Famous for being the home of Thatchers Cider, Sandford is a pretty, old village that has something for everyone, from snowboarding to a railway museum

North Somerset Times: Thatchers orchard. Jonathan Billinger [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia CommonsThatchers orchard. Jonathan Billinger [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons (Image: Archant)

Thatchers Cider Shop and Visitor Centre

Educational as well as a fun trip for all ages, the information at the Thatchers Brewery takes you through the cider-making process, with plenty to keep the kids amused. There’s an open day at the brewery once a year where it’s possible to wander around unsupervised – as well as ongoing Family Days with tours - so it’s certainly worth checking dates and events in case you happen to be in the area.

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Mendip Frisbee Golf Course

Great for kids, teenagers and adults alike, the Frisbee Golf Course is new, relatively unique (there are only 35 such courses in the UK) and lots of fun. Its 10 holes are set in woodland. Trees add to the excitement, as does the undulating Mendip Hills. Like traditional golf, the idea of Disc Golf is to get the Frisbee into a hole (only this time it’s upright – the hole, that is). Walking boots or wellies are absolutely essential.

North Somerset Times: Learn to snowboard at the Mendip Snowsport CentreLearn to snowboard at the Mendip Snowsport Centre (Image: Archant)

Mendip Snowsport Centre

If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous than the above, then how about learning to snowboard or even ski if you haven’t got round to it yet? The Snowsports Centre runs private lessons as well as taster sessions and weekly groups. Their 165 metre artificial ski slope is quite something.

North Somerset Times: This former station has been turned into what is now a small preserved museum and is worth a lookThis former station has been turned into what is now a small preserved museum and is worth a look (Image: Archant)

The Railway Inn, Station Road

Start at this charming and cosy old-fashioned inn for the Yarrow stretch of the Strawberry Line walk. Run by Thatchers Cider, the pub also sells home cooked food. It’s the only pub in the village – but that’s not the reason folks flock there. The actual station has been turned into what is now a small preserved museum and is worth a look.

Railway Museum,

Set out for a stroll

There are five local designated walks (or rather strolls – all range from between one mile to 2.5 miles) in the Sandford and Windscombe area. The routes for these can be found on the local parish council website. On a sunny day it’s a wonderful way to spend an hour or two catching up with friends or family news.