Coates English Willow Visitor Centre - Taunton

Coates English Willow Visitor Centre: A Detailed Overview

The Coates English Willow Visitor Centre, located in the picturesque village of Stoke St Gregory, Taunton, is a highly regarded destination for anyone interested in the craft of willow weaving and the heritage of English willow. This unique establishment offers a compelling blend of a museum, a visitor center, a charming coffee shop, and a delightful gift basket store, creating a memorable experience for visitors of all ages. It’s a place where tradition meets innovation, and where the beauty of natural materials is celebrated.

Location and Accessibility

The centre’s address is Address: Stoke St Gregory, Taunton TA3 6HY, United Kingdom. It’s easily accessible, benefiting from convenient free street parking and a dedicated free parking lot nearby. For those with mobility concerns, the facility prioritizes accessibility. A wheelchair-accessible car park and wheelchair-accessible entrance are provided, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the experience. Furthermore, a wheelchair-accessible toilet is available on-site, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity.

What to Expect: A Comprehensive Experience

Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by a rich tapestry of information about the history of English willow and the art of willow weaving. The museum houses a fascinating collection of tools, baskets, and examples of traditional and contemporary willow work. The exhibits tell the story of the Coates family, renowned for their expertise in willow production for over 175 years. A captivating film, approximately 40 minutes in length, provides a detailed overview of the weaving process and the importance of English willow, making it a worthwhile investment of time.

• Museum Exhibits: Explore a vast collection of historical and contemporary willow crafts.
• Willow Weaving Demonstrations: Observe skilled artisans at work, showcasing the intricate techniques involved.
• Gift Shop: Discover a wide selection of high-quality English willow baskets, tools, and other handcrafted items.
• Coffee Shop: Enjoy refreshments and a relaxing break in a comfortable setting.

Supporting Services and Amenities

The visitor centre is equipped to cater to a diverse range of needs. Credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments are all accepted for purchases. The coffee shop offers a selection of beverages and light snacks, providing a perfect complement to the visit. The centre’s staff are known for their friendliness and willingness to assist visitors. It’s a particularly popular destination for families, offering a stimulating and engaging experience for children.

Visitor Feedback and Reputation

The Coates English Willow Visitor Centre consistently receives positive feedback from its visitors. Currently, the company boasts 696 reviews on Google My Business, with an average opinion of 4.6/5. These reviews consistently highlight the centre’s engaging museum, the quality of the handcrafted products, and the warmth of the staff. Visitors frequently commend the informative film and the overall welcoming atmosphere. The centre effectively combines education, entertainment, and retail, making it a standout attraction in the region. The attention to detail, from the accessible facilities to the thoughtfully curated exhibits, contributes to a truly exceptional visitor experience. The centre’s dedication to preserving the heritage of English willow is evident in every aspect of its operation.

Contact Information

For more information and to plan your visit, please consult the Website: coatesenglishwillow.co.uk. You can also reach the centre directly by phone at Phone: 1823490249.

Key Features: English Willow, Basket Weaving, Museum, Visitor Center, Gift Shop, Coffee Shop, Accessibility.

👍 Reviews of Coates English Willow Visitor Centre

David J.

5/5

Really fascinating museum. Done really well. There is a fantastic film at the end, 40 minutes long but well worth persevering with. Great little cafe and gift shop. All the staff were very friendly.

H

5/5

The willow dinosaur trail through the woodland was excellent. There's the option to do two small circular walks through fields and partly along the River Tone (1km and 3.25km). The slightly longer one takes you up Windmill Hill and you can get a good view over the levels.

There's also the lovely Lemon Tree cafe, Strippers gift shop, willow shop and a museum (pay to enter). Tours are £6 at 11am on weekdays. The sculpture workshops they do look fun!

I didn't go in but there also looks to be a Pilates studio, a model ship repair workshop, and possibly a florist.

The 51 bus stops just outside.

Dido G.

5/5

We had a first visit here and were not disappointed. We arrived to see the dinosaur trail and my lo was super excited. Entrance is free. The trail cost £3.50 which was excellent value. The sculptures were amazing and the trail took you around the forest area which is not too far for little legs. There were other walks which were more suited to older kids. On the day we went we were lucky enough to see some of the newborn lambs which we got to stroke and even fed their mum's 😊 We took a picnic and there were plenty of places to eat. Staff were super friendly - would highly recommend a visit 👍

I T.

5/5

Beautifully curated small museum exhibiting the breadth of useful products made from Willow. If you have the time, the guided tour is worthwhile especially the insight into Charcoal making.

roy K.

5/5

We came through a lovely village to get here and plenty of parking and dog friendly. We walked round the Shops and met two lovely members of staff who came to see our dog's. Had a coffee at the lemon tree café and managed to get my wife a birthday present which she was told was made by a gentleman in the village who hates throwing wood away and ma.kes wooden houses. Also you can book lessons on making your own wicker animals which would be interesting to do really enjoyed it .

Susan B.

5/5

Great place to visit. Interesting museum, good trails for little ones with wonderful willow sculptures and opportunities for day courses learning to weave willow.

Tanzania P.

5/5

Went with my grandson and done the dinosaur trail ! He loved finding the dinosaurs the numbers and letters. Hot a scrumpy hot chocolate with marshmallow and cream after, then brought a little willow basket to collect our eggs at home

Jenny T.

5/5

Had a fabulous visit here, with the tours starting at 11am. The tour guide was friendly and professional, taking into consideration the needs of the group. You got a great look at the process, including behind the scenes. The shops on site offer a taste of Somerset too. Highly recommend and want to come back when it's warmer and do some of the walks.