Overview
From Bridgwater, visit Taunton, Bishops Lydeard and Fyne Court. Enjoy the Quantock Hills before stopping at Cleeve Abbey and Dunster Castle and arriving at the coastal town of Minehead. Exploring Exmoor, you can stop near Dunkery Hill, visit Clapper Bridge and Tarr Steps before arriving at Cothay Manor.
Bridgwater
This market town and inland port on the river Parrett is at the edge of the Somerset Levels. The town has some fine buildings like the Corn Exchange and those situarted along the former quayside. There is a nice walk along the towpath of the Bridgwater and Taunton canal. The 1685 battle of Sedgemoor took place nearby.
Taunton
The town has a 1,000 years of military and monastic history. The castle is home to the Museum of Somerset and the Somerset Military Museum. The Royal Marines Norton Manor camp is just north of the town. The town centre has a mixture of shops and fine buildings and the cricket county ground is dominated by the imposing tower of St James’ church.
Bishop's Lydeard
The southern terminus of the West Somerset heritage railway. The Bishops Lydeard Mill and Rural Life Museum is housed in a building which dates from the 18th century, and was extended in the early 19th century with the addition of a millhouse. 13th century St Mary’s church has an impressive carved interior.
Fyne Court
The National Trust’s Fyne Court is a hidden gem in the heart of the Quantock Hills an ideal base for walking and cycling or just admiring the view. Lose yourself in this wild garden, reclaimed by nature after once being part of a family estate. The main house was destroyed by fire but the folly and farm buildings remain.
Cleeve Abbey
The Cistercian abbey is said to contain the finest cloister buildings in England. Visitors today can catch a glimpse of monastic life 800 years ago. Although the abbey church was destroyed by Henry VIII the cloister buildings have survived remarkably intact, including the gatehouse, medieval refectory with its glorious angel roof and 13th-century heraldic tiles.
Dunster Castle
With 1,000 years of history the castle has plenty of great stories to tell. The last family to live here, the Luttrells, moved in in 1376 and out in 1976, and changed a medieval stronghold into a comfortable family home. The Leather Gallery of European importance depicts the love story of Antony and Cleopatra.
Minehead
At the entrance to Exmoor, Minehead offers a long flat sandy beach, great for picnics and games – especially as