THINGS TO DO
Not sure of what to do during your visit to Yeovil? Whether you’re just visiting for the day or staying for longer, you’ll find so many incredible things to do that will make your visit live long in the memory. The variety of attractions and activities on offer will ensure that whatever you’re interested in you’ll be sure to find it in Yeovil, from fantastic fun family activities to inspiring museums and some of the most stunning houses and gardens to be found anywhere.
ACCOMODATION
Pack your suitcase and book a stay at one of Yeovil’s hotels and receive a warm West Country welcome! Whether you’re looking for a town centre location or a rural retreat, Yeovil and its surrounding villages can offer a wealth of accommodation options. Spoiled by stunning countryside and a wealth of restaurants and entertainment options, Yeovil is a great central location to base yourself for a well-deserved break in Somerset. Accessible road networks and public transport links also ensure that Yeovil is a great central hub spot for business trips too.
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If you’re after good quality, home-cooked and locally sourced food at a reasonable price then the Pen Mill Hotel is going to tick those boxes. Renowned in the local area for their Sunday Carvery you certainly won’t leave hungry as the meat and vegetable selection is vast and the servings are generous. The Pen Mill Hotel is family-run and focused on customer service. Bear in mind you will need to book to secure a table - the Pen Mill Hotel is no secret with the locals! The welcome is warm, the staff are friendly and the standards are high.
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Set within a Grade II listed building, The Green Room offers diners the opportunity to book a table in the brick vaulted cellar restaurant as well as in the oak beamed restaurant. The Green Room prides itself for serving good British food with European influences. Open on Sundays, you can also book a table for a roast where West Country Beef is a regular feature.
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Kazbar offers a unique vibe to Yeovil as it delivers on a fresh combination of cocktails and tapas. Boardgames and books add to the mix as groups of friends and couples take on battles of jenga whilst supping a quirky smoky or zingy cocktail. Keep a look out for bottomless prosecco and cocktail nights as well as special live music events.
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This Georgian Manor house is set in the heart of Yeovil and is filled with original features and character. With 42-ensuite bedrooms the Manor Hotel has also made some of these rooms dog-friendly so that you can enjoy the local walks at Yeovil Country Park which is easily accessible just a few minutes down the road.
With a large conservatory overlooking a private garden, the hotel welcomes you with their trademark home-from-home comforts and a substantial pub classics food menu.
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If you’re after a spacious room with the option of a cooked breakfast or continental breakfast in the morning then this family-run hotel is a great choice. All rooms feature a TV, luxury Hypnos bed and a welcome tray with a selection of teas and coffees. The bathrooms boast power showers and quality toiletries. Free parking in this centrally located hotel is an added bonus.
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There are two Premier Inn’s in Yeovil, one in the centre of town, and one conveniently located near to Leonardo Helicopters and Yeovil Town Football Club. All Premier Inn’s come with kingsize bed as standard as well as power shower and blackout curtains. Both hotels are situated near to pubs, restaurants and town amenities.
Yeovil Airfield 1 Alvington Lane, Brympton, Yeovil BA22 8UX
Yeovil Town Centre Key Market House, Middle Street, Yeovil BA20 1LT
https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/england/somerset/yeovil/yeovil-town-centre.html
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In combination with the clean and comfortable bedrooms, The Preston also welcomes guests into their warm bar which serves cold beers and cocktails. Chill-out treats, bar food and a vast home-cooked Indian menu ensure you won’t go hungry. Sofas around the hotel encourage guests to relax whilst those looking for entertainment can make use of the pool table, or enjoy the hotel’s live music events.
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Offering a variety of rooms, suites and apartments, Lanes provides guests the opportunity to stay in luxury at this former rectory, just outside Yeovil. Sympathetically renovated, the hotel has maintained its traditional local Hamstone outlook whilst marrying it with a glass extension to give a contemporary vibe. Local fresh food features on their seasonal menus all served in combination with local ales, ciders and cocktails. Entertainment is regularly found on their events calendar with music and comedy nights being popular with the local clientele.
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For those of you who are after accommodation in a true country pub then a stay at The Helyar Arms won’t disappoint. Found just outside Yeovil in the village of East Coker, this Grade II listed 15th Century Inn sits in the heart of this pretty thatched village and serves hearty local food and ales. The en-suite bedrooms are all warm and welcoming and with a cooked breakfast to greet you in the morning, you’ll be all set for a day out exploring the footpaths in this stunning part of Somerset.
