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For a print out of this section, please click here
Telephone numbers below are local exchanges (from Cossington Park, just dial the number shown), unless otherwise indicated.
Please call us for further information or with any questions.
See also 'Places to Visit' on this website.
Banks and Building Societies
The nearest banks and building societies are in Bridgwater, where there are branches of NatWest, Lloyds TSB, Barclays, Abbey National, Bristol & West/Britannia, Nationwide, Birmingham Midshires, TSB, and HSBC/Midland.
Beaches
The nearest beaches are:
- Burnham-on-Sea (8 miles north-west): family beach, donkeys etc; brown sand. Please beware as the muddy areas can be dangerous, especially for children, so read the notices on the beach carefully
- Weston-Super-Mare (15 miles north): family beach, lots of attractions
- Kilve (15 miles west): quiet, unspoilt beach popular with fossil hunters.
Buses
You will have noticed the bus stop just outside our front gate. The times of buses are shown on the bus stop and for further information you can ring Bridgwater Coach Station, Rope Walk on 434574 or 08705 808080, or First Southern National, Taunton on 01823 272033, or National Express on 0839 142427, or Traveline on 0871 200 22 33.
Butchers
- Jon Thorner's; 84–86 West End, Street BA16 OLG; Tel: 01458 440777
This is a fantastic farm shop which stocks good food honestly sourced, including quality meats, both fresh and frozen. A lovely shop to explore.Located on the way to Clarks Village, but you drive through the town, rather than go up the bi-pass and you will see it on the left, pretty much as soon as you come off the bi-pass andbefore you startto enter the town of Street. Mon-Sat 8 am to 5.30 pm, Sun 10am to 4 pm
- Court Farm Butchers; 3B Riverton Road, Puriton TA7 8BW; Tel: 01278 683394
Slightly more local is Court Farm Butchers, on the main Puriton Road and opposite the small grocery shop. They stock very good local meat and cheeses.
- West Country Meats; 71 West Street, Bridgwater, TA6 3RH; Tel: 01278 423588
Located at the top of the dual carriageway towards Minehead.When you get to the traffic lights past B&Q, turn left and you will see it on the left, opposite One-Stop Convenience Store.
- David Gerald & Son; 3 Old Market Centre, Taunton; Tel; 01823 334400
Even better is David Gerald & Son (in the market precinct opposite Woolworths). They also have a branch in Dulverton whichproduces the most fantastic joints - especially their brisket - the taste is out of this world. Careful though, it looks so good, you come away spending pounds – well, at least three times more than you wanted to before going in.
- Hill E W J & Son; 6 Brook Street, Cannington TA5 2HP; Tel: 01278 652230
This farm shop is supposed to be fairly good. It is on the A39 on the left just before Cannington (on the far side of Bridgwater). Also in Cannington Mike Hill which is absolutely lovely according to some people - probably equivalent to what the butcher in Cossington used to be. It is said that people are reluctant to go to the Farm Shop because Mike’s meat is so good.But Lesley understands that the farm shop sells other goodies!
Chemists
Chemists in Bridgwater are:
- Boots, 34 Fore St, Bridgwater, 422011
- Catliff, 48 North St, Bridgwater, 422108
- Superdrug, 19 Fore St, Bridgwater, 423055
Crafts and antiques
West Country Fairs. Antiques, Crafts & Collectors Market.
Wells Town Hall, Market Square, Wells, Somerset; Tel: 01749 677049
This market is held regularly but it is recommended to ring and check dates.
Churches
Cossington village has its own church (Church of England), in which can be seen plaques dedicated to Graham’s ancestors; in the churchyard are the graves of his grandfather (Rear-Admiral Cathcart Roland Wason, whose portrait is in the Library) and his grandfather’s second wife; there is a bench in the courtyard dedicated to his parents (Cathcart Roland and Margaret Ogilvie Wason); and his brother Rigby was married in the church but the isle was too small for Rigby and his bride to walk down it side-by-side following the ceremony!
One of the smallest and oldest churches in England is situated in Catcott, a few miles away.
