Local Activities

Yeovil Golf Course

Yeovil Golf Course is right next door to Newton Surmaville, so it couldn’t be easier. There are 2 courses, both of which are draped across two borders of Dorset and Somerset – 27 holes divided by the River Yeo. The Newton is a 9-hole course that winds through part of the old Newton Surmaville estate and has some challenging ground to negotiate along the river. The Old Course is a standard 18-hole course and has some beautiful views of the town and the countryside around. 

Somerset Cider Brandy Company

A visit to the Somerset Cider Brandy Company is a must and only 20 minutes drive away. Enjoy a private tour visiting the barrel bond, the distillery and learn all about the fascinating history whilst sampling some of the cider and Somerset cider brandy. If you visit in the spring you will see the magnificent site of the orchard full of blossom.

Stonehenge

Just under one hours drive away from Newton Surmaville is the Bronze Age site of the world famous, Stonehenge. This prehistoric monument consists of an outer ring of vertical  standing stones of about 13 feet in height and 7 feet wide (weighing around 25 tons) with horizontal lintel stones connecting the standing stones. This is an absolute ‘must see’ for any visitor and if you go in the early morning, you can watch the sunrise, get a special guide and have a private visit. 

Cheddar Gorge

Cheddar Gorge is extraordinary. The gorge itself is spectacular with cliffs that rise above the road but there is so much more to the area. It is home to an incredible subterranean network of caves which you can explore in varying different ways, depending on your sense of adventure and appetite for cramped spaces!  

Wookey Hole Caves

Wookey Hole Caves are six miles south-east of Cheddar Gorge and a mile or so outside the  town of Wells. Here you will find Wookey Hole which has a series of caves that were inhabited for 70,000 years. Plenty of adventure and fun for everyone including Adventure Golf, a 4D cinema show and lots of information on the fascinating story of Wookey Hole.

Sherborne

Sherborne (15 mins away) is a lovely market town, typical of the area. It is full of old-world  charm and many interesting independent shops. Its strong sense of history can be seen at Sherborne Castle and Gardens and it is proud to support a burgeoning food scene where you can find local producers and suppliers being well represented in cafes and food stores. 

Horse Riding

If you’d like to have a riding lesson, Pevlings Farm Riding Stables are 25 minutes away from the house and they specialise in teaching children, though they do have some larger horses for adults too. 

Clay Pigeon Shooting

The Big Shoot’s Sturminster Newton Clay Pigeon Shooting location has state of the art equipment and is located on a private range so there is no waiting around and your session can be tailored to your needs/desires. They will provide a huge variety of stands all in a beautiful setting.

Alternatively, if you would prefer, we can arrange for this to be done on site at Newton Surmaville.

Pitcombe Rock Falconry

At Pitcombe Rock Falconry, the focus is on the rescue and rehabilitation of birds of prey.  They are passionate about these birds and love to share their enthusiasm and knowledge. You can get up close and personal with a long-eared owl, learning how to handle it and ‘fly  it’ or you can go the extreme and learn how to take a hawk hunting. If successful and your  hawk catches a rabbit, you will be able to take it home for supper once the falconer has prepared it for you. 

Alternatively, if you would prefer, we can arrange for this to be done on site at Newton Surmaville.

Watersports at Langport

20 minutes away on the River Parrett, watersports at Langport are very popular. You can kayak or canoe on the beautiful river as well as paddleboarding or enjoy wild swimming for those who are braver!

Jurassic Coast

You can reach the Jurassic Coast within an hour from Newton Surmaville. A World  Heritage Site on the coast of the English Channel, at a length of 96 miles, it stretches from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset. There is so much to do along the coast from exploring and enjoying the beaches to fossil hunting and much much more. 

Cycling

It can be great fun to hire bicycles and cycle along the canal towpaths which connect various  towns to each other. A relaxing way to spend an afternoon as the paths are flat and not hilly so an ideal way to travel through the countryside enjoying the scenery. Speak to Harriet to find out more. 

The Somerset Levels

A coastal plain and wetland area of Somerset, provide the perfect spot  for avid birdwatchers. The Royal Society of Protection of Birds and other conservation organisations have restored this ancient habitat to much of its former glory. Depending on the time of year there are Lapwings, Starlings and Golden Plovers as well as several birds of prey to see. 

Lulworth Estate

At the heart of Dorset, set in 20 square miles of rolling countryside lies the Lulworth Estate. With 5 miles of World Heritage Jurassic Coast including the world-famous Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove, the Estate is also home to Lulworth Castle and Park and an outdoor adventure centre.

Haynes Motor Museum

If planes, trains and automobiles are your thing, you could make a day of visiting the Haynes Motor Museum, just 10 miles north of Newton Surmaville.

Fleet Air Army Museum

Step inside the first British Concorde, experience the thrills of a working flight deck, and witness a dramatic air-sea rescue on the Aircraft Carrier Experience. This is an all-weather venue which means it’s a good thing for a rainy day.