Cricket St Thomas Somerset UK is a tiny but lovely village hidden in the countryside. It may be small, but this place is full of history, quiet beauty, and interesting stories. If you are someone who loves peaceful walks, old buildings, and nature, you will love Cricket St Thomas Somerset UK.
Long ago, this village had a big manor house and a wildlife park. Today, it is home to a hotel resort, pretty gardens, and a special church with old family stories. People still visit hoping to find the animals, but now they find something different—calm, charm, and history all around. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this quiet village so special.
Where Is Cricket St Thomas Somerset UK and Why Do People Visit?
Cricket St Thomas Somerset UK is a quiet village in the countryside of England. It is close to the town of Chard and surrounded by green hills and trees. This small place is easy to miss on a map, but many people still find their way there every year.
People visit this village because it has beautiful views, peaceful gardens, and old buildings. The place is great for relaxing and enjoying nature. Some visitors also come because they remember the old wildlife park that used to be there.
The village is also home to a big hotel resort now. Guests enjoy calm walks, nice food, and relaxing stays. Even though the animals are gone, the area still feels magical and full of charm.
Locals and visitors agree that Cricket St Thomas Somerset UK is a perfect spot for a slow, happy weekend. If you want quiet time and a breath of fresh air, this is a good place to go.
The Amazing History Behind Cricket St Thomas Somerset UK
The history of Cricket St Thomas Somerset UK goes back hundreds of years. A big manor house was built there in the 14th century. Rich families lived there, and some were even connected to kings and queens.
The house was rebuilt and changed many times. It looked like a palace with big rooms and grand gardens. Over the years, it became a popular place for guests and special events.
In the 20th century, the area turned into a wildlife park. Families came to see animals and enjoy fun days out. The park was very popular until it closed in 2009.
Even today, people remember the wildlife park. But now, the land tells a different story—one of peace, history, and quiet beauty.
Who Lived in Cricket St Thomas Manor House Long Ago?
A long time ago, many important people lived in the manor house at Cricket St Thomas Somerset UK. The Hood family owned it for many years. They were famous and had strong links to the Royal Navy.
One member of the family, Lord Samuel Hood, was a great naval officer. He fought in big sea battles and helped make British history. A statue of him still stands in the church near the manor.
The manor house was also used in movies and TV shows. It became famous again when it was seen in the comedy show “To the Manor Born.”
Today, the manor is part of a hotel, but it still holds the stories of the people who once lived there. Walking inside feels like stepping into the past.
Fun Facts About Cricket House and Its Famous Owners
Cricket House, part of Cricket St Thomas Somerset UK, has many fun and surprising stories. It has been home to nobles, actors, and animals alike.
Did you know the house had over 160 rooms at one time? That’s like a small castle! It had secret doors, hidden staircases, and fancy rooms with golden lights.
In the 1980s, the house became a TV star. It was used for filming and got lots of attention. People loved seeing it on screen and then visiting it in real life.
Now, the house is a hotel resort, but many old parts are still there. Guests can sleep in rooms that were once used by lords and ladies.
What Happened to the Wildlife Park at Cricket St Thomas Somerset UK?
For many years, Cricket St Thomas Somerset UK had a wildlife park full of animals. Families came to see lions, monkeys, parrots, and more. It was one of the happiest places for kids and parents.
The park closed in 2009. The owners wanted to change it into a quiet hotel and garden area. They thought it would be better for the land and for grown-up visitors.
Many people were sad when the animals left. They missed the fun sounds and happy walks. Some even still turn up hoping to find the animals today.
But now, the space is peaceful. The old park is full of green plants, flowers, and pretty lakes. It still brings smiles, just in a different way.
Why People Still Look for Animals at Cricket St Thomas Today
Even though the wildlife park closed long ago, many visitors still come to Cricket St Thomas Somerset UK looking for animals. They remember old signs or childhood visits and think the zoo is still there.
The road signs still point to the old park. This makes people confused. Families arrive hoping to see lions or birds, but they find a hotel instead.
The hotel staff are kind and explain the changes. They help visitors understand that the park is now a quiet resort with no animals.
Even without the zoo, visitors enjoy their time. They walk in the gardens, eat nice food, and relax in the calm of nature.
Church of St Thomas: A Quiet Place with Big Stories
In the heart of Cricket St Thomas Somerset UK, there is a small church full of old stories. It is called the Church of St Thomas and is near the big manor house.