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Just two miles out of Yeovil is the village of Mudford. Renowned locally as a great spot for food, the Half Moon Inn is always busy with diners. The rooms are adjacent to the main pub and are well equipped with ensuite facilities, TV, and tea and coffee making facilities. There’s also a cobbled courtyard to sit and enjoy the warmer sunny evenings.
FOOD & DRINK
Love Yeovil is delighted to showcase a selection of our cafes and restaurants which can be found in and around our town centre. We are so fortunate to have many local food and drink providers in our county which provide the fresh ingredients to our restauranteurs. Whatever you fancy for breakfast, lunch or dinner, we are confident you can find it in Yeovil and will be able to savour the taste of Somerset within the food you enjoy. Yeovil is surrounded by farms and food growers and by supporting local cafes and restaurants we can all help our local economy continue to prosper. Enjoy - your breakfast, lunch and dinner is being served…
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If homemade dishes and stunning countryside views are on your wish list then head to The Trough. Situated on the edge of Yeovil, The Trough has been created by the seventh generation of the Snell family. With farming at the heart of the business, you can be rest assured that the food you order is locally sourced and of very high quality.
The Trough team regularly run seasonal events so its worth keeping tabs on their website and social media. Also, don’t forget that Friday nights are cocktail nights where they serve up their very own twist on cocktail classics whilst offering an evening food menu or nibble selection. It’s also a great place for a Sunday Roast.
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If you’re after good quality, home-cooked and locally sourced food at a reasonable price then the Pen Mill Hotel is going to tick those boxes. Renowned in the local area for their Sunday Carvery you certainly won’t leave hungry as the meat and vegetable selection is vast and the servings are generous. The Pen Mill Hotel is family-run and focused on customer service. Bear in mind you will need to book to secure a table - the Pen Mill Hotel is no secret with the locals! The welcome is warm, the staff are friendly and the standards are high.
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Ever popular with the locals, Tamburino is the place to go for all your favourite Italian dishes. Serving lunch and dinner, the menu has all the classics as well as daily specials, a children’s menu and offers a party menu too. Not only does Tamburino hold a Guinness World Record for the longest line of pizzas ever made in the world (2129 pizzas exceeding 476 metres!) they also celebrate the birthdays of diners with a song accompanied with a… tambourine, of course!
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Situated in the centre of town, the Kaspa’s American diner-style vibe is one that will bring a smile to any sweet-tooth! The menu boasts a huge selection of hot and cold desserts with waffles, crepes, gelatos, and sundaes all competing for your attention. Smoothies, milkshakes and hot chocolates and coffees complete the offering. Open from Midday til 10pm, there’s plenty of time to enjoy your pudding which promises to be served up with unrivalled customer service.
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Bringing a selection of freshly made doorstop sandwiches, baguettes and paninis alongside her signature freshly baked cakes, Jessica’s Cakes & Bakes has turned Yeovil pink with her little ‘instagrammable’ café and shop. The perfect place for a homemade treat, made by professional baker Jessica, served in a fun and floral environment. Jessica also bakes cakes to order for birthdays and celebrations as well as offering bagels, sausage rolls and toasties to eat in and take away.
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Set within a Grade II listed building, The Green Room offers diners the opportunity to book a table in the brick vaulted cellar restaurant as well as in the oak beamed restaurant. The Green Room prides itself for serving good British food with European influences. Open on Sundays, you can also book a table for a roast where West Country Beef is a regular feature.
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Choose your cut and size of steak (up to a whopping 20 oz!) and enjoy the experience as it’s served to you on the signature Texas Rocks ‘Lava Hot Rocks’. Burgers, cocktails, American salads, ribs and roast dinners are all part of the offering. Keep an eye on social media for special events and 2 for 1 burger nights.
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Boswell’s Café pride themselves in offering all the family made-to-order meals from breakfast through to afternoon tea. With children’s options available whether it’s a packed lunchbox or a variety of hot meals, Boswells happily cater for all ages. Cooked breakfasts, salads, toasties and cakes feature alongside cold and hot drink selections. Warm weather sees outdoor seating grace the precinct so you can watch the world go by whilst you enjoy the West Country hospitality.
