After our week in the Cotwolds, we traveled to Somerset to the charming village of Mells. Situated alongside the Mells River, the village holds a rich past from Mesolithic flint workshops, Roman occupation, a Saxon village, a 16th century Manor House, wool trade in the middle ages, to more recently an Iron Works and Quarry. The Village amenities include the beautiful Talbot Inn, a lovely café attached to the Village shop and post office, the Walled Garden with it’s seasonal café, walking and cycling trails, and a general sense of serenity.

Sheep and stone, with beautiful autumn colour.

Green in every direction.

The glimpse of St Andrew’s Church from the Walled Garden.

Through the gate in this stone wall was our river-side sanctuary; the loveliest cottage.

The Mells River ran directly alongside the patio of our cottage. The sweet and gentle sound was the first to greet me each morning. In the green space across we saw many pheasants, and the view of the stars at night in the dark village sky was spectacular.

The stone bridge near our cottage which is one of the main roadways into the village.

The path along the river through deciduous forest.

A small waterfall along the riverside walk.

An abandoned building from the old Fussells Iron Works.

Old walls in various states of ruin are all around the area near the old Iron Works.

A half of Guinness and some sketching on a rainy day at the Talbot Inn.

A sweet little jam closet next to a cottage, open most days selling delicious preserves, plants and fruit. I brought home a jar of Strawberry-Rhubarb-Rose jam!