Village Guide: Netherbury, Dorset

February 6th, 2015

Netherbury is an attractive village situated in West Dorset, close to Beaminster.

Surrounded by wonderful countryside, the village itself has a population of about 1300 (according to the 2011 census).

In the north of the village is the handsome St Mary’s Church with a chancel and nave that date back to the 14th century. The church, which was restored in the 19th century, contains interesting monuments including one for Admiral Sir Samuel Hood – one of Nelson’s Band of Brothers who was born here.

Netherbury is home to the original River Cottage, used by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall in the series of the same name, which is a game-keeper’s lodge in the grounds of Slape Manor, a grand house originally belonged to the Strode Family.

The nearest pub is the Hare and Hounds in Waytown (DT6 5LQ)

Here are some photographs taken in 2014 in Netherbury.

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St Mary’s Church, Netherbury. The oldest bell in the tower is from 1610 and a fund has been set up to assist with the church bells restoration.

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Inside the church is a memorial for three gallant sailors from the Hood family, including Admiral Samuel Hood who served under Nelson.

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The village is located on the River Brit.

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The village is very picture-esque and a great location for country walks.

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A phonebox in the village has been turned in to a mini library and information point.

Netherbury Village has its own hyperlocal blog where you can learn more about the village and what’s happening there – a visit is recommended if you’re in West Dorset.

Village Guide: South Brent, Devon

November 28th, 2014

South Brent in Devon is a village close to the A38 (Devon Expressway) with pretty pastel-coloured houses, a good range of local shops and a couple of pubs, too.

With a population of about 3,000, this attractive location was originally a woollen and market centre that played host to two annual fairs.

CottageBreaks.uk recently paid a visit to South Brent – here are some photographs.

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St Petroc Church with an impressive Norman tower. Amongst the monuments at the church is one for Sir William Cuming who was a captain under Lord Nelson and indeed South Brent has a Nelson Terrace amongst its road names.

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As you stand in the grounds of the church you will hear the gentle sound of the River Avon streaming past close by.

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A meander around the village reveals a good range of shops including a pharmacy, cafe, fish and chips, gifts and a mini market. Also pictured here is the Old Toll House, which dates back several hundred years and now contains lots of information, leaflets and guides for visitors.

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Sign on the listed Toll House refers to the markets and fairs that were held in South Brent.

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South Brent’s railway station closed in 1964.

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HM The Queen’s Silver, Golden and Diamond jubilees are all marked on this monument in the village.

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South Brent is a beautiful village with good local facilities (special mention must go to the exceptionally clean and well maintained public toilets) and very much deserving of a visit. There’s more information available on the South Brent Community Website.

Search CottageBreaks.uk for holiday cottages in South Devon