Best Places to Visit in Somerset this Winter
Winter is a magical time no matter where you are. The cold air and cosy fires give off a feeling that you just can’t replicate during the warmer months. Although the cold puts people off adventuring, we’d argue that it’s a perfect time to do so, as you’ll see places from a different perspective. Somerset is filled with enchanting stately homes, and the atmosphere of these impressive places only gets better in Winter. So, let’s go and take a look at the some of the best places to visit in Somerset this winter, shall we?
Cleeve Abbey is home to some of the best preserved conventual buildings in the UK. Built in 1198, it was originally a Cistercian monastery before Henry VIII decided he didn’t love his wife anymore because she couldn’t produce an heir. Pope Clement VII wouldn’t let him get a divorce, so he separated from the Roman Catholic Church and made the Church of England, leading to the dissolution of the monasteries.
English Heritage was given ownership over Cleeve Abbey in 1984, and ever since has been one of the best places to visit in Somerset. There are many points of interest to look for when you visit, including the painted chamber and the angel roof located in the refectory. In the winter, it would have been freezing, with only a small fireplace to keep the monks warm, yikes.
Open from Wednesday to Sunday between 10am – 5pm, there is a small shop selling light snacks and hot drinks. Plus, it’s 15% cheaper to buy your tickets online as well…bonus.
Helmed by Sir Edward Phelips and finished in 1601 by exceptionally skilled craftsman, Montacute House is one of the most beautiful Elizabethan Renaissance styled buildings in the UK, as well as one of the best places to visit in Somerset.
In winter, Montacute House transforms into an elegant backdrop for your walks. There’s something about strolling through its grounds in the cold and crisp winter air that makes it feel so magical. Montacute House is part of a very exclusive club as well, it is one of the few stately homes in the UK that has its original garden mostly intact, which further adds to it’s uniqueness.
There is a second-hand bookshop onsite located in the old stables, and there is also a courtyard café serving hot and cold drinks and light snacks. Be sure to pay a visit to the gift shop for something to remember your visit by as well.
Although the National Trust are preparing to do major work renovations on the Court House itself, we just felt that we couldn’t skip pass Barrington Court as it is one of the best places to visit in Somerset.
Rescued by Colonel Arthur Lyle in the 1920s, Barrington Court is an enthralling visit even from the outside. Set in 70 acres that are filled with farm buildings, a tennis court and five separate gardens. Keen gardeners may spot that each garden draws inspiration from Gertude Jekyll’s designs.
The estate has a few shops on site to keep you warm and happy. The Beagles Café is a great spot to grab a hot drink to enjoy a leisurely winter walk around the grounds. Or you can do something a bit different and visit the pottery or goldsmith which is on the estate. We recommend visiting all of them!
Purchased by the Hestercombe Trust in 2013 for a bank busting £1, Hestercombe House is set within 50 acres of gorgeous grounds near Taunton. And yes, you read that correctly. It only cost the Trust £1.
In the winter, Hestercombe House transforms into a new place. The trust sets up an ice-skating rink for families to get involved in, making for a wonderful day out. Be sure to stop to stop into the café after a couple of laps and try some of the delicious heated goodies on offer.
Fully equipped with a range of facilities such as the plant & gift shop, it’s easy to see why many locals regard it as one of the best places to visit in Somerset.
Surrounded by 540 acres of land, including a woodland and an orchard, Tyntesfield House is a grade I listed building that started as the family home for the Tynte family. It wasn’t as big as it is today, but over the course of the years and under different ownership, the house grew in size.
Holding 72,000 objects, Tyntesfield holds the first-place spot in the National Trust’s portfolio for the biggest collection of objects. Some notable pieces include a replica of the ‘Throne of Charlemagne’, and around 10,000 total books in the house.
The fireplace located in the main hall is made from carved Mansfield sandstone, decorated with pinnacles, looking a bit like the pinnacles you’d find on gargantuan cathedrals like the Cologne Cathedral. In the winter, one could only imagine how cosy and toasty it would have been next to this beautiful piece of work.
Peaceful Porlock
After exploring the best places to visit in Somerset, you might find yourself feeling a bit chilly or in need of somewhere to rest your head. Porlock Weir is your peaceful retreat in Exmoor, away from all of the troubles of life.
Our gorgeous 4-star hotel is designed with your comfort in mind. With comfortable hypnos beds and a relaxing and inviting atmosphere, dine in our cosy restaurant and retire to your room with a satisfied stomach. Anchor down and dream dreams of Exmoor at the Porlock Weir hotel. View our hotel offers to discover your next wellness retreat.
