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The Cow Shed, Chard

Guest Rating
Rating
4.8
out of 5
Sleeps up to 8
Pets 1
Hot Tub
Bedrooms: 4

The Cow Shed is a beautifully converted barn in Bishopswood, Somerset, sitting adjacent to the Somerset Wildlife Trust with sweeping views of the Blackdown Hills. Lovingly converted by owners with years of hospitality experience, the quality shows in every detail from the glass entrance door to the olive bucket lightshades.

The village pub is just 250 yards away. Honiton is 10 miles down the road and Lyme Regis beach is a 30-minute drive. The surrounding Blackdown Hills offer walking, wildlife and open countryside on your doorstep.

The barn sleeps 8 across 4 bedrooms. Bedroom 1 is a ground floor double (4ft 6in) with ensuite walk-in shower. Bedroom 2 is a ground floor twin with Freeview TV.

 

About The Cow Shed

The Cow Shed is a beautifully converted barn in Bishopswood, Somerset, sitting adjacent to the Somerset Wildlife Trust with sweeping views of the Blackdown Hills. Lovingly converted by owners with years of hospitality experience, the quality shows in every detail from the glass entrance door to the olive bucket lightshades.

The village pub is just 250 yards away. Honiton is 10 miles down the road and Lyme Regis beach is a 30-minute drive. The surrounding Blackdown Hills offer walking, wildlife and open countryside on your doorstep.

The barn sleeps 8 across 4 bedrooms. Bedroom 1 is a ground floor double (4ft 6in) with ensuite walk-in shower. Bedroom 2 is a ground floor twin with Freeview TV. Upstairs has a zip-and-link room (super king or 2 singles) and a designer sleigh king (5ft). Two bathrooms include a roll-top bath upstairs and a ground floor wet room.

Nearby: Honiton town centre (10 miles, 20 mins), Lyme Regis (30 mins), Exmoor National Park (45 mins), Taunton town centre (40 mins).

The Cow Shed suits families and groups who want genuine luxury in a rural setting. The private hot tub seats 6 - 8 and faces the sunset over the hills. Winner of Customers' Choice 2021 and 2024. Book it.

Check Prices & Availability »

Need To Know

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Local Insights: Willow Lodge

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Chard, Somerset

Weather & Hot Tub Conditions

14Β°C

Overcast

Updated: 2 Sep 2026, 3:06am

🌑️
14.30Β°C
Temperature
πŸ’¨
13 km/h
Wind Speed
πŸ’§
94%
Humidity
♨️
Hot Tub Tip: The contrast between cool September air and warm hot tub water creates the perfect relaxation experience. Many guests say cooler evenings make hot tub sessions even more enjoyable.

Best Months for Hot Tub Evenings

  • βœ“ May - September: Warmest evenings (12-16Β°C), longest daylight for twilight sessions
  • βœ“ October - November: Crisp autumn air, stunning starry skies, perfect contrast with hot water
  • βœ“ December - February: Cold air intensifies the experience, possible snow-dusted surroundings
  • βœ“ March - April: Spring awakening, longer evenings returning, wildlife becoming active
🌧️
Rainy Day Tip: Don't let rain stop you! Hot tubbing in light rain is a uniquely peaceful experience. The sound of raindrops while you're warm in the bubbling water is surprisingly relaxing.

Dark Skies & Stargazing

Willow Lodge is located in one of England's darkest sky areas, making it exceptional for stargazing from the hot tub.

Bortle Scale Rating

The Bortle scale measures night sky darkness from 1 (darkest) to 9 (brightest urban):

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
🌌
Class 4 - Rural/suburban transition
This location's dark sky rating

What You Can See From The Hot Tub

The Milky Way is visible overhead, though light domes may be visible on the horizon towards larger towns.

The Milky Way is visible on clear, moonless nights.

Best Stargazing Conditions

  • βœ“ New Moon periods: Darkest skies, best Milky Way visibility
  • βœ“ Winter months: Earlier darkness, crisper skies, Orion constellation prominent
  • βœ“ After 11pm: Neighbouring lights typically switched off
  • βœ“ Allow 20 minutes: Let your eyes adjust to darkness before looking up
πŸ“±
Pro Tip: Download a stargazing app like "Sky Map" or "Star Walk" before arrival. Mobile signal can be limited, and these apps work offline.

