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Come and
see the willow industry...
from the Withy Bed to the Basket at the ...
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The Centre is owned and run by the Coate family, who have
been growing willow on the Somerset Levels since 1819. Visitors
will find a warm welcome and
are invited to learn about the history and art of willow growing
and basketmaking. The Centre was opened by David Bellamy in
1987 and has proved a huge tourism success for Somerset.
You will also find a wonderful selection of basketware to
buy, handcrafted from Coate's own willow, by their team of
skilled basketmakers. Why not call in to our tea rooms to
enjoy tea and a homemade cake after your stroll around the
centre!
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Enjoy
free entry into the:
Video Room,
where our short video depicts the way we are keeping the best
of this most traditional of industries, whilst also looking
towards the future.
Basket Museum
with its large display of both familiar and unusual willow
artefacts.
Levels and Moors Exhibition
highlighting the history of
both the beautiful countryside and this most traditional of
English industries.
Environmental Interpretation.
This display
tells the story of the way water has shaped the Somerset Levels
and continues to play a major part in life here today. |
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Guided Tours
of the workshops are available for those who want to see for
themselves this fascinating craft. The tours take place on working
days only, and cost £3.50 per head. Group bookings can
be made. We also specialise in educational visits and special
interest groups. Special party rates apply for groups of over
12 people. These must be pre-booked. As machinery and vehicles
operate in our yard, visitors are not allowed in the workshops
unless accompanied. The Company reserves the right to cancel
tours if necessary. |
| Guided
Tour Times - Monday - Friday:
10.00am - 12.00pm, 2.00pm - 4.00pm (Not
bank holidays). |
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The Shop & Furniture
Gallery stock an enormous range
of baskets, from the unusual and decorative to the practical.
Furniture and garden items, as well as smaller willow to suit
most pockets, are also displayed. If you cannot find the basket
you want, a custom made service is available. For more information
on our Bespoke service click
here.
Willow is also sold, both for basket-making or as a living
willow (in season), or green willow for garden structures.
DIY kits for borders and climbers are also obtainable for
those gardeners who enjoy a "hands-on" approach.
Click
here for more information on DIY Kits.
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The Courtyard Tea Room is
a delightful stop for coffee and home-made cakes, or a light
lunch. Whether you prefer the cool, flagged floor of the
traditional tea room, or the landscaped courtyard with its
rushing water feature, the surroundings
are a pleasant place to relax, especially if you have just
returned from one of our walks.
A Walks Leaflet
is available in the shop. There is a gentle walk through
our withy beds, or a longer circular walk along the River
Tone and up to the viewpoint on the top of Windmill Hill.
Here you can sit and take a rest and enjoy the view across
Hay Moor and Curry Moor to the far distance.
If the weather is warm
you may see a variety of insect life on the moors. Damsel
flies and the much larger dragon flies abound, as do many
varieties of butterflies. Marbled white, small copper, common
blue, and orange-tip are some of the many species of butterflies
found here. Even the silver-washed fritillary has been seen,
and the stunning hawk moth is not uncommon.
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How to
find us:
Stoke St. Gregory is north/east of Taunton,
and is signed off. A361 and A378. Our Centre is marked on
the simple map (left).
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Winner of the
NFU Rural Tourism Award in 2002
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Visit Britain
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The Centre is Open Monday - Saturday
9.00am - 5.00pm.
As a working industry,
we regret we are closed on Sundays
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