, 23 Catherine St, Frome BA11 1DB (2 miles). Very popular (need to book for supper). Good French food. Provides breakfast, lunch and supper.
Rye Bakery, Whittox Ln, Frome BA11 3BY (2 miles). Inside the beautifully restored church you can enjoy an americano and a cinnamon bun and there is a delicious range of baked goods and artisan bread.
Eight Stony Street, 8 Stony St, Frome BA11 1BU (2 miles) Lovely bar and restaurant with glass walls on historic St Catherines Hill. Can watch the world go by enjoying a drink and great selection of food...including wood fired pizzas.
Palette and Pasture, Trudoxhill, Frome BA11 5DL (3 miles/6 minutes). Delicious locally produced Gelato, straight from the farm. Animals and various family attractions. Definitely worth a visit.
Jays Kitchen, The Ship Inn, Oldford, Frome BA11 2ND (3.5 miles/8 minutes). Excellent Indian cuisine, eat in or takeaway, 01373 474 825.
White Row Farm, Beckington, Frome BA11 6TN. Good lunch, breakfast and well known for their gluten free fish and chips options. Farm shop next door offering an excellent butcher, fishmonger, fresh veg, local produce. 4.5 miles/7 mins.
The Bath Arms, The Bath Arms at Longleat, Horningsham, Warminster BA12 7LY (4.5 miles/8 minutes). Located next to Longleat. Lovely food and lots of nice outside space.
The Talbot Inn, Selwood St, Mells, Frome BA11 3PN (5 miles/12 minutes).
VILLAGES, TOWNS & CITIES
BATH (15 miles). The historic city of Bath is arguably the most beautiful in England, and boasts over 30 leisure attractions, including Britain’s original and only natural thermal spa, an Abbey, art galleries, theatres, gardens, an array of museums to suit all tastes, and the famous Roman Baths and Pump Rooms. Enjoy a snapshot of Bath by Bus Tour, or explore it yourself, via the array of sensational shops; take your time – it’s only 30 minutes from The Old Parlour.
WELLS (16.5 miles) is known as England's smallest city, with its historic centre, the magnificent Cathedral situated within a most attractive Cathedral Close, which also boasts the unique moated Bishop's Palace. The Bishop's Palace hosts events throughout the year, please check their website for details. Close by, Vicars Close is home to the oldest complete medieval street in Europe, and the quaint market square offers an array of interesting shops, boutiques and restaurants, and a colourful twice-weekly market. It is typically 30 minutes’ drive from The Old Parlour.
LACOCK (20.4 miles). Lacock, a 35 minute drive away from The Old Parlour, boasts a charming historic village, an Abbey, gardens, cloisters, and the Fox Talbot Museum. Film buffs will recognise the area, which was used in the Harry Potter films, Emma, Moll Flanders and many more famous titles..
GLASTONBURY (22 miles). The town of Glastonbury, with its plethora of legends, mysticism and folklore, dates back over 4000 years. With its ancient links to the Holy Grail, King Arthur and the Avalon legends, and Ley Lines, it is considered to be one of the quirkiest towns in England. Today, the attractive town, well known for its music festival, is a centre for religious tourism and pilgrimage, offering fascinating New Age shops and a mystical atmosphere. Located on the Somerset Levels, views across the town are dominated by the world famous Glastonbury Tor, with its enigmatic tower, now managed by the National Trust. Within the town, the ruined abbey offers a fascinating experience, brimming with ancient atmosphere, peace and tranquillity. The attractive market town has a large choice of places to eat and drink (please see our recommendations above), including quaint cafés for traditional English Cream Teas, fine-dining restaurants, cosy pubs and a range of delicious takeaways. Typically 45 minutes’ drive from The Old Parlour.
STREET & CLARKS VILLAGE SHOPPING OUTLET (22.5 miles). Street boasts a major factory outlet shopping complex - Clarks Village - which attracts visitors from far and wide. It was the first purpose-built outlet shopping scheme in Britain (1993) and now offers over 75 individual shop units, many of which are household-name companies, selling quality goods at discount prices. You can shop ‘til you drop and return to The Old Parlour in just a 35 minute drive.
