Family Fun

Looking for something genuinely made in Somerset?

Here at the Willows & Wetlands Centre at Coates English Willow you will find our unique Willow Basket shop. We stock an enormous range of willow baskets made by our team of skilled craftsmen and women using our own home-grown willow. Strong, practical everyday baskets that will last and last can be found alongside the more unusual and decorative items that will bring you pleasure and memories for many years. Choose a gift or souvenir that truly is “made in Somerset” and keeps this traditional craft industry alive for future generations to enjoy and appreciate.

If you cannot find exactly what you need amongst the wide range of baskets in the shop we also offer a bespoke service. Tell us exactly what you want and our team will do their best to create it. Whether it’s a tailor-made picnic basket for your vintage car or a log basket to fit in that difficult corner next to the fire place we can make it for you. Or, if you just don’t like the colours of the basket you’ve spotted in the shop or on line, we can make one in the colours you do like. Our bespoke service does not only apply to baskets, we make bespoke willow hurdles for the garden too. Take a look at our website to see our Online store and Gallery for inspiration more information.

If you are interested in taking up basket-making as a hobby you will find everything you need here to get started. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff can help you choose the right willow, tools and even basket-making books so you can begin as soon as you get home. Are you thinking about building a Living Willow fence or feature in the garden? During the early part of the year living willow in the form of kits or willow bundles is available.

If you are curious about how the baskets are made, you can join one of our Guided Tours. We have been running these for over 30 years and they are still very popular with young and old alike. Hear the whole willow story, from planting a willow sett, to finishing a basket from our informative and enthusiastic staff. Once experienced you will never look at a basket in the same way again!

Our very special museum is free of charge to wander around and wonder about the days before plastic when baskets were used for virtually everything. It is full of baskets and willow curiosities and artefacts from over 100 years ago.

We appreciate that shopping is not for everyone, perhaps a Willow Walk exploring this special landscape would be a great alternative. There are 3 different paths you can choose from and our Willow Sculpture Trail is a popular feature with the children. Just ask for a map from the shop and claim your free prize when you have found all the willow sculptures.

 

If you can't make it to us or want to order again from home why not shop online?    http://www.englishwillowbaskets.co.uk/shop/