Attractions Devon and the West Country are well known as popular Summer holiday destinations. The Spring Flowers are especially attractive. Each Autumn, between September and November, towns in Devon and Somerset host spectacular cycles of carnivals. The Bridgwater Carnival, early in November, is reputedly the largest illuminated carnival in the world. Originally based on celebrations after the Harvest, these now contain an extraordinary variety of floats and dancers, ranging from individual efforts to huge articulated illuminated floats taking months to build and costing thousands of pounds.
Carnivals are highly competitive with prizes awarded in several classes.
Major carnivals can take three hours to snake slowly through the towns, collecting for local charities. The streets are packed with friendly local people. The Castle Environment Hemyock, in the upper Culm Valley, is situated in the Blackdown Hills, an area of outstanding natural beauty. This is a good centre for day tours to Exmoor, Dartmoor, and both the North and South Coasts. Hemyock has 2 good shops supplying day to day needs, The Catherine Wheel public house with a restaurant, and a Cafe with take-away food service.