Top Things to do in Chard
Countries
What to do and see in Chard, England: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in Chard, United Kingdom including Sharandys Birds of Prey, Forde Abbey & Gardens, Chard & District Museum/Heritage Centre, Chard Reservoir, Ferne Animal Sanctuary.
Restaurants in Chard
1. Sharandys Birds of Prey
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 70 reviews
Welcome to Sharandys Birds of Prey, we are a private Bird of Prey Center based near Chard, Somerset and we pride ourselves on offering Bird of Prey courses and Experience Days which is completely 'Hands On', you will have the opportunity to handle, meet and fly these magnificent Birds of Prey.You can also enjoy the thrill of flying Birds of Prey and watch them in their natural state of flying free!!
Reviewed By Woodesclan1 - Exeter, United Kingdom
Wow what an amazing few hours spent enjoying my early Xmas present this morning. I cannot recommend this highly enough, Matt who did the talk about the owls certainly knew his stuff and we had plenty of time to hold each of the owls and ask questions. Then onto the hawk walk - what can I say other than truly amazing. Lexi certainly performed for us and having her fly in between my husband and myself whilst facing each other and stood close to each other was breathe taking. If you love birds of prey and owls and are looking for a truly amazing one on one experience, you will not regret doing this.
2. Forde Abbey & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 707 reviews
Thirty acres of beautiful gardens, surrounding one of the oldest inhabited houses in England that is open to the public, features a rockery, bog garden, arboretum and millions of spring bulbs.
Reviewed By hopefultraveller_9 - Christchurch, United Kingdom
Beautiful gardens tucked away in the middle of nowhere! Lovely herbacious borders near the fountain which is spectacular (is switched on at noon, 1.30 and 3pm for 15 mins) The bog garden is impressive as is the extensive kitchen garden which has a large amount of squashes growing.
3. Chard & District Museum/Heritage Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 100 reviews
4. Chard Reservoir
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 97 reviews
Reviewed By lukeyozade - Chard, United Kingdom
Chard reservoir is an under appreciated local nature reserve. There are two car parks to access the site, the main car park can be a little tricky to find if you are unfamiliar with area as you will drive down towards a new build housing estate. Once there, there is a large meadow in which you can walk the dogs which is spread across three fields. There’s a small play area, and a conservation only area where the bird hide is located, which has a nice walk around the wooded area to see woodland species of birds such as the great spotted woodpeckers. No dogs are allowed in this area. If you then go through the meadow, you can walk the entire length of the reservoir now, providing that you keep your dogs on short leads and avoid the waters edge (many wader birds have started to appear but unfortunately people want to get close to the water). This will then lead you around to the fisherman’s car park, depending on which car park you accessed first. There is a friendly domestic goose resident in this car park, don’t let him put you off! Also at this end of the car park are many resident great crested grebes which I think are the real stars of the reservoir. Other birds include mallards, Canada geese and the resident mute swans along with other migrant visitors. The reservoir is lucky to be surrounded by a large set of trees which provide homes to bullfinches, robins and many other species. Please take grains or fresh food rather than bread to avoid any rats. You can then take the cycle route back to the beginning to provide you with a full decent walk around the reservoir, or follow the road back from the fisherman’s car park to the other side. Highly recommend on a summers evening. You may be lucky enough to see the resident roe deer or bats. No cycling to be allowed through the reserve but there is a cycle path nearby, I think it is important for people to understand it is intended for nature. Other reviews complain about not being able to use the water, but it’s actually a really important ground for nesting birds who don’t need to be disturbed by bots etc! There are eco toilets at the fisherman’s car park. Not many bins so take the rubbish home, many people during lockdown have sadly decided to leave rubbish lying around. Overall a great experience for free for looking for nature.
5. Ferne Animal Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 110 reviews
Ferne Animal Sanctuary provides care and refuge for unwanted domestic animals, farm animals and horses and has done for the last 80 years. Set within the stunning Blackdown Hills is the perfect location to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the countryside and even watch some of our resident animals enjoying it too.
Reviewed By Lanipoos
We visited this fabulous little place this week with our 2 year old and absolutely loved it. Ignore the grumbly reviews and use a bit of imagination to make the most of the visit with little people! We loved the ispy game we could play around the site and our son loved being able to run free around the different areas, something that is near impossible at most farm parks / zoos at the moment. Disappointed to see others grumbling about the 4.95 entry fee (not to mention this goes towards the animals care!), you would pay a lot more for a national trust site with a lot less for little ones to do! The site is beautiful and the animals seem really well cared for. The staff were really pleasant and we felt it was well worth a stop off. For a fiver each it was a lovely tranquil way to spend a couple of hours. Would highly recommend for people of all ages.
