Dubbed “the queen of Bohemia”, free-spirited Alice Temperley is an embracer of life’s magic moments.
Her eponymous fashion label Temperley London – an effortless mishmash of decadence and handcrafted allure – launched in 2000, offering women a whimsical wardrobe of ornately embroidered dresses and clothing with feminine finishes. Since then, a sense of play, creativity, and whimsy has followed wherever Temperley leads.
Living between West London and Somerset, the designer took over a historic property in Ilminster with plans to grow her business from there. Packing up the West London atelier that has been the brand’s home for 21 years, Temperley is finally back home in Somerset “the birthplace of the brand and the place that breathes life and magic, passion and freedom into my soul”.
Growing up in the Shire with her two sisters on her parents’ cider farm, who better to show us around town – and as the World of Temperley Somerset has opened its doors!
We have 48 hours in Somerset: where should we eat, stay and play?
The Newt in Somerset ticks all the boxes.
Essential items to pack?
Warmth and layers, a swimsuit and wellies.
The best time to visit Somerset is…
Spring.
Our first pitstop should be…
My parent’s cider farm, Burrow Hill Cider Farm.
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For an early morning workout head to…
Somerset Levels for a run.
Where should we go for breakfast?
The Crooked Swan in Crewkerne.
How about for a long, lazy lunch?
And for dinner with friends?
28 Market Place is sensational.
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Your favourite restaurant in town?
Today’s Menu, Ilminster caters to budget and blowout depending on how much fine wine you choose.
The drink to order at the bar…
Iced Cider, Somerset Cider Brandy or a Somerset Mist by Burrow Hill Cider Farm.
The best place for people watching…
Shepton Mallet Antiques Fair.
The culture spot to rave about…
Hauser and Wirth in Bruton.
The best place to treat yourself is…
For great shopping head to…
Glastonbury and Wells Reclamation Yards are brilliant.
The one place only locals know about…
Dennis Glassware at The New Chapel, Shepton House and Shepton Beauchamp.
For the best views head to…
Burrow Hill.
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For a change of pace try…
Sitting on top of Glastonbury Tor for sunset.
Great day trips include…
Ford Abbey Gardens and Nursery and the Shepton Mallet Antique Fair.
A book to read before we go (or while we’re there)?
Cider with Rosie by Laurie Lee.
In a word, Somerset is…
Magical.
Any Questions or Tips to add?