Location & Elevation

188m

(617 feet above sea level)

Willow Lodge sits in a peaceful Somerset setting, perfect for a relaxing hot tub getaway.

πŸ”οΈ
188m
Elevation
πŸ“
Chard
Nearest Village
🌲
Rural
Setting

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

  • βœ“ Cooler temperatures: Expect 1-2Β°C cooler than coastal areas, making hot tub sessions even more refreshing
  • βœ“ Clearer air: Less pollution and haze, better views and stargazing
  • βœ“ Morning mists: Valley fog sometimes forms below, creating magical sunrise views
  • βœ“ Walking access: Higher starting point means shorter climbs to fell summits
πŸš—
Driving Note: The roads to Chard are typical Somerset lanes - narrow in places with passing spots. Take your time and enjoy the scenery.

Coordinates

Latitude: 50.9108190Β° N | Longitude: 3.065283Β° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Chard (Wednesday, 2 September 2026):

5:25am

Sunrise

5:57pm

Golden Hour

6:57pm

Sunset

πŸŒ…
5:25am
Sunrise
πŸŒ‡
6:57pm
Sunset
πŸ“Έ
5:57pm
Golden Hour

Hot Tub Timing by Season

  • βœ“ Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunset around 9:30-10pm - enjoy the hot tub in daylight or twilight
  • βœ“ Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunset 5-7pm - perfect timing for an after-dinner soak under emerging stars
  • βœ“ Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunset around 4pm - dark hot tub sessions, ideal for stargazing
  • βœ“ Spring (Mar-May): Sunset 6-9pm - watch the evenings grow longer each day
πŸŒ™
Evening Hot Tub Session: For the best experience, start your hot tub session during golden hour (5:57pm). You'll enjoy the warm colours of sunset, then transition into twilight and stars - all without having to get out!

September Daylight

This month in Chard, you have approximately 13.53 hours of daylight. The shortening days create the perfect excuse for earlier hot tub sessions.

Practical Essentials

Everything you need to know before you arrive at Willow Lodge.

Mobile Phone Signal

πŸ“±

Signal Strength

Good

Mobile signal is generally good in this area across most networks.

πŸ’‘
Signal Tip: All major networks should work well here.

Nearest Essentials

πŸš—
Arrival Tip: Fill up with fuel before you arrive - petrol stations can be sparse in rural Somerset. Consider stocking up on groceries too, especially if arriving late.

Family & Fun

Data updated: 2 Sep 2026 | Location: 50.9108190, -3.0652830

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

Discover why our guests keep coming back to The Cow Shed

Private Hot Tub with Sunset Views

A private 6 - 8 person hot tub sits on the patio facing the Blackdown Hills perfect for watching the sun go down with a drink.

Award-Winning Barn Conversion

Rated 4.8 out of 5 and winner of Customers' Choice awards in 2021 and 2024 guests consistently rate this property highly.

Pub Just 250 Yards Away

The nearest pub and restaurant is only 250 yards from the door no need for a taxi after dinner.

Enclosed Garden and Half-Acre Field

Beyond the terraced patio there is a lawned area and a half-acre field for guests to use great for games and space to run around.

Woodburner and Underfloor Heating

Ground floor underfloor heating and a woodburner in the living area keep things warm logs are included on arrival.

Pets Stay Free

Up to 2 pets are welcome at no extra charge. The enclosed garden and open field make this a solid choice for dog owners.

Getting To The Cow Shed

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach The Cow Shed by car, head to Bishopswood in Somerset near the Blackdown Hills. The postcode TA20 3RZ will take you directly there and there is private on-site parking for 3 cars.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Taunton, approximately 10 miles away. From Taunton you can take a taxi directly to the property in Bishopswood the journey takes around 20 minutes.