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In addition to their locally renowned burgers and vast cider selection, Cow & Apple also serve up veggie options, tacos, salads and a host of loaded side dishes. With an extensive range of cider for the adults and milkshakes for the kids, the offering in Cow & Apple couldn’t be more ‘Somerset’ if it tried! Conveniently, Cow & Apple also offer takeaways and proudly do so in recyclable packaging.
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Think Nando’s and you’ll think chicken, but they’ve also added vegetarian and vegan options to their ‘Peri-ometer’ choices. Whether you like your meals to be extra spicy hot or mild, they cater to all tastes. Nando’s marinade all their chicken for 24 hours to ensure flavoursome results and all their bastes are proudly made with fresh ingredients.
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For pizza, pasta and speciality mains, Ask Italian is open from lunchtime until late. The restaurant is situated on Princes Street and in addition to a large restaurant space also has a function room which suits large groups or parties, and has outside seating for the warmer months. A diverse menu includes a wide selection of pizza, pasta, salads and mains as well as a large choice of dessert, if you have room!
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Kazbar offers a unique vibe to Yeovil as it delivers on a fresh combination of cocktails and tapas. Boardgames and books add to the mix as groups of friends and couples take on battles of jenga whilst supping a quirky smoky or zingy cocktail. Keep a look out for bottomless prosecco and cocktail nights as well as special live music events.
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For those of you who are after accommodation in a true country pub then a stay at The Helyar Arms won’t disappoint. Found just outside Yeovil in the village of East Coker, this Grade II listed 15th Century Inn sits in the heart of this pretty thatched village and serves hearty local food and ales. The en-suite bedrooms are all warm and welcoming and with a cooked breakfast to greet you in the morning, you’ll be all set for a day out exploring the footpaths in this stunning part of Somerset.
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Just two miles out of Yeovil is the village of Mudford. Renowned locally as a great spot for food, the Half Moon Inn is always busy with diners. The rooms are adjacent to the main pub and are well equipped with ensuite facilities, TV, and tea and coffee making facilities. There’s also a cobbled courtyard to sit and enjoy the warmer sunny evenings.
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The Acorn is a cafe, deli and wine bar situated in the heart of Yeovil, right opposite the Church green. At The Acorn, we celebrate all things local: think traditional farmhouse cheeses, barista coffee roasted in Somerset, cakes baked just around the corner and lots of other wonderful produce from inspirational local businesses.
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Yeovil's very own independent bakery. Baking fresh cakes, breads and pastry's daily.
MUSIC, FILM & THEATRE
Every week brings new sounds, live productions and stars from the silver screen to our town. Yeovil is fortunate to be home to several independent bars who welcome live music to their offering on a regular basis. For those of you who are keen to catch the latest films from Hollywood blockbusters to smaller independent movie makers we have two cinema options. And then, when it comes to live entertainment, Yeovil is always on the circuit for big names in the theatre, literary or comedy spheres.
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An eclectic interior adds to the quirky vibe which enhances the intimate setting as you enjoy an array of live music offerings at The Emporium. Renowned for cooking great wholesome food and mixing some fabulous drinks you’ll be sure to remember a night at The Emporium. It’s laid back and a bit of a hidden gem (but the locals know to snap up the limited tickets for the pop-up food nights) so be sure to keep an eye on their events page for tickets to the latest gig.
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A 10-screen cinema showing all the latest blockbuster films, a great pick ‘n’ mix selection and fresh popcorn for sale means you’ll be all set for a night at the movies.
There’s VIP options ( luxury seating and unlimited snacks), ScreenX, Superscreen and RealD 3D along with autism friendly screenings as well as ‘Movies for Juniors’ (offering discounted tickets for families).
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Located in the centre of Yeovil, Club Neo is the destination for late night drinks and dancing. Check out their website for all the latest news on the DJ line-up, themed nights, a chance to win cash prizes in their ‘balloon drop’ and more! VIP booths can be pre-booked.
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Chicago’s promises the best DJ’s playing the best sounds each weekend. For the red carpet treatment, book a VIP booth and make your Friday or Saturday night extra special.
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Within walking distance of the main town is the Yeovil Showground which hosts a wide range of events. Festivals and live music events fill the calendar along with the circus, Somerset Balloon Show and even monthly car boot sales! With a premises license covering a vast array of sporting and music events it’s a key asset bringing new events to Yeovil all year round.
