WHY?

Back in the (medieval) day, boats unloaded their wares on the wharf; later goods (and passengers) arrived by train but Dr Beeching put an end to that. Today, the little town on the edge of the Somerset Levels has a clutch of thriving, laid back indies and a spirit to match. With talk of reinstating the railway station on the fast GWR London Paddington to the South West line, this could be a good time to buy.

EAT

Slurp and munch your way around the town’s cafes, including Kitchen at the Wharf (with daily specials) and The Bridge Bakery and Canteen (sourdough breads, cakes and pastries), which are both on the riverside with outdoor seating; and Art Tea Zen on the High Street. Former hunting lodge turned rather nice pub with rooms The Devonshire Arms is in nearby Long Sutton. Kids will love the pizzas, steaks, ciabattas and more at The Firehouse in Curry Rivel. For a taste of ye olde Zummerzet, have a pint at Eli’s Rose & Crown, on the edge of town, famed for having no bar.

SHOP

All the essentials are here, including a trad butchers, artisan Little Bakery, hardware store and The Langport Stores deli. Non essential but nice include Lafluere for interiors/lighting, pop up arty stuff and workshops at For Every Cloud and Shakspeare Glass for hand-blown glass. The Chelsea Gold Medal winning Kelways Nursery is on the edge of town. Beautiful bespoke furniture from Heartwood. Pick up quirky bibelots at the vintage market in the Undercroft and artisan food and drink at a regular market (but Tesco is in town too).

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

The fields, waterways and rivers of the Somerset Levels are waiting to be explored on foot, by bike (hire from Parrett Trail Bikes if you haven’t got your own) and SUP or kayak. Take a tour of the slow flowing River Parrett to the south of the town on community boat the Duchess of Cocklemore.

AVERAGE HOUSE PRICE

There’s a mix of period and contemporary with gorgeous period properties on The Hill and eco houses by the river. Over the past year, the average house price was £343,674, with detached properties fetching an average of £418,269, semi-detached £280,127 and terraced £260,492.

HOT PROPERTY

SCHOOLS

Huish Episcopi Primary and Academy are both ‘Good’. Private options include Millfield Prep and Senior (both around 20 mins drive); Queen’s College Taunton, Taunton School and King’s Taunton, all about 30 mins drive.

BEST KEPT SECRET

Famous Victorian economist, political analyst and editor of The Economist, Walter Bagehot (1826-77) was born here and is buried in the churchyard. There’s a teeny tiny public garden named after him.

COMMUTE

Until the return of the railway, you’ll need to hotfoot it to Taunton to catch a train which will take you to London Paddington from 1 hour 40 mins.

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