FRESH LOCAL FOOD 

If you enjoy using the freshest local ingredients in your cooking, or love to discover new cheeses, breads, drinks or preserves, why not make a day of it and explore foodie heaven by train. Here are some great sources of fresh local produce along the line:

Dorchester: The historic open and covered market every Wednesday from 8.00-3.00 is just a few steps from Dorchester West station. From station go down to main road, cross and turn right. Local farmers market is just after the entrance and the market cafe.

Yeovil: W.I. market at The Liberal Hall, Lower Middle Street Fridays 8.30-2.00pm for home grown fruit and veg, cakes, preserves and flowers. Ceres Bakery, 40 Princes Street (Tel 01935 424558)  - delicious wholefood and vegetarian bakery.

Castle Cary: This charming little town offers shopping the way it used to be, with a range of interesting independent shops. Food lovers should head for Martin's Fine Foods and Wines (Tel 01963 350208) a high class traditional grocer established 1875, with a wide range of locally produced cider, beer, cheeses, meats and great home made pates and preserves. Why not order a Christmas hamper while you're there. The Pantry by the Pond (Tel 01963 351777) daily produces a range of sweet and savoury dishes from freshest local ingredients, including casseroles and luxury deserts. Fruit and sponge cakes are a speciality, and honeys, marmalades and pickles are amongst the other West Country products stocked.

Bruton: This town's historic and atmospheric High Street has the Organics food co-op, a great traditional greengrocers and, opposite that, Barton's Cafe and Deli (Tel 01749 812782) with a great range of local cheeses, preserves, wine, locally baked bread, pates, cooked meats and preserves. Take a break in the coffee shop, and sample the interesting range of coffees, teas and cakes.