Yate's Hidden Secrets Revealed

All week I have seeking out Yate and Sodbury’s best-kept

secrets.

There are areas of your town that we visit each and every

day, and there are places that we simply pass by time after time and forget

what gems lie behind the entrance.

Every town has hidden secrets that everyone should know

about and appreciate. Here are my Top Ten Secret spots for Yate and Chipping

Sodbury. Lets see if you agree with me.

Let the countdown commence………………..

10) Horton Court

Horton Court is a 12th Century rectory is a genuine piece of

history sat on our doorstep. Its refurbishment throughout 2009 and 2010 means

this National Trust treasure will soon be back to its former glory.

9) Poppy's Tea Room

Poppy's is a beautifully traditional tearoom nesstled on the

Chipping Sodbury High Street.  It

serves everything from a traditional cream tea, homemade cakes to a glass of

wine and a full English breakfast. This little treat in the heart of Chipping

Sodbury is a fantastic setting for an afternoon escape.

8) Acton Court

Acton Court is a beautifully preserved Tudor

House built by Nicholas Poyntz for the pleasure of Henry VIII. This Tudor

monument in Yate is fantastic for a day out. Who would have thought Henry VIII

would have once visited Yate?

7) The Players Club

The Players Club is a beautiful golf club is hidden in the outskirts of Yate.

Home to three golf course, two being a full 18 holes, this golf course has beautiful

grounds that even a non-golfer would appreciate.  The option to stay and play is perfect here. Why not take advantage

of this luscious scenery and tackle a different course each day. My recommendation,

stay on a Sunday, the Sunday roast is rather special.

6) Chipping Sodbury Farmers Market

If you enjoy fresh food and take pleasure in picking out the

best in quality local produce, have you tried Chipping Sodbury’s Farmers Market

yet? Every second Thursday and last Saturday of the month, Chipping Soddbury is

bursting with great local produce.  The market never fails to amaze with some of the greatest

food in all the Cotswolds on sale right on your doorstep.

5) Jekkas Herb Farm

Jekkas Herb Farm is a specialist organic herb nursery whose

reputation has continued to grow since they began in 1984. Jekkas Herb Farm even

took the 2009 RHS Chelsea Flower Show Lawrence Medal for best exhibit.

The herb farm holds regular open days where you can come and

explore the wonder of their beautiful herb garden. The next open days will be

held on the 3rd, 4th and 5th of September.

4) Yate Common

Although not an attraction or an amusement park, Yate Common

is beautiful. Why not take a walk or run across the common at sunset. This vast

space of luscious grass and trees with its amazing wildlife is a natural beauty

and should be enjoyed by all. Take the dogs, take the kids but get out on the

common and have and adventure – best of all, it’s free!

3) Wapley Bushes

Wapley Bushes is a nature reserve that is home to woodland,

meadows, ponds and wildlife galore. This fabulous natural beauty is a brilliant

escape from the town and takes you right back to nature. The natural scrub land

and woodland make for a great adventure with all the family and the days run by

the Wapley Bushes group help educate and get the locals involved in preserving

the bushes for many years to come. The next open day will be on the 3rd

September. Why not go along.

2) Kingsgate Park

Kingsgate Park is the heart of Yate. Since the council took

control of the park in 2003 it has grown in beauty and attraction. At the

centre of many celebrations, the setting of Kingsgate is a great asset to the

community. Hidden amongst the housing estates, Kingsgate is home to a superb

playground, and a lake that is not only home to the Greater Crested Newt but

also a model boat society.

There are regular events at Kingsgate so why not check out

one for yourself so you can see how great it is.

1) Yate

Heritage Centre

My number one secret spot in Yate has to be the Yate

Heritage Centre. Not only is this a place to find out about the history of our

town and to learn about the local area, but also it is full of great things to

do and always runs activities for children. Where else in Yate can you learn to

make glass and design a t-shirt all under one roof?

Yate Heritage Centre is home to over 3,000 objects in the Centre’s

collections acquired since the mid 1990s. They have historic 3D objects, maps

and even photographs of Yate gone by.  Why not go and see where Yate began and see how we got to the

Yate we have today. 

Have I missed any top spots? Is there a secret spot that should have been included in my list? And what do you think of Yate's hidden Secrets.