Chard is well positioned to visit either coast with the beach at Lyme Regis being approx 11 miles away on the south coast and the sandy bay of Burnham-on-Sea on the North coast (approx 30 miles/ 40 minute drive).
Chard has a selection of places to eat and drink including seven restaurants, fourteen pubs, three bar/cafes and a selection of takeaways offering fried chicken, Chinese and Indian meals. The town centre offers a handful of convenience stores, two department stores, an off license, supermarket, newsagents and pharmacy.
Cricket St Thomas Leisure Club provides the perfect opportunity to relax and indulge in a good work out or treatment with a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, tropicarium, gym, games room, sun bed, lounge area and beauty salon. Within this beautiful setting you can try your hand at one of the many activities on offer including archery, rifle shooting, fencing, bowls, croquet and putting.
Enjoy a day on the green at Chards well known Windwhistle Golf Club with full clubhouse facilities, professional shop, squash courts, buggy/equipment hire and breath taking views over Somerset, Devon and Dorset.
For the Children the Play Place Activity Centre, the Ferne Animal Sanctuary with 300 animals, nature trails and refreshments and Cricket St Thomas Wildlife Park all offer great days out. Cricket St Thomas Wildlife Park is set in a picturesque valley with hundreds of species of exotic animals all being kept in a natural environment as part of a conservation programme.
Other places of interest include Forde Abbey Estate and gardens that were founded some 850 years ago with infamous gardens and breathtaking views set within 30 acres of beautiful land to wonder at your leisure. Chard Museum explores and displays the history of the area and town itself including methods of cider making, farm implements and machinery. Chard Reservoir is a haven for the keen bird watcher; this open stretch of water nestles in woodland that provides the perfect scene for a picnic.
Annual events in the area include South Somerset's largest walking festival in May with many walks through the county where ramblers can enjoy the scenery of the Somerset levels and moors following the river banks through orchards and woods.
Somerton Horse Show also takes place every year in July, along with The Royal Bath and West Agricultural Show covers all aspects of farming and rural life providing a great day out for the whole family with great shopping, food, flowers, crafts, country pursuits, equestrian competitions and area entertainments.