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The Cow Shed, Chard

Somerset » Chard
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The Cow Shed is a spacious barn conversion in Winsham, Somerset, perfect for large groups wanting a countryside escape. This property sleeps up to 8 guests and features a private hot tub, a games room with pool table and generous off-road parking for multiple vehicles. The open-plan layout creates brilliant social spaces for gatherings.

Winsham sits on the Somerset-Dorset border in the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Rolling hills and peaceful farmland surround the property. The village offers traditional country living with easy access to coastal towns.

The accommodation includes sleeping space for 8 people across the main barn. You'll find king-size rooms, twin rooms and double bedrooms.

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About The Cow Shed

The Cow Shed is a spacious barn conversion in Winsham, Somerset, perfect for large groups wanting a countryside escape. This property sleeps up to 8 guests and features a private hot tub, a games room with pool table and generous off-road parking for multiple vehicles. The open-plan layout creates brilliant social spaces for gatherings.

Winsham sits on the Somerset-Dorset border in the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Rolling hills and peaceful farmland surround the property. The village offers traditional country living with easy access to coastal towns.

The accommodation includes sleeping space for 8 people across the main barn. You'll find king-size rooms, twin rooms and double bedrooms. Bathrooms serve the property. The open-plan living area combines kitchen, dining and lounge spaces with exposed beams and modern fixtures.

Lyme Regis beach sits 8 miles away (20 minutes). Forde Abbey and Gardens is 3 miles away (8 minutes). Crewkerne town centre offers shops and restaurants 4 miles away (10 minutes). The Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site is 9 miles away (25 minutes).

The Cow Shed works brilliantly for multi-family holidays or milestone celebrations. The hot tub and games room keep everyone entertained whatever the weather.

Check Prices & Availability »

Need To Know

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Local Insights: The Cow Shed

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Chard, Somerset

Weather & Local Conditions

12Β°C

Light drizzle

Updated: 27 Oct 2026, 5:09am

🌑️
11.70Β°C
Temperature
πŸ’¨
21 km/h
Wind Speed
πŸ’§
89%
Humidity
🧳
Packing Tip: UK weather can turn quickly, so pack layers whatever the forecast. A waterproof and sturdy shoes mean the whole group can head out whatever October throws at you.

What to Expect Through the Year

  • βœ“ May - September: Warmest, longest days - ideal for big group days out, gardens and BBQs
  • βœ“ October - November: Crisp autumn colour, cosy evenings by the fire, quieter attractions
  • βœ“ December - February: Perfect for a snug winter escape - great for Christmas and New Year gatherings
  • βœ“ March - April: Spring blooms, longer evenings returning, wildlife becoming active
🌧️
Rainy Day Tip: A large cottage comes into its own on wet days - board games, a long lunch and a film with the whole group beat a cramped hotel any day. Check the tabs here for nearby pubs and attractions with indoor options.

Dark Skies & Stargazing

The Cow Shed sits in a location with genuinely dark skies - a real treat for a group, and something you rarely get at home in town.

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 Cottage

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 - a fun activity to share with the whole group.

Location & Elevation

188m

(617 feet above sea level)

The Cow Shed sits in a peaceful Somerset setting - space to spread out and the perfect base for a group getaway.

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

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

  • βœ“ Fresher air: Expect it a touch cooler than coastal areas - bracing walks and restful sleep
  • 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 hilltops and summits
πŸš—
Driving Note: The roads to Chard are typical Somerset lanes - narrow in places with passing spots. If the group is arriving in several cars, share the postcode and a meeting point in advance.

Coordinates

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

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Chard (Wednesday, 28 October 2026):

6:55am

Sunrise

3:56pm

Golden Hour

4:56pm

Sunset

πŸŒ…
6:55am
Sunrise
πŸŒ‡
4:56pm
Sunset
πŸ“Έ
3:56pm
Golden Hour

Planning Your Days by Season

  • βœ“ Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunset around 9:30-10pm - long days for group walks, days out and late alfresco dinners
  • βœ“ Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunset 5-7pm - perfect timing for an after-dinner drink as the stars come out
  • βœ“ Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunset around 4pm - cosy early evenings by the fire, ideal for stargazing
  • βœ“ Spring (Mar-May): Sunset 6-9pm - watch the evenings grow longer each day
πŸŒ™
Golden Hour: For the best light, plan your group photo or evening walk around golden hour (3:56pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

October Daylight

This month in Chard, you have approximately 10.01 hours of daylight. The shortening days create the perfect excuse for earlier, cosier evenings in.

Practical Essentials

Everything the group needs to know before you arrive at The Cow Shed.

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. With a larger group it's worth doing one big supermarket shop on the way, especially if arriving late.

Family & Fun

Data updated: 27 Oct 2026 | Location: 50.9108190, -3.0652830

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at The Cow Shed

Private Hot Tub for Groups

The outdoor hot tub seats your whole party and provides the perfect spot for evening relaxation after days exploring the Somerset countryside together.

Games Room Entertainment

A dedicated games room with pool table keeps all ages entertained and creates a natural gathering point for friendly competition throughout your stay.

Spacious Open-Plan Living

The large open-plan kitchen, dining and lounge area means your group stays connected while cooking, eating and relaxing in one sociable space.

Sleeps 12 Comfortably

Six well-appointed bedrooms with quality beds mean everyone gets proper rest, with flexible sleeping arrangements across doubles, kings and twin rooms.

Beautiful Rural Location

Set in the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the property offers peaceful countryside views and immediate access to walking trails.