Private on-site parking for 3 cars
Taunton railway station (approx. 10 miles)
Bishopswood, Somerset postcode TA20 3RZ

Attractions & More Nearby

Everything you need within easy reach

Honiton Town & Antiques
Distance: 10 miles
EX14 1LQ
Lyme Regis Beach & Cobb
Distance: approx. 18 miles (30 min drive)
DT7 3JP
Exmoor National Park
Distance: approx. 20 miles
TA24 7PP
Blackdown Hills AONB Trails
Distance: Adjacent
TA20 3RZ
Staple Hill, Blackdown Hills
Distance: approx. 3 miles
TA3 7NE
Neroche Forest Trails
Distance: approx. 5 miles
TA20 3PN
Honiton Town Centre Shops
Distance: 10 miles
EX14 1LQ
Taunton Town Centre
Distance: approx. 10 miles
TA1 3LU
Local Village Shop
Distance: 3 miles
TA20 3RZ
Taunton (taxi & bus links)
Distance: approx. 10 miles
TA1 3LU
Honiton (local services)
Distance: 10 miles
EX14 1LQ
Chard Town Centre
Distance: approx. 6 miles
TA20 1AB
Honiton Town & Antiques
Distance: 10 miles
EX14 1LQ
Lyme Regis Beach & Cobb
Distance: approx. 18 miles (30 min drive)
DT7 3JP
Exmoor National Park
Distance: approx. 20 miles
TA24 7PP
Blackdown Hills AONB Trails
Distance: Adjacent
TA20 3RZ
Staple Hill, Blackdown Hills
Distance: approx. 3 miles
TA3 7NE
Neroche Forest Trails
Distance: approx. 5 miles
TA20 3PN
Honiton Town Centre Shops
Distance: 10 miles
EX14 1LQ
Taunton Town Centre
Distance: approx. 10 miles
TA1 3LU
Local Village Shop
Distance: 3 miles
TA20 3RZ
Taunton (taxi & bus links)
Distance: approx. 10 miles
TA1 3LU
Honiton (local services)
Distance: 10 miles
EX14 1LQ
Chard Town Centre
Distance: approx. 6 miles
TA20 1AB

Is The Cow Shed Right For You?

Discover why this cottage is ideal for different types of visitors

For Families
The Cow Shed works well for families. A stairgate and highchair are provided. The enclosed garden is safe for young children and the half-acre field gives older kids room to run. The ground floor twin bedroom and open-plan layout make managing young children straightforward.
For Couples
Couples booking as part of a group will love the designer sleigh king bedroom upstairs with roll-top bath. The private hot tub for 6 - 8 faces the Blackdown Hills sunset ideal for an evening with a bottle of something cold. The pub is 250 yards away for dinner.
Pet Friendly
Up to 2 pets stay free at The Cow Shed. The garden is enclosed and the half-acre field beyond the patio gives dogs real space to run. Bishopswood sits on the edge of the Blackdown Hills so walking routes from the door are easy to find.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at The Cow Shed

The Candlelight Inn, Bishopswood

Located 250 yards from your accommodation.

Postcode: TA20 3RS

The George Hotel, Honiton

Located 10 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX14 1LQ

The Bell Inn, Chard

Located approx. 6 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: TA20 1BX

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about The Cow Shed

Does this cottage have a hot tub?
Yes. The Cow Shed has a private hot tub for 6 - 8 people on the terraced patio. It faces the Blackdown Hills and is ideal for evening use when the sun sets over the valley.
Is The Cow Shed pet friendly?
Yes up to 2 pets are welcome and they stay free of charge. The enclosed garden and half-acre field give dogs plenty of space to roam safely.
How many people does The Cow Shed sleep?
The barn sleeps up to 8 guests across 4 bedrooms. There are 2 ground floor bedrooms and 2 first floor bedrooms with a mix of double, twin and king configurations.
What are the bedrooms like?
Bedroom 1 is a ground floor double (4ft 6in) with an ensuite walk-in shower. Bedroom 2 is a ground floor twin. Upstairs has a zip-and-link room (super king or 2 singles) and a designer sleigh king (5ft).
Is the property accessible?
The ground floor has a wet room, grab rails and underfloor heating throughout. There are 2 steps to the entrance and 3 steps down to the living area worth checking if accessibility is a priority.
What is the nearest pub or restaurant?
The nearest pub and restaurant is just 250 yards from the property. The nearest shop is 3 miles away so it is worth stocking up before you arrive.
What is there to do nearby?
Honiton is 10 miles away and Lyme Regis beach is a 30-minute drive. Exmoor National Park and Taunton are also within easy reach for days out.
What outdoor space does the property have?
There is a terraced patio with multiple seating areas and a BBQ. Beyond that guests have access to a lawned area and a half-acre field plenty of room for outdoor games and relaxing outside.

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The Cow Shed Reviews

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Bridgwater Business Park, Bristol Road, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 4AG