Two other noteworthy churches in the area are:
- St Mary's Church,St Mary Street, Bridgwater. The vicar is Rev. Charles Chadwick. Sunday services 8.00 am Holy Communion, 9.30 am Parish Communion, 6.30 pm Evensong
- St Joseph's Catholic Church, Binford Place, Bridgwater. The parish priest is Father Tom Kelly, 01278 422703.
Cinemas
The Film Centre is in Bridgwater, 422383 or 0800 192192. There is also the Odeon, Taunton Riverside, 0870 505 0007 or 01823 444358.
Climbing and caving
Rock Sport, Cheddar Gorge, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3QF; Tel: 01934 742343
Climbing and abseiling on a 50-foot abseil pitch. Supervision and equipment provided. Booking recommended. Age and height restrictions apply.
Lorraine reports: “an excellent adventure for the braver elements of the family. I was not sure about caving but I enjoyed it immensely and went on to explore Goatchurch Cavern in Burrington Combe, a 2-hour underground adventure - amazing!”Cycle Hire
Bluebell Cycle Hire, Burtle Inn, Catcott Road, Burtle, 722269 or Langport & River Parrett Visitor Centre and Cycle Hire, 01458 250350.
Dentist
- Bridge House Dentist, Bridgwater (National Health), 439420.
- Bridgwater Dental Practice, Symons Way, East Quay, Bridgwater TA6 4GP.
Doctor
The local surgery is in Edington. Turn right out of the house, up the hill, and on to the next but one village (two miles). The telephone number is 722077. For out of hours emergencies ring 722077 and they will connect you to someone who can help, or ring 999 if it’s an emergency.Dry Cleaners
There is one in the Safeway Superstore, Broadway, Bridgwater, 446026.
Fishing
For trout and course fishing try Burton Springs Fishery, Stogursey, 732135; Viaduct Fisheries Ltd is lovely for course fishing, 01458 274022; or Durleigh Weir, Enmore Reservoir, 424786.
Fitness and sports centres
- Chilton Trinity Sports Centre, Chilton Street, Bridgwater, 429119.
- The Exchange Fitness Centre, 459998.
- First Floor Fitness Club, 727990.
GaragesA recommended service garage is Ye Olde Compass, Wembdon Road, Bridgwater, 421237.
The nearest filling station is Bawdrip Service Station, 684204; back up to the A39, turn right and it’s at the next junction.
Go-karting
South West Go Karting, Winchester Farm, Draycott Rd, Cheddar BS27 3RP;Tel: 07000 616161 or 0845 6800 751
Indoor karting circuit to test drivers of all levels.
Golf
- Enmore Golf Club (professional), 671244
- Cannington Golf Club – a good 9-hole pitch & putt, 655050
Grocery stores
- There is a convenience store in Woolavington (the next village). Turn right at the triangle in Cossington, follow the main village road all the way round the sharp left bend, past the vet on the right at the end of the village and carry on until you come to a T-junction. Turn right at the T-junction, next left onto the council housing estate (Old Mill Road), second left and you will see the shop in front of you. They are open until 10.00 pm.
- Bridgwater has Sainsbury and Morrison stores, as well as a variety of smaller shops.
Horse Riding
- Mendip Riding Activity Centre, Churchill ……………………………….. 01934 852335
- half an hour’s drive but lovely rides over the Mendips
- Adsborough House Stables, Thurloxton…………………….……………. 01823 412204
(smaller establishment – ideal for just a plod)
- Conquest Centre (for disabled riders), Norton Fitzwarren …….…..01823 433614
- Curland Equestrian Centre, Crosses Farm, Curland……………….….01460 234234
- Flying Start Riding Centre, Kingston St Mary, Taunton……………..01823 451506
- Alstone Court, Highbridge………………………………01278 789417 or 07702392120
- Heazle Riding Centre, Wellington…………………………………………….01823 451266
- Manor Farm, Merridge, Kingston St Mary………………………….…….01823 451266
- Tynings Trekking Centre, Charterhouse, Nr Cheddar………..…….…01934 742501
Hospital
The nearest hospital and casualty unit is Taunton Musgrove; Tel: 01823 333444
Launderette
The nearest launderette is Baywash, St John St, Bridgwater; Tel: 444203
Markets
- Bridgwater Farmers' Markets
Fore Street, Bridgwater; Tel: 01823 601565
Small market in the heart of Bridgwater
Every second Friday of the month; 10.00 am - 2.00pm
- Taunton Antiques Market
25-29 Silver Street, Taunton, Somerset; Tel: 01823 289327
Held most Tuesdays but best to ring and check dates; 9 am – 4 pm;
- Wells Market
Held in the market square in the centre of town; a wide selection of organic and speciality foods, crafts etc.