CHEDDAR VILLAGE & GORGE (25 miles). Cheddar is a large village on the edge of the Mendip Hills, renowned for the Cheddar Gorge and Caves, a SSSI. This largest gorge in Britain includes several show caves such as Gough’s Cave, through which Britain’s biggest underground river runs. Plus craft workshops, museums, gift shops, and tea rooms. The Cheddar Gorge cliffs are Britain’s highest inland limestone crags and create a spectacular sight. The village gave its name to Cheddar cheese and has also been a centre for strawberry growing, the crop being transported on the railway, which now provides a fabulous cycle path, The Strawberry Line. All only a 40 minute drive from The Old Parlour.
SHERBORNE (26 miles). Sherborne, typically 35 minutes drive from The Old Parlour, is one of the most historic towns in England, boasting an array of medieval buildings, an Abbey, two Castles, Sherborne House arts centre, and a thriving shopping town. Sherborne is a regional centre for art and antiques, and hosts a street fair on Thursdays and Saturdays, and special events throughout the year, including open air theatre productions, fireworks displays and sporting events.
BRISTOL (27 miles). The larger city of Bristol is known globally for its urban art and music scene and plays host to endless gigs, events and art exhibits as well as providing a wealth of inviting attractions such as the We The Curious interactive science centre, leading contemporary arts hub the Arnolfini, and numerous spot-as-you-walk Banksy street art pieces.
ACTIVITIES
WALKS
The area surrounding The Old Parlour area is home to two of Somerset’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty – Mendip Hills and Cranbourne Chase - where ample walking trails and cycling routes are waiting to be explored. The river Frome is a short walk away and provides the perfect backdrop for a tranquil afternoon stroll.
East Woodlands Village Hall, East Woodlands, Frome BA11 5LQ (1.7 miles). Park by the church and walk away from it down the track for a local woodland walk...
Willow Vale & Rodden Meadow (2 miles/7 minutes). Right bang in the centre of Frome there is an escape from the traffic and shops, following the river down into Willow Vale and Rodden Meadows. This is an expanse of flood fields that is perfect for walking or picnics by the river. Just back from the footpath is the Frome Millennium Green (www.fmgt.org.uk), built on a steep bank where you can explore the flora and fauna, take in the views or sit amongst the roots of the ancient sycamore tree.
Vallis Vale, Frome BA11 3NW (4 miles/10 minutes). Heading out of Frome towards Great Elm, you will come across a small parking area opposite a footpath leading into the woods. This is Vallis Vale - a Biological and Geological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and its industrial history has meant that great sections have been carved out of the rock face - this is a great place for the budding geologist. You can also find crayfish in its waters! In the summer months, paddle and play in the fresh clear waters of the stream in the dappled shade of the trees.
Cley Hill Cley Hill, Warminster BA12 7QU (5 miles). A gentle hill climb with totally rewarding views. Just down the road from Longleat, this beautiful spot offers incredible views over the Somerset landscape.
Heaven's Gate, Warminster BA12 7LG (5.8 miles). Heaven's Gate is a popular, free, place to visit, provided by Longleat, which it overlooks, and has usually ample free car parking opposite the entrance. As well as the short, level walk along the path to the stones there is a walk from there down into Horningsham via a steep path through a gate to the left of the view which joins up with White Street in Horningsham. There is also a footpath to Shearwater Lake from the car park.
Travel to Warminster (8.8 miles/16 minutes) where the quaint Smallbrook Meadows Nature Reserve, hikes across Middle Hill and Warminster Boating Lake await.
King Alfred's Tower, Kingsettle Hill, South Brewham, Bruton BA10 0LB (9.5 miles,18 minutes) A little further afield towards Stourhead, Alfred’s Tower stands proud amongst the Somerset countryside. This is part of the expanse of the Stourhead Estate and is hidden by a beautiful mixed woodland. Alfred’s Tower is a great place for a walk and there are many routes to explore around the woodlands leading back up to the tower. The tower itself is open during the summer months and the climb of 205 steps is well worth it for the stunning 360 degree views across Somerset as far as the eye can see. You can even spot Glastonbury Tor on a clear day.
Shearwater, Warminster BA12 8AE (10 miles). Lake with lots of woodland trails.