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Hosting Yeovil’s Literary Festival, the World Dart’s Tour and Pro-Wrestling competitions all adds to the thrilling and varied schedule in one of our top entertainment venues. Stars from stage and screen can regularly be found treading the boards of the stage in the Westlands Entertainment Venue in addition to the regular screenings of international films, and live screenings from London’s West End theatres.
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Currently undergoing major renovation, the Octagon Theatre auditorium is being extended from 622 seats to 900! In addition to a larger seating capacity, the development will also see the addition of two cinema spaces as well as new café and bar provisions. A well-equipped stage with a flexible orchestra pit and ‘full flying’ facilities are in the plans too which means the Octagon Theatre will be even more appealing to larger orchestras and leading theatre companies who are touring with their musicals and shows. You can read more about the development here.
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This small independent theatre certainly packs a talent punch way above its unassuming exterior. With a self-professed strapline of ‘non-professional theatre, produced professionally’ you are guaranteed to feel like you’ve had a great night at an independent theatre. With 6 performances a year it’s worth keeping an eye on their calendar to see which dramatic performance is coming up next!
SHOPPING & MARKETS
The 1980’s welcomed the Quedam Shopping Centre to Yeovil Town centre and at its conception brought with it well-known high street brands. As the retail industry continues to morph, the Quedam Shopping Centre is now home to a mixed offering of national brands as well as flourishing local independents. The streets that link to the Quedam thrive with local shops and businesses, estate agents, banks, local butchers and bakeries. A wander along Princes Street and Middle Street will enable you to tick off many items from your everyday shopping list, and by shopping locally you will be continuing to support our local economy whilst maintaining Yeovil as a great place to be.
We are also very fortunate to have Babylon Hill Retail Park and Houndstone Retail Park, home to other essential national brands. Pen Mill Trading Estate and the Lynx Trading Estate are the go-to places for industrial and commercial businesses, home to local, national and international brands.
ARTS & CRAFTS
When you’re surrounded by the open countryside of Somerset you can’t help but be inspired in Yeovil. Creativity is encouraged in our town and there’s a growing art scene in Yeovil and its surrounding villages. Regular pop-up events are held in Yeovil Country Park as well as the galleries and art spaces in and around the town. Keep up to date by following our events page or keeping tabs on social media. The art community is welcoming to all ages and regularly runs events which are suitable for all the family.
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Yeovil residents and visitors are all welcome at Yeovil Arts Space. Regular workshops and events help to bring creative learning to the whole community. Add in the inspiring exhibitions and artwork for sale, and you’ll find that Yeovil Art Space is the perfect place to go to explore all things creative.
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An eclectic interior adds to the quirky vibe which enhances the intimate setting as you enjoy an array of live music offerings at The Emporium. Renowned for cooking great wholesome food and mixing some fabulous drinks you’ll be sure to remember a night at The Emporium. It’s laid back and a bit of a hidden gem (but the locals know to snap up the limited tickets for the pop-up food nights) so be sure to keep an eye on their events page for tickets to the latest gig.
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By placing people at the centre of their artistic activity, OSR Projects have worked across the community forging partnerships with all ages to produce socially-engaged art projects. Exploring new ways to consider art is at the heart of what they do – seeing, hearing, feeling and thinking about art in ambitious yet playful ways. OSR Projects run festivals, events and hire out their kiln.
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Stocking original artwork and prints you’ll find a wide selection of local and national art at Martock Gallery. Ornamental works of art, glassware, handcrafted wood and ceramics also feature alongside some fabulous sculptures. Martock Gallery also offers a framing service.
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Pop in and meet two local artists as they warmly welcome visitors to chat with them whilst they paint. Stephen Snell from Bespoke Oil Paintings and Tasha Potter of Tasha Potter Art paint to commission in the studio whilst being surrounded by a gallery of their artwork on display too. Originals, Prints and gifts are available to buy.
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Book a space at the Pot Doodles studio and create your very own unique piece of art. A creative space for all ages and abilities, Pot Doodles regularly runs events during school holidays, or in evenings for the adults (Pottery & Prosecco nights are a firm favourite). With pottery wheel workshops also available you can even have a go at throwing your own pot or mug – ‘Seize the clay!’
SPORTS & LEISURE
It’s easy to stay active in Yeovil. In addition to Yeovil Country Park and Ham Hill Country Park which are both great places to walk and run, Yeovil also has fantastic sporting facilities. Yeovil Recreation Centre is a great spot for a game of crazy golf or for little ones to spend time playing at the pirate-themed park. And, for the times that you want to escape the rain, Yeovil also has Goldenstones Leisure centre for a swim, and Hollywood Bowl for ten-pin bowling and arcade fun.
