Family Fun

Coates English Willow Visitor Centre is the home of P. H. Coate & Son, founded by willow grower and merchant Robert Coate in 1819, and still run by the Coate family today.

Come and see the willow industry … from the Withy Bed to the Basket at Coates English Willow … the Centre is owned and run by the Coate family, who have been growing willow on the Somerset Levels since 1819.  Entry to the Visitor Centre is free although there is a charge to visit the Basket Museum, DVD and Guided tours. 
 You can enjoy Willow Walks and explore the Retail units we have in our Courtyard - you will find a warm welcome and are invited to learn about the history and art of willow growing and basket making.   

We offer guided tours which are conducted by our experienced staff and include all aspects of willow growing, processing and basket making.

Our free Willow Walks leaflet is available in the shop. There is a gentle walk through our withy beds, or a longer circular walk along the River Tone and up to the viewpoint on the top of Windmill Hill. Here you can sit and take a rest and enjoy the view across Hay Moor and Curry Moor to the far distance.

In our shop you will find an enormous range of baskets, from the unusual and decorative to the traditional and practical. There are baskets for shopping, logs, and storage together with willow furniture, bird feeders, fencing hurdles, plant climbers, sculptures and much more. If you can’t find what you are looking for please discuss your needs with a member of staff as we do offer a bespoke service and can make to your own measurements or replicate basket styles.


The Onsite coffee shop is called the Lemon Tree and serves a delicious selection of food and drink.

Dogs on leads are welcome to all areas.