Bratton Camp & White Horse, Port Way, Bratton, Westbury BA13 4TA (10.7 miles). Fantastic walk (4.5 miles) from here. Great view over 16 miles of the beautiful Wiltshire countryside from this escarpment of Salisbury Plain. Watch the hang gliders, the kite flyers great day out.......take a picnic.
Rainbow Wood, Bath Skyline (14 miles, 30 minutes). Rainbow Wood at the top of Brassknocker Hill is part of the National Trust Bath Skyline walk. This is a beautifully managed mainly Beech woodland. In the centre of the woods lies an adventure play area for children, continue on and see if you can spot the numerous fairy and elf houses hidden at the foot of the trees. This is a great woodland to head to for a fun playtime or as a start to the Bath Skyline walk.
Bath Locks, Sydney Road, Bath BA2 6NT (16 miles/25 minutes). Compared to the Roman baths in this historic city, the Kennet & Avon Canal is a relative newcomer at just 200 years old. However, its gentle curves are the perfect complement to the formal elegance of Bath’s Georgian architecture, leading you on tranquil towpath walks out towards the Wiltshire Downs.
Further afield, try the 3 mile cliff top walk at Cheddar Gorge which rewards walkers with some of the finest views in Somerset. Alternatively a two mile walk to the top of Glastonbury Tor provides beautiful views across the Somerset Levels.
CAVING/CLIMBING/ABSEILING
Cheddar Gorge X-treme, Cheddar (18 miles). Adventure caving experiences, rock climbing experiences and Cheddar Gorge climbs - www.facebook.com/CheddarGorgeXtreme/
Cave Climb - Rock Climbing, Abseiling and Caving experiences. Activities run in various venues within 6 miles of Cheddar (19 miles) - www.caveclimb.com
RIVER BOAT TRIPS & DIVING & ADVENTURES
Vobster Quay, Upper Vobster, Radstock BA3 5SD (6.6 miles). Open water swimming and diving centre. For divers attending Vobster Quay, The Old Parlour is only 15 minutes drive away.
Original Wild provide the highest quality activities in central Bath - Guided kayak and paddleboarding / SUP tours - www.originalwild.com/stand-up-paddleboarding-in-bath
River Adventures - A selection of boat trips on the River Avon in a traditional river cruiser from Bath Quay, near the Bus Station. Short Trips include a river view of Pulteney Bridge, Bath Abbey, History and Fun Trips. Longer lunch trips to great pubs. They also have combined historic walking and boat trips - riveradventures.co.uk
Pulteney Cruisers have been running boat trips from Pulteney weir in the centre of Bath for over 50 years. Their boats each seat 70 people & have a cafe on board. There is a sundeck or heated cabin depending on the weather - pulteneycruisers.com
Bath Narrowboats Day Hire - Narrowboat Hire - www.bath-narrowboats.co.uk
AngloWelsh Dayboat hire, various locations including Bath - www.anglowelsh.co.uk/our-boats/dayboats
Bath Paddleboard Centre - Stand Up Paddleboard tuition and trips - www.bathpaddleboardcentre.co.uk
Bath Boating Station - rowing punting & canoeing on the beautiful stretch of river between Bath & Bathampton. From April each year www.bathboating.co.uk
Sir John Knill Waterbus, Bathampon - Public and private hire wheelchair friendly trips on the Kennet and Avon Canal between Bathampton and Bath. thesirjohnknill.com
BALLOON TRIPS
Bath Balloons is a local, family run company who have been flying from Bath for many years. Why not take a balloon flight from Royal Victoria Park in our fabulous balloon and see the great Georgian City from a different angle high above! www.bathballoons.co.uk
Virgin Balloon Flights - Bath www.virginballoonflights.co.uk/location/bath. A Hot Air Balloon over Bath with let you experience the breathtaking city like never before including Roman remains and historic buildings for picturesque views that will stay with you forever. The wind might take you to Stonehenge or Salisbury Plain and with so many breathtaking sights awaiting there's no reason not to try hot air balloon rides over Bath.
