If you're looking for a new place to visit this summer, then the village of Rickford could be for you. An idyllic spot in the North Somerset countryside, it boasts stunning scenery, spots to eat, stay the night, soak in a bit of history and even - on one day a year - race ducks.
As you venture in via the A368, you'll pass a 19th century 'Swiss Style' chapel, which boasts it's own fairytale-esque pond and streaming waterfall. The Grade II listed Methodist chapel was built in 1888 and sits right on the edge of Rickford Pond, acting as a striking focal point in all seasons - you'll definitely want to get your camera out and take a snap.
The chapel actually sits in the Parish of Burrington, with a history that dates back to the Saxon Era and originally belonging to the Manor of Wrington. Wrington was apparently gifted to Duke Ethelfrith, in 904AD by King Edward, who was the son of Alfred the Great.
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Rickford sits around half a mile away from Burrington and the pond is fed by Blagdon Combe. Nearby you'll find other historical landmarks, such as the Old Pump House, and the Old Mill House which was built in the 17th century during the reign of James I.
If you continue down 'The Batch', the road will take you past houses that look as though they've been pulled from a medieval fantasy. And then you reach the local pub, the Plume of Feathers, which is home to a pretty quirky tradition.
The Plume of Feathers Duck Race has been taking place for around 30 years and was started by the Blagdon Gun Club. The family fun evening sees hundreds of rubber ducks being raced down the stream, which runs past the outside of the pub to a shallow fjord around a hundred metres away.
It raises money for local charities and organisations such as Burrington Primary School, Blagdon Pre School, Blagdon Scout and Guides and a local defibrillator charity. In 15 years, more than £18,000 has been raised.
The event also offers live music, a pig roast and barbecue, drinks, face painting, an ice cream stall and a 'best dressed duck' competition. It always takes place on the second Saturday in July, with this year's event taking place on July 8. Prizes in the past have been donated by local businesses such as Yeo Valley, Somerset Charcuterie, Lye Cross Farm and more.
When it's not racing rubber ducks, the Plume of Feathers also offers real ales and ciders, home cooked food, and even bed and breakfast services. Food includes a vast lunch menu, sandwiches, paninis and baked potatoes, Sunday roasts, an extensive evening menu, and even pizzas to eat in or take away.