The church was built many years ago and is still used today. People visit it to pray, look around, and learn about the past.
Inside, you can find graves and statues of the Hood family. There are also lovely windows made of colored glass. They shine bright when the sun comes in.
Even if you’re not religious, the church is worth a visit. It is quiet, calm, and filled with the history of the village.
Road Signs Still Confuse Visitors—The Funny Problem in Cricket St Thomas Somerset UK
One of the strangest things about Cricket St Thomas Somerset UK is the road signs. Even though the wildlife park closed in 2009, the signs are still there!
The brown road signs lead drivers to the park that no longer exists. This causes many people to end up at the hotel, surprised and confused.
The hotel staff say they see families come in all the time asking for the zoo. They have to explain that the animals are gone.
The Highways Agency has said the signs will be changed one day. Until then, the signs tell an old story that still fools many.
What You Can See and Do at Cricket St Thomas Somerset UK Now
Today, Cricket St Thomas Somerset UK is a peaceful place to visit. There are no animals now, but there is still a lot to see and do.
You can take long walks in the pretty gardens. The flowers bloom in all colors, and the lakes shine in the sun. It’s great for photos!
The hotel has nice rooms, tasty food, and fun shows at night. Many people come just to rest and enjoy the quiet.
There are also small shops and lovely spots for tea. You can have a lazy day with books, talks, and good snacks.
How the Village Changed from a Wild Park to a Calm Resort
Cricket St Thomas Somerset UK used to be noisy and full of fun with animals and excited kids. Now, it is calm and relaxing. The change was big, but it was done with care.
The wildlife park was closed, and the land was turned into a resort. New gardens were planted, and the manor was fixed up.
Many people were sad to say goodbye to the animals, but others enjoy the peace and quiet. It is now a place for grown-ups to relax.
The village feels different, but it still has magic. It shows how places can grow and change over time.
What Makes the New Resort Special?
- Beautiful gardens with lakes and trees
- A hotel inside a grand old manor
- Shows and evening fun for adults
- Quiet walks and pretty views
Tips for a Calm Stay
- Bring comfy shoes for walking
- Try the cream tea at the café
- Take photos in the garden
- Visit the church for history and peace
Day Trips from Cricket St Thomas Somerset UK
There are many fun places near Cricket St Thomas Somerset UK that you can visit in a day. These places are close and easy to get to by car or bus.
You can go to the town of Chard. It has a nice museum and some small shops. You can learn about history and try tasty snacks there.
Another good place is Lyme Regis. It is on the seaside and has a beach with pretty stones and fossils. Kids love to look for old sea shells and walk on the sand.
You can also visit Forde Abbey, a big old building with amazing gardens. It feels like a fairy tale place and is not far from Cricket St Thomas.
These trips are great if you want more to see and do while staying in the village.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Cricket St Thomas Somerset UK?
The best time to visit Cricket St Thomas Somerset UK is spring or summer. The weather is warm, and the flowers are in full bloom.
In spring, the gardens wake up with colors and smells. Birds sing, and it’s a great time for calm walks. The days start to get longer too.
Summer is even better for outdoor fun. You can eat outside, take sunny photos, and enjoy green trees all around.
Autumn and winter are quiet. If you like peace and no crowds, you can still visit then. Just bring a warm coat and enjoy the calm.
Each season has something nice, but sunny days make everything feel brighter and more fun!
Conclusion
Cricket St Thomas Somerset UK is a lovely place for people who want peace and quiet. It has pretty gardens, a big old house, and a hotel where you can rest. Even though the animals are gone, it still feels like a special place.
You can walk around, eat yummy food, and take photos of the flowers and trees. It’s fun for grown-ups who want to relax and learn about the past. If you visit once, you might want to come back again!
FAQs
Q: Where is Cricket St Thomas Somerset UK?
A: It is a village in the countryside near Chard in Somerset, England.
Q: Can I still see animals at Cricket St Thomas?
A: No, the wildlife park closed in 2009. Now it’s a quiet hotel and garden area.
Q: Is the manor house open to visitors?
A: Yes, the manor is now part of a hotel where guests can stay and look around.
Q: Are there fun things to do nearby?
A: Yes! You can visit Lyme Regis, Chard, or Forde Abbey for day trips.
Q: What is the best season to visit?
A: Spring and summer are best for flowers and sunshine, but it’s nice all year.