Babington House
Northeast Somerset, United Kingdom[view map]
Local restaurants
Moon and Sixpence (01225 460962) is relaxed and informal, with good modern food.
Local bars
The Talbot Inn in Mells (01373 812254) serves game. The Angel Inn in Hindon (01747 820696) serves amazing fish (closed Sunday evenings). The Black Dog in Chilmark (01722 716344) does both contemporary and traditional food. The Beckford Arms in Fonthil Gifford (01747 870385) is good for a pint.
Worth getting out of bed for
Horse riding and clay-pigeon shooting in Wellow (01225 834376). Hot-air ballooning (0870 607 0241). Golf in Frome (01373 454200). Longleat has numerous attractions which include the house, safari park and a butterfly garden (01985 844328; www.longleat.co.uk).
Diary
August Up, up and away for the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta (0117 953 5884; www.bristolfiesta.co.uk). Glastonbury Classical Festival offers the more sedate side of the musical spectrum (01458 832020; www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/classical).