Favourite Places Across The West Country

Every year we run an internal competition for our staff to submit their photographs for our GTH calendar. This year the theme was ‘Favourite Places in the West Country’ and our staff certainly didn’t disappoint. 
 

The entries were incredibly varied and after a great deal of deliberation, 12 were selected for inclusion with the added bonus of awarding two highly commended positions as well as one overall winner. 
 

So, join us in discovering some perfect spots across the West Country that are firm favourites for a selection of staff here at GTH. Don’t forgot you can pick up your own copy of the calendar from any local GTH office! 

Modbury, Devon - January
By Kim Woodley, Administrator, Ivybridge office – Highly Commended



This is one of my favourite places as the view changes daily and is never the same from one day to the next. The seasons bring a different aspect to this view and when its windy, it blows the cobwebs away! It’s a view I never get bored of and a fabulous place to sit with a cup of tea and watch the world go by!

North Curry, Somerset – February 
By Stephen Gardner, Residential Partner, Honiton office



The field is just at the bottom of the village of North Curry and usually forms the end of a six mile walk across the levels and along the droves, which is one of my favourites. When I reach this point, I know I’m only five minutes away from a warm house and a big mug of tea! When the floods come, the flood gate is shut just before this field and myself and my dog love nothing more than walking along the road to see how far we can get until the water gets too deep. The views around here are beautiful and when the water comes so do hundreds of swans and huge cranes, all gorging on the stranded fish!

Snowdon Hill, Chard – March 
By Andrew Preston, Planning Partner, Taunton office



My photo was taken looking south from Snowdon Hill towards Chard, which is hidden in the valley mists below. This is an area that I frequently visit, as it’s a great area to walk and has some lovely views. On days when I’m working from home, I enjoy getting out for a quick hike in my lunch hour – it helps to clear the mind and energise me. There is a network of lanes and footpaths from Chard up to and beyond Snowdon Hill, offering plenty to explore. I’m also a keen photographer, and it’s rare that I don’t find something interesting to snap, either in the fields, the hedgerows, or the lanes.

Peppercombe Beach, Bideford, North Devon – April 
By Ben Goodyear, Lettings Manager, South Molton office



The walk to Peppercombe is a journey full of nature and charm. It includes passing through woodland, babbling streams, quaint bridges, thatched cottages and meadows. The rich green valley is alive with an array of flowers and wildlife which change with the seasons. Peppercombe beach is a hidden gem, framed by dramatic red cliffs that stretch far and wide, which feels like a world apart. The stream that winds through the woods ends its journey in a small waterfall that tumbles onto the beach. When the tide is out, a sandy shoreline emerges, dotted with rock pools teeming with marine life. The solitude here is complete, offering an escape from the busyness of modern life.

Lyme Regis, Dorset - May
By Rebecca Larcombe, Residential Negotiator, Honiton office



One of my favourite places is beside the seaside or in the sea - albeit it's much more enjoyable on a sunny day! Lyme Regis is a busy seaside town situated on the Jurassic Coast, which is only 20 minutes from home. Lyme has a pretty seaside where you can dip your toes and go for a swim safely and enjoy a day on the paddleboard. It has a picturesque harbour and pretty little shops to visit. It has plenty of walks, which lead to the beautiful coastline. Oh, and of course, you can get some yummy fish and chips!

Langport, Somerset - June
By Clarissa Reynolds, Client Accounts Administrator, Taunton office – Highly Commended



Langport is one of my favourite places to visit as it is steeped in history and holds a sense of serenity which draws you there. The pretty high street contains a number of independent shops and Cocklemoor, next to the River Parrett, is a wonderful spot for families. There are beautiful landscapes, walking trails and the river, which is even more popular on a hot summers’ day. 

Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway, North Devon - July
By Carriann Phippen, Lettings Manager, Minehead office



My photograph was taken at the top of the Lynton & Lynmouth Railway, the highest and steepest water-powered railway in the world, where passengers travel in Victorian railway carriages designed in the 1890s. If the weather is nice, we like to take a picnic and sit on the rocks along the shore, admiring the beautiful scenery the area has to offer. Both Lynton and Lynmouth offer lots of fun packed activities for the whole family, including the annual Lyn Valley Classic Car Show.

South Petherton, Somerset - August
By Nina Giles, Marketing Executive, Yeovil office



The grounds at Farm & Field are a wonderful place to visit throughout the year. There is a mixture of landscaped gardens, parkland, wooded areas and a large wildlife pond with a pretty fountain. During the summer there is usually a sunflower field and you just can’t help but be cheered by the sight of a wall of yellow against the blue sky. It’s a fantastic spot for all to enjoy and with a café across the road as well, it’s perfectly situated, no matter the weather. 

Creech St Michael, Somerset - September
By Collette Skyrme, Antiques Administrator, Sedgemoor - Winner



Embrace the outside quiet of the countryside, with canals and rivers, to escape busy modern life. 
See the serenity of the levels, with sheep, crows and cattle. 
A different place again, once it rains and the fields lose their battle.
Once again, the land morphs into mirrors, shades of pink and blue, on its glimmering surface, glide swans and gulls, a peaceful view. 
Grasses moving in waves, bowing their heads to the sky, creating a sound like the sea whilst a tear drops from my eye.
The birds fly against the brief whispering breeze, shortly followed by their chattering once they rest in the trees. 
Large blue dragonflies and insects darting along the waters face. No exact location, as this is… my secret place!!

Shapwick Nature Reserve, Somerset - October
By Sam Knowlton, Graduate Planner, Taunton office



Shapwick Nature Reserve is one of my favourite places to visit in Somerset because of its quiet and calming atmosphere and breathtaking views. There are numerous different trails and paths leading through the reserve and each one unique in their own way. The wildlife is also very diverse and varies depending on the time of year that you visit. The marshes are renowned as being one of the best places in Somerset to watch the starling murmurations. There is also a wealth of history associated with the area, dating all the way back to the Neolithic period where the original Sweet Track was built, and many of the paths follow the original route through the marshes. For me, it’s the rich history of the area, coupled with the tranquillity of the reserve, that keeps me coming back.

Badbury Rings, Dorset - November
By Tim Wright, Consultant Surveyor, Dorchester office



I enjoy visiting Badbury Rings between Wimborne and Blandford for the excellent varied walks with the family and our labrador. The poppy fields when they come out are spectacular. Badbury Rings is an iron age fort and is owned by the National Trust. The landscape is varied with chalk grassland, the rings themselves, a number of woodlands and the stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

North Curry Moor, Somerset – December 
By Chris Watts, Residential Sales Manager, Langport office



As my family home is in North Curry, I’ve very fond memories of being in the open landscape of flat wetlands and rhynes. This has largely remained the same since childhood but changes dramatically with the seasons, particularly the backdrop of dramatic skies and spectacular sunsets. There is always wildlife on show too such as deer, numerous wetland birds and cranes which have recently been reintroduced to the area. 

Take a look at our Area Guides to find out more about other stunning places that we live and work in across the West Country.