Excellent Parking Provision

Generous off-road parking accommodates multiple vehicles easily, making arrival and departure stress-free for groups travelling from different locations.

Getting To The Cow Shed

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach The Cow Shed by car, take the A30 towards Crewkerne and follow signs to Winsham village. The property is easily accessible from the main road network with generous off-road parking for multiple vehicles upon arrival.

By Train

For those travelling by rail, the nearest station is Crewkerne, just 4 miles away. From there, a short taxi journey brings you to your Somerset countryside retreat.

Off-road parking for multiple cars
Crewkerne station (4 miles)
Easily accessible from the A30

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Honiton Show
Distance: 14.2 miles (22 min drive)
EX14 3AR
Barrington Court
Distance: 11.5 miles (24 min drive)
TA19 0NQ
Diggerland
Distance: 20.6 miles (35 min drive)
EX15 2PE
East Deane Way
Distance: 4.5 miles (9 min drive)
Thurlbear Wood
Distance: 8 miles (18 min drive)
TA3 5BW
Dumpdon Hill
Distance: 9.8 miles (20 min drive)
EX14 4TY
Barleymow's Farm Shop and Restaurant
Distance: 5.8 miles (13 min drive)
TA20 3PS
Sainsbury's
Distance: 6.6 miles (15 min drive)
TA20 2AJ
Marks & Spencer
Distance: 9.8 miles (21 min drive)
TA1 3LU
Honiton Station
Distance: 10.9 miles (20 min drive)
EX14 2DA
Taunton Station
Distance: 10.7 miles (23 min drive)
TA1 1QP
Exeter Airport
Distance: 23.7 miles (34 min drive)
EX5 2BD
Honiton Show
Distance: 14.2 miles (22 min drive)
EX14 3AR
Barrington Court
Distance: 11.5 miles (24 min drive)
TA19 0NQ
Diggerland
Distance: 20.6 miles (35 min drive)
EX15 2PE
East Deane Way
Distance: 4.5 miles (9 min drive)
Thurlbear Wood
Distance: 8 miles (18 min drive)
TA3 5BW
Dumpdon Hill
Distance: 9.8 miles (20 min drive)
EX14 4TY
Barleymow's Farm Shop and Restaurant
Distance: 5.8 miles (13 min drive)
TA20 3PS
Sainsbury's
Distance: 6.6 miles (15 min drive)
TA20 2AJ
Marks & Spencer
Distance: 9.8 miles (21 min drive)
TA1 3LU
Honiton Station
Distance: 10.9 miles (20 min drive)
EX14 2DA
Taunton Station
Distance: 10.7 miles (23 min drive)
TA1 1QP
Exeter Airport
Distance: 23.7 miles (34 min drive)
EX5 2BD

Is The Cow Shed Right For Your Group

Discover why this cottage is the one for your party or family reunion...

For Families
The games room with pool table provides hours of entertainment for older children and teenagers. The large garden offers safe outdoor space for play. Lyme Regis beach is 20 minutes away with fossil hunting and seaside activities. The open-plan layout lets parents supervise younger children easily while preparing meals. Forde Abbey Gardens offers family-friendly walks and grounds to explore just 8 minutes away.
Groups Will Love...
The dedicated games room with full-size pool table creates a brilliant social hub for your group. This separate entertainment space means some guests can play while others relax in the main living area. The room works perfectly for tournaments and friendly competition. Combined with the hot tub outside, you have multiple gathering points throughout the property. These facilities mean your group stays entertained whatever the weather brings.
Pet Friendly
The Cow Shed welcomes dogs to join your group holiday. The rural Somerset location provides immediate access to countryside walks from the doorstep. The Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty surrounds the property with miles of footpaths and bridleways. The enclosed garden offers secure outdoor space. Nearby Winsham village has dog-friendly pubs. River Axe Path sits 5 miles away for longer walks with your pets.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at The Cow Shed

The Bell Inn, Winsham

Located 0.3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: TA20 4DY

The George Inn, Crewkerne

Located 4 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: TA18 8AB

Hix Oyster and Fish House, Lyme Regis

Located 8 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: DT7 3QF

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about The Cow Shed

How many people does The Cow Shed sleep?
The Cow Shed accommodates 12 guests across six bedrooms. The sleeping arrangements include three king-size rooms, two twin rooms and one double bedroom with three bathrooms serving the property.
Is The Cow Shed pet friendly?
Yes, The Cow Shed welcomes dogs so your four-legged family members can join the holiday. The rural location and surrounding countryside provide excellent walking opportunities for pets.
What facilities does the games room have?
The dedicated games room features a full-size pool table for entertainment. This separate space gives groups an additional area for socialising away from the main living quarters.
How far is The Cow Shed from the beach?
Lyme Regis beach is 8 miles away, taking approximately 20 minutes by car. The Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site is 9 miles away, around 25 minutes' drive from the property.
Is there a hot tub at The Cow Shed?
Yes, the property includes a private outdoor hot tub for guest use. The hot tub provides a relaxing feature for your group throughout your stay.
What parking is available at the property?
The Cow Shed offers generous off-road parking for multiple vehicles. This makes the property particularly suitable for larger groups arriving in several cars.
Where is the nearest shop to The Cow Shed?
Crewkerne town centre is 4 miles away, approximately 10 minutes by car. The town offers supermarkets, independent shops and various restaurants for your convenience.
What is the layout of The Cow Shed?
The barn conversion features open-plan living with kitchen, dining and lounge areas in one large space. Exposed beams and modern fittings create a comfortable atmosphere for group gatherings.

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