Penelope Keith's Village of the Year Season 1 Episode 6 Semifinals - Western Zone

Penelope Keith's Village of the Year takes viewers on a journey through the UK, exploring the country's most charming communities. In season 1 episode 6, entitled Semifinals - Western Zone, Penelope and her team travel westward to discover the most inviting village in the western part of the country.

The show opens with a breathtaking view of the picturesque landscape of the UK's countryside. Penelope introduces us to the western zone, which encompasses the counties of Dorset, Somerset, and Wiltshire. The competition is heating up, and only four villages in the region will earn a place in the national finals.

The first village we visit is Sherborne in Dorset. Penelope is mesmerized by the quaint architecture of the town and its rich history. Sherborne boasts of ancient castles, abbeys, and manor houses. We learn that the town has excellent community spirit with various events organized throughout the year. Penelope then meets the villagers and samples their local produce. She is impressed by their dairy farm, which produced some of the best cheese she had ever tasted.

The next village is Upwey, also in Dorset. This village is well-known for its gardens and green spaces. Penelope visits a fascinating wildlife park, situated in the heart of Upwey. She feels privileged to have the opportunity to handle some of the park's exotic insects and reptiles. She later strolls around the village and samples some of the local wine produced from the vineyard in Upwey.

The third village we visit is Lympstone in Somerset. This village is a clear favorite among the judges, and they note that Lympstone is a true coastal treasure. The village has a rich maritime heritage, with its position on the Exe estuary. Penelope visits a boatyard, and we learn about the village's seafaring history and the popular fishing spot that is still enjoyed by the community today.

The final village in this episode is Mells, in Wiltshire. Penelope is struck by the beauty of the village and the grandeur of the mansion that sits at its heart. She learns that the house and village are owned and maintained by a charitable trust. The villagers are quick to show off their local produce, and Penelope indulges in some delicious cider and cheese. We learn that aside from its stunning architecture, the village has a rich cultural history dating back to the 16th century.

The judges' final verdict is announced, and the competition becomes even more intense. All four villages are incredibly unique, and it is evident that the competition is going to be close. Before the results are announced, Penelope takes the opportunity to reflect on all the fantastic villages that they have visited in the western zone so far. She notes how difficult it will be for the judges to pick the top four.

Finally, the moment of truth arrives, and the villages are ranked based on their overall performance. The villages are judged on five categories, community spirit, village history, location, landscape, and local produce. The winning villages are then announced, and we find out which four villages will advance to the national finals.

Overall, this episode of Penelope Keith's Village of the Year takes viewers on a captivating tour of the western zone and gives us a glimpse of the stunning villages that populate this area. We get to learn about the rich history and cultural heritage of each village and discover the unique local produce that is cultivated in these communities. The show continues to captivate viewers with its in-depth exploration of the UK's most inviting villages.