Historic BuildingsSomerset

Bath Abbey is a parish church which was once the great church of a monastery. A cathedral is the principal church of a diocese, the area of a bishop's authority. The Abbey Church is classified as one of the Greater Churches group. Begun in 1499, it is…

The jewel of Somerset ‐ some of England's finest cloister buildings, magnificent architecture and unique wall paintings, set in a peaceful riverside location. Discover 800 years of monastic life ‐ medieval painted chamber, timber roofing, wonderful floor tiles and amazing cloister buildings.…

The Royal Crescent was built to the designs of John Wood the Younger between 1767 and 1774. It is justly considered one of the finest achievements of urban 18th century architecture and represents the highest point of palladian architecture in Bath. The houses of the Royal Crescent were…

Dramatically sited on a wooded hill, a castle has existed here since at least Norman times. The 15th‐century gatehouse survives, and the present building was remodelled in 1868‐72 by Antony Salvin for the Luttrell family, who lived here for 600 years. The fine oak staircase and plasterwork of…

Beckford's Tower, originally known as Lansdown Tower, is an architectural folly built in neo‐classical style on Lansdown Hill, just outside Bath, Somerset, England.Standing 120 feet 37 m high, the tower was completed in 1827 for local resident William Beckford to a design by Henry Goodridge. Beckford, who wished…

Outstanding 14th‐century manor house and 18th‐century terraced gardenThe house was built by Sir John de Clevedon in c.1320, incorporating parts of a massive 13th‐century tower and great hall. Much of the original building is still evident. Altered and added to by the Elizabethans, it has been home to…

For centuries travellers and pilgrims have visited this sacred site, situated in the heart of the beautiful county of Somerset. Traditionally the seat of Christianity in England and steeped in legend, Glastonbury Abbey attracts visitors from across the globe, who come to marvel at these romantic ruins.As well…

Visit Hestercombe and step back in time as you savour the delights of the unique gardens.Hestercombe is unique in having three complete period gardens. The Georgian landscape, Victorian terrace and the formal Edwardian gardens combine to create one of Britain's premier garden sites widely recognised as being of…

Magnificent Elizabethan stone‐built house, with fine collections, garden and park. Built in the late 16th century for Sir Edward Phelips, Montacute glitters with many a hrefhttp:www.double‐glazers.co.ukwindowsa and is adorned with elegant chimneys, carved parapets and other Renaissance features, including contemporary plasterwork, chimneypieces and heraldic glass. The splendid staterooms…

Much Wenlock Priory is the ruins of a large Cluniac priory are owned by the immense Abbey of Cluny in Burgundy, part of a Europe‐wide network. The ruins include a lavabo and decorative chapter house. Toilets: Portaloos, including portaloos for disabled visitors. Shop: Level access.…

Created last century around a 17th‐century manor house, the garden features small pools, varied borders and secluded lawns, all neatly enclosed within walls and clipped hedges. There is also an attractive kitchen garden.The beautiful formal gardens stand in two acres, created by Mrs Reiss, who gave the property…

Farleigh Hungerford was begun in the 1370s by Sir Thomas Hungerford, Speaker of the Commons, and extended in the 15th century by his son Walter, Lord Hungerford, Agincourt veteran and distinguished medieval statesman. The remains of their fortress, built in the most up‐to‐date and fashionable quadrangular style of…

Nunney Castle is a castle in Nunney, Somerset, England.Nunney Castle Nunney Castle showing collapsed wall Nunney Castle showing above the trees and villageIt is a small, French‐style castle surrounded by a deep moat, built for Sir John Delamare in 1373. A veteran of the Hundred Years' War, Sir…

Jekyll‐inspired garden, working kitchen garden and Tudor manor house. The enchanting formal garden, influenced by Gertrude Jekyll, is laid out in a series of walled rooms, including the White Garden, the Rose and Iris Garden and the Lily Garden. The working kitchen garden has espaliered apple,…

Coleridge lived in the cottage for three years from 1797, and there are mementoes of the poet on display. It was here that he wrote The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, part of Christabel, Frost at Midnight and Kubla Khan.…

Welcome to East Lambrook Manor Gardens, the 'Home of English Cottage Gardening'. The garden at East Lambrook Manor is recognised throughout the world as the 'Home of English Cottage Gardening', having been created in the 1940's, 50's and 60's by the late gardening icon, Margery Fish. Mrs…

Forde Abbey is a treasure in an area already known for its outstanding beauty. More than 900 years of history and romance are encapsulated in this elegant former Cistercian monastery and its 30 acres of exquisite award winning gardens. In the peaceful solitude of its secluded position it…

The garden and nursery are closed for the whole of 2006. They will reopen 10am ‐ 5pm Thursday to Sunday and bank holiday Mondays from March 1st to September 30th, 2007.Created and managed by Nori and Sandra Pope, Hadspen Garden in Somerset, England, is at the cutting edge…

King John's Hunting Lodge is the oldest house in the rare, unspoilt medieval village of Lacock at the edge of the Cotswolds. The main part of the lodge, dating back to the 13th century, still has much of the original cruck beam structure, whilst the rear of…

Muchelney, the atmospheric and once‐remote 'great island' amid the Somerset Levels, has many rewards for visitors. Beside the clearly laid out foundations of the wealthy medieval Benedictine abbey and its Anglo‐Saxon predecessor stands a complete early Tudor house in miniature. Originally the abbots' lodgings, this charming building includes…

Created in the 18th century by local entrepreneur Ralph Allen, with advice from 'Capability' Brown and the poet Alexander Pope, the garden is set in a sweeping valley with magnificent views of the city of Bath. There are many interesting features, including the majestic Palladian bridge, one of…

The priests who lived here served the Chapel of St Nicholas now destroyed. The Great Hall is open to visitors. Mobility informationBuildingFloors all stone and at different levels throughout the areaGroundsPartly accessible, some steps, undulating terrain…

More than simply an historic house and garden, this splendid medieval Palace has been the home of the Bishops of Bath and Wells for 800 years. There are 14 acres of gardens including the springs from which the city takes its name. Visitors can also see the Bishop's…

The Roman Baths at Bath is the best preserved Roman religious spa from the ancient world. The Roman Baths is below the modern street level and has four main features, the Sacred Spring, the Roman Temple, the Roman bath house and finds from Roman Bath./pp/ppThe Roman Baths…

These are a subtle blend of both the remnants of the old manorial pleasure grounds and parkland landscape. Much dates from the 1820s containing period features such as the grotto, the balustrade and curtain walling as well as ornamental stone work. /pp/ppAttributed to George Vivian, son…

Bath Abbey is a parish church which was once the great church of a monastery. A cathedral is the principal church of a diocese, the area of a bishop's authority. The Abbey Church is classified as one of the Greater Churches group. Begun in 1499, it is…