Monksilver

A classic Somerset village set on the edge of the picturesque valley between the Quantock Hills and the Brendon Hills, Monksilver sits at the entrance to Exmoor National Park. A former centre for cloth production and clock makers, today the total population is less than a hundred people. The village was recorded as far back as the Domesday Book, its name a corruption of the Latin for Monk's Woodland, reflecting its position beneath the shadow of the steep forested slopes of Bird Hill the first of the Brendon Hills.

In the centre of the village just off the Coleridge Way, and designated as a Grade I listed building, is the fascinating square towered church of All Saints. Dating back to the 12th century it is listed in the Doomsday Book and is famous for hosting the marriage of Sir Francis Drake and his second wife Elizabeth Sydenham. Spot the great yew tree in the churchyard planted in 1770 by the local blacksmith. Enjoy looking inside where below the 13th Century wagon vault roof are a Jacobean screen and pulpit.

The hub of the village today is the revamped Notley Arms Inn, a traditional country inn dating back to the 19th Century.  A peaceful overnight stop for Coleridge Way walkers with its huge open fireplaces, locally sourced food and a fine beer garden by the bubbling stream in which you can try a range of real ales and local ciders. Peaceful, relaxing and as far off the tourist trail as you can get!