Bailey Balloons, Bath. Regularly flying from the heart of the beautiful Georgian City of Bath and providing spectacular views of the Royal Crescent and other famous landmarks. You may also fly over wonderful Somerset countryside including many lovely typical English villages such as Lacock, Castle Coombe, the market town of Bradford-on-Avon and the historical stones at Avebury.www.baileyballoons.co.uk
GOLF/ADVENTURE GOLF
Orchardleigh Golf Course (5 miles):Orchardleigh golf course is just an 14 minute drive from The Old Parlour, and comprises of 18 spectacular holes, set in acres of beautiful parkland. The house boasts full conference and catering facilities, and is a favourite venue for West Country Weddings.
Bath Golf Club, Sham Castle, Golf Course Rd, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 6JG - 14 miles
Victoria Falls Adventure Golf, Royal Ave, Bath BA1 2NR - 17 miles
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
Nunney Castle, Castle St, Nunney, Frome BA11 4LW (3.4 miles/ 8 minutes’ drive). A picturesque moated medieval castle, Nunney Castle in Somerset dates from the 1370s and is a great place to learn about medieval England.
Longleat House and Safari Park (4.5 miles). Longleat, the star of BBC’s Animal Park is just a 9 minute drive from The Old Parlour, and is home to 12 family attractions including a Safari Park, Safari boat trips, Longleat House, the world’s largest hedge maze, and much, much more.
East Somerset Railway, Cranmore Station, Cranmore, Shepton Mallet BA4 4QP (8.6 miles). Find out about over 150 years of the East Somerset Railway in just one day! Enjoy a steam train ride, a wildlife walk, and a look around the engine sheds and museum all year round, or coincide your visit with one of the Railway’s special events. These include days out with Thomas the Tank Engine, rides in Santa’s travelling grotto, and special meals or cream teas on the wine and dine train. The railway is just 14 minutes away from The Old Parlour.
Stourhead House & Gardens (8.8 miles). Stourhead Garden, a 14 minute drive from The Old Parlour, and featured on BBC’s Gardeners’ World, Flowering Passions, and on ITV is a must for all those with green fingers. The beautiful 18th Century landscaped garden, and temple overlooking the lake formed the backdrop for key scenes in the 2005 production of Pride and Prejudice starring Kierra Knightly. Visitors to Stourhead can discover the secret garden, wander the beautiful 12 Apostles’ Walk, and enjoy light lunches or cream teas overlooking the gardens.
Bath and West Showground (12.5 miles). The Bath and West Showground, which is just a 20 minute drive from The Old Parlour, hosts special events all year round, including antiques and collectors fairs, vehicle and machinery auctions, horse fairs, flea markets, gardening shows and much more...
Prior Park Landscape Garden (The National Trust), Ralph Allen Dr, Bath BA2 5AH (14 miles).
West Of England Falconry, Bath BA2 9BT (16 miles) - Hawk walks and Owl Encounters, Bath
Wookey Hole Caves & Attractions ... (19 miles). The world’s oldest tourist attraction, Wookey Hole, home to the famous Witch of Wookey, includes the largest indoor attraction in the West, so there’s plenty to do whatever the weather. With caves, museums, the Valley of the Dinosaurs, an old penny arcade and much more, there’s loads to do all year round, but for an extra special visit check out Wookey’s special events, including Santaland, a Pantomime, and live Halloween shows. And its only 35 minutes from The Old Parlour!
Dyrham Park (The National Trust), Dyrham, Chippenham SN14 8HY (22 miles). Dyrham Park offers 270 acres of ancient parkland, with breathtaking views, landscaped gardens, a beautiful 17th century mansion, tea room and historic herd of fallow deer.
Stonehenge (22.8 miles) Stonehenge is the most magnificent prehistoric monument in Britain, and home to the famous summer solstice celebrations. At just half an hour away from The Old Parlour, it’s on the itinerary of many of our guests!
Castle Combe (25 miles), called ‘The Prettiest Village in England’ and well known for its car racing track, and the quaint National Trust village of Lacock (22 miles) famous for its picturesque streets, historic buildings, Abbey and Museum and more recently as a TV and film location.
Things you need to know about The Old Parlour if you’re thinking of booking a holiday there:
*Internet access is offered at this property for recreational purposes only and is not meant for business use. Speed/service may vary depending on the package obtained by the owner which is provided to guests free of charge. Should guests experience difficulties or loss of use, neither the owner nor the agent will be held responsible.
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