Chard Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the picturesque Somerset countryside, the charming town of Chard offers visitors a delightful blend of history, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. With its rich heritage dating back to the medieval period, Chard is a hidden gem that beckons travelers seeking an authentic English experience.

One of the town's main attractions is the Chard Museum, housed in a beautifully restored 16th-century building. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the town's fascinating past, exploring exhibits that showcase Chard's once-thriving lace industry, the impact of World War II, and the renowned Chard Watch Company. History enthusiasts will delight in the museum's collection of artifacts and photographs, providing a glimpse into the lives of the town's inhabitants throughout the centuries.

For those seeking outdoor adventures, Chard is surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes. The Blackdown Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is just a stone's throw away, offering ample opportunities for hiking, cycling, and exploring the idyllic countryside. Take a leisurely stroll along the River Isle, meandering through lush green meadows and quaint villages, or venture further afield to the nearby Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its stunning cliffs and fossil-rich beaches.

No visit to Chard would be complete without indulging in the town's culinary delights. From traditional English pubs serving hearty meals to charming tearooms offering delicious homemade cakes, Chard's dining scene is sure to satisfy every palate. Sample local specialties such as Somerset cider, farmhouse cheeses, and freshly caught seafood, and experience the warm hospitality that characterizes this welcoming town.

Alternative names: Population: 13.1 thous.Elevation: 367 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 50°52'22"N, 2°57'51"W

Location

EnglandUnited Kingdom

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Chard Top Attractions

Chard Attractions - What to See and Explore

Chard offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Forde Abbey, Chard Museum, St. Mary's Church, Chard Museum and Heritage Centre. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Historical place • Garden • Park
Forde Abbey
Forde Abbey is a privately owned former Cistercian monastery in Dorset, England, with a postal address in Chard, Somerset. The house and gardens are run as a tourist attraction while the 1,600-acre estate is farmed to provide additional revenue.
Museum • Archaeological museum
Chard Museum
Chard Museum is a small local museum in Chard, Somerset, England. It opened in 1970, in a converted 16th century listed building, with collections of exhibits about local history and displays related to the lives of notable local residents.
Church
St. Mary's Church
The Anglican Church of St Mary the Virgin in Chard, Somerset, England dates from the late 11th century and was rebuilt in the 15th century. It has been designated as a Grade I listed building. Due to the effects of a leak in the roof it was added to the Heritage at Risk Register in 2013.

50°52'21"N • 2°58'9"W
Chard Museum and Heritage Centre
Specialty museum • Museum
Street
Fore Street
Fore Street in Chard, Somerset, England was built in the late 16th and early 17th century, following a fire which destroyed much of the town in 1577. Fore Street is a main shopping street and thoroughfare with open water channels on either side.
50°52'32"N • 2°58'45"W
Snowdon Hill Quarry
Snowdon Hill Quarry is a 0.6 hectare geological Site of Special Scientific Interest on the western outskirts of Chard in Somerset, notified in 1963.
50°52'24"N • 2°57'40"W
Chard School
Chard School is a coeducational independent school for children ages 4 to 11 located in the town of Chard in the English county of Somerset. The school is located on the site of the former Chard Grammar School.

Day trips

Chard – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Chard, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Royal Albert Memorial Museum (Exeter), Stourhead, Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve.

27 milesSW
Museum, Gothic Revival architecture, Specialty museum
Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter
Nestled in the heart of Exeter, England, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) is a beacon of culture and history that beckons tourists and locals alike. This renowned institution is not just a museum; it's a journey through time and space, offering a window into the...
32 milesNE
Scenic walking areas, Garden, History museum
Stourhead
Nestled in the verdant Wiltshire countryside, Stourhead is a stunning example of an 18th-century English landscape garden. This picturesque estate, with its classical architecture and tranquil lake, is often referred to as a living work of art.
28 milesSW
Golf
Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve
Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve, located in the United Kingdom, is a site of remarkable natural beauty and biodiversity. This coastal haven stretches across 506 acres, encompassing a variety of habitats including sand dunes, grasslands, ponds, and marshes, which...
22 milesNE
Terraced hill with church ruins
Glastonbury Tor, Glastonbury
Glastonbury Tor is an iconic hill near the town of Glastonbury in Somerset, England, steeped in history and legend. Known for its enigmatic silhouette crowned by the roofless St. Michael's Tower, the Tor is a magnetic destination for tourists, history enthusiasts,...
27 milesSW
Gothic edifice with rooftop tours
Exeter Cathedral, Exeter
Exeter Cathedral stands as a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a historical beacon in the heart of Exeter, England. Officially known as the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter in Exeter, this magnificent structure dates back to the 12th century and serves as the seat...