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Yeovil Recreation Centre is our town’s outdoor sporting venue which extends to over 40 acres in a central location. In addition to the athletics track, tennis courts and artificial grass sports pitches, Yeovil Recreation Centre is also home to pitch and putt golf, crazy mini golf and a fabulous outdoor play park. This area is popular with dog walkers, runners and a great place to meet with friends to play informal games of cricket, football or rounders. There’s so much open grass space to use and a popular café too.
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Grab your swimming trunks and/or swimming costumes and go for a dip at the town’s 25-metre pool which looks out on Yeovil Country Park. With a baby pool for little ones and a viewing gallery, Goldenstones caters for the whole family. Keep an eye on special events during school holidays where inflatables are added to the pool for extra fun! In addition to an on-site gym, the Goldenstones team also offer swimming lessons, and the on-site shop sells all swimming essentials too.
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Boasting 27 holes, Yeovil’s golf club is picturesquely set adjacent to Yeovil Country Park and has the River Yeo meandering peacefully through the course. With an all-weather 15 bay driving range, excellent club house, and one of the largest professional golf shops in the region, Yeovil Golf Club is enjoyed by members and guests alike.
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There are so many sporting options all under the one roof of the Westlands Sports and Fitness Centre. Badminton, Basketball, Volleyball, Table Tennis, Squash and Trampolining are all available in this central sports hub. In addition there are two exercise and dance studios adjacent to the centre which are fully equipped with air conditioning and an exceptional sound system. The Westlands Sports and Fitness Centre also boasts incredible gym facilities.
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New players of all ages are welcome, with junior mixed teams starting with soft ball for the under 10’s. ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) qualified coaches run weekly outdoor coaching sessions which will make use of the ABC principles; Agility, Balance and Coordination developing many of those essential cricket techniques and skills in a safe and fun environment. There’s several senior teams as well as indoor provisions too at this welcoming and professional cricket club.
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Despite its name, Yeovil Town RRC is also a club of runner’s who regularly take part in trail and multi-terrain races too. With members of all abilities from high level club athletes to those who are beginning or returning to running, the run club is a popular and social group. Tuesday night is club night where run leaders will take out various running groups for social runs around the local area, covering all paces, distances and abilities. With hill training, pub runs and speed training nights scheduled throughout the week there’s nearly something on every evening if you should wish to lace up those trainers!
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With three indoor rinks, six outdoor rinks and facilities for short mat bowls there’s plenty of opportunity to get active when you join this club in the centre of town. Additionally, the club has three courts for squash and racquetball. It’s best to contact the club directly to arrange the booking of courts or to hear about the different levels of club membership.
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Westlands Sports Bowls Club is a mixed friendly club which has recently revamped their pavilion and bar. With changing rooms, kitchen and social area, the Westland Sports Bowls Club is open to anyone interested in lawn bowls. New bowlers can also receive coaching before joining in with a full programme of non-league and non-competition bowls. There are also ladies and mens teams regularly entering into league matches across the country.
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America has come to Yeovil in the guise of ten pin bowling at Hollywood Bowl. The 18 lanes offer plenty of opportunity for your family to knock those pins down and get a strike! With VIP lanes to hire, party options, American-style diner, pool tables and arcade games, there’s a lot of entertainment for the whole family.
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Playing from October to March, Yeovil and Sherborne Hockey club has ladies, mens and junior teams. All training sessions and home matches take place at the home pitch of Yeovil Recreation Centre. It’s a thriving club with several teams, and new members are always warmly welcomed. The summer months see the teams enjoying sociable sessions at home to keep their skills in check!
NATURE & WILDLIFE
You don’t have to look very far to find green space in Yeovil. Afterall, connecting to nature is easy to do when your town is located in the heart of the West Country! You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding where to walk the dog or go for a run because Yeovil has several award-winning parks to its name.
If you’re after entertaining the kids, then Yeovil Country Park and Ham Hill Country Park are always organising family events. Keep an eye on our events page or follow the parks on social media for regular updates.
Yeovil is blessed to be surrounded by unspoilt countryside and as such has a wealth of footpaths and cycleways you are invited to explore. Further information for all of Yeovil’s natural attractions can be found on the Visit South Somerset website.