Aluredian
47
W
hen zooming
northbound on the
A38, it is all too
easy not to take any
notice of the slightly
dishevelled sign
pointing off to the right. Despite first
impressions, if you carry on through the village
you will find a hidden pocket, a taster, of
country life. You can find Adsborough in the
West Country - The Farming Capital of the UK.
Scraping Taunton's north-easterly border, it
distances itself from terraced housing, settling
more with sweet country cottages. Once, when
Adsborough was a much larger village, it had a
church and a pub. However, when one large
road was built right through the middle, it split
the village into two smaller villages: Thurloxton
and Adsborough. Unfortunately, Thurloxton got
the church. And the pub.
The fact that Adsborough no longer has a
church is a bit of a nuisance for the keen
churchgoer. Nevertheless, Thurloxton Church is
a five-minute drive, or a 15-20 minute walk,
away. The church may be small, but
fortunately the attendants always sing with
passion (not always with tune) so that the
atmosphere is never too tense. Surrounded
with a beautiful graveyard, this church is a
must see, especially in spring. It captures the
very essence of the surrounding villages.
Also found near to Adsborough is a pub named
'The Maypole Inn'. Despite its name, few have
ever been known to sleep there overnight. The
food does not have the 'wow factor' as such,
and so it wouldn't be a compulsory stop during
your stay.
Adsborough's culture is not completely welliesin-muck,
despite there being two farms. It is
true that, towards the outskirts of the village,
the faint sound of traffic can be heard. This
has the downside of annoying you if you wish
to completely drown yourself in Somerset mud,
but this can also comfort the country living
novices. However, moving further into the
village, thankfully, you escape the background
noise of The Road; swapping the 'HONK' of
car horns for the 'HONK' of geese.
Halfway through Adsborough is a left (or right)
turning; take this turn and you will find
4th form
pupils were
asked to write
a piece about
a place they
knew well in
the style of a
Rough Guide
entry
yourself en route to the motorway bridge. This
walk is always a favourite, with a chance to
wave at passing lorries and cars. This can be
great fun, especially if you have brought along
young children. With this said, grown-ups and
even teenagers have been known to enjoy the
short moments of 'fame'. This route is brilliant
for quiet autumnal walks through winding
lanes. To really set the atmosphere, it is
recommended to bring along a Keats poem to
recite along the way.
If you are under the age of 60, then it is
unlikely that you will find your every need
hidden in Adsborough. But if you do find
yourself trapped in conversation with an
inhabitant, remember that unless you wouldn't
like to return home before nightfall, avoid the
subject of pensions at all costs.
You may think that because the civilians of
Adsborough are not at their prime, they do not
participate in much activity. But Adsborough is
home to not one but two tennis courts, perfect
for the sporting personality.
A minute or two down the road is a fresh fruit
and vegetable store where you can buy
produce farmed on that very site. Here also
you can pick-your-own different fruits,
depending on the season. This activity is not
essential but can include the whole family.
A bit further away is an Animal Farm Shop.
This shop is a blend between farming and
commercial; selling home-baked cakes, fruit
and vegetables grown on that farm, and
commercial rice cakes, commercial pasta and
commercial drinks, it is perfect if you are
looking for a rural taste without the grit.
Adsborough is a picturesque village, if it is
even a village, which is sweet in the same way
that little old ladies are. Not recommended for
those aged eight to 55, it isn't brimming with
things to do. However, it is a nice place for the
country life novice - a great place to begin.
It is one of a kind when it comes to the
surprising amount of serenity with its
surroundings in mind. The most important
thing to remember when staying in
Adsborough: although a nice place to stay,
don't try to stay too long.
An
Insider's
Guide to
Villages:
Adsborough
by
Charlotte
Smyth