Great things to do and see and the Blackdown Hills

Wellington Monument - Now is owned and maintained by the National Trust this175-foot-high triangular obelisk can be seen from the cottages' gardens and all around the Wellington area. It's lit up for special occasions and tours are available Saturday to Monday allowing you to climb the 232 steps to the top to look over panoramic views of the local countryside. Book tickets here.

Culmstock Beacon - High on the southwest point of Blackdown Common is the beehive-shaped Culmstock Beacon. It is one of a chain of Elizabethan beacons used for lighting fires to warn of advancing enemies. The original structure was built of flint. The area is popular with local families and dog walkers as there are lots of paths to explore. It is a wildlife haven with stunning views, particularly in the late summer when the bell-heather is in bloom. Access via public bridleway.

Otterhead Lakes, nr Churchingford, is a tranquil, slightly haunting spot. It was a Victorian estate but the big house is gone, and the gardens fell into ruin but the area is now a nature reserve, with woodlands, two lakes and lots of paths to explore. There is a free car park, and dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads.

Staple Hill is a mainly conifer plantation owned and managed by the Forestry Commission. There are marked trails for cyclists and walkers and there's an Easy Access Viewpoint Trail (1 km) with some far-reaching views as far as Exmoor and the Quantock Hills. If you like a good hike, then the 13 mile Herepath may be for you. You can also explore some of these paths on bike. There's a small nature reserve managed by Butterfly Conservation and what remains of an abandoned farm at Staple Common. For lunch your spoilt for choice with the Greyhound at Staple Fitzpaine for lunch or the Holman Clavel. Free parking available. Dogs welcome.