Every Wednesday and Saturday morning.
- West Country Fairs
Wells Town Hall, Market Square, Wells; Tel: 01749 677049
Antiques, Crafts & Collectors Market; held regularly but ring and check dates.
Mendip Shooting Club/Ground
Park Farm, Haydon, West Horrington, Wells; Tel: 01749 673471
Clay pigeon shooting facilities are laid out in four purpose-built bays, encompassing some 30 acres. There is an ‘English Sporting’ layout in the valley below the club house. Over 60 automatic clay traps suitable for the beginner to the most accomplished competition clay target shooter. Air Rifle Shooting is available on internal and external ranges again with a variety of targets. They also have: quad biking; qualified coaches; club house with catering; accessories and gun shop.
Police
Local Police (Bridgwater): Tel: 01934 635252
Post
Post is delivered through the red box outside the front gate. We will collect the post and check for anything addressed to guests, which will be left on the table just inside the front door. Please let us know if you are expecting any post.
The mailing address is shown on the letter at the front of this file.
Post office
Like so many villages, sadly Cossington lost its post office recently. The nearest ones now are:
- in the Convenience Store, off Old Mill Road, Woolavington
- Middle Street, Puriton
Sailing
You can go jet-skiing at Midlemoor Water Park, Woolavington, 685578 or sailing at Durleigh Weir or Enmore Reservoir, 424786.
Speciality shopping
- Clarks Village Outlet Shopping; Street
For those of you who like to ‘shop till you drop’, Lorraine and Lesley thoroughly recommend the UK's first and foremost outlet shopping centre, which has established itself as one of the premier shopping destinations in the country. With over 90 shops to choose from offering up to 60% off recommended prices on a host of famous brands, plus regular entertainment and live events, all set within a unique village environment, you have all the ingredients for a great day out!
- Somerset Guild of Craftsmen
Hurst, Yandle & Sons; Martock TA12 6JU; Tel: 01935 825891
Shop and large display of local traditional crafts.
Ski centre
Mendip Ski/Activity Centre, Churchill; Tel: 01934 852335
A great place for children and adults to try dry skiing, skateboarding, sledging etc.
Swimming Pools
- Sedgemoor Splash, Bridgwater, has waves, rapids and flumes; Tel: 425636
- for a more conventional swim visit Burnham Pool, Berrow Road, Burnham-on-Sea; Tel: 785909
Taxis
- Able Cabs, 44 Eastover, Bridgwater, 447475.
- Bobs Taxis, 112 Friarn Street, Bridgwater 450208
Tennis
- Cranleigh Gardens, Bridgwater; Tel: 445548
- Chilton Trinity Leisure Centre; Tel: 429119
Theatres
The Bristol Hippodrome, 0870 6077500, and the Brewhouse Theatre, Taunton, 01823 283244.
Tourist Information
Bridgwater Tourist Information Office is located in the Town Hall, High Street, Bridgwater, 427652.
Trains
Our nearest train stations are in Bridgwater and Taunton. For rail information, ring 08457 484950 or 0345 484950.
Vets
- Mackay & Taylor, Cossington; Tel: 722088.
- Daniel and Associates Veterinary Surgeons, Bridgwater, 422121.
Walks
The Quantocks are beautiful for walks, and there are picnic and barbeque areas.
The Mendips, Cheddar and Ebbor Gorge provide lots of walking opportunities.
Kilve is nice for a circular coastal walk of about 3 miles where you can hunt for fossils on the beach and finish up with a wonderful cream tea at the Chantry Tea Rooms.
For a walk closer to home there is a footpath in Cossington, next to the playing fields, which leads to Bawdrip along the old railway - ideal for dogs, cycling and children. There is also an interesting walk along Bell Lane (opposite Great Tree Farm) towards Gold Corner Pumping Station.
For a print out of this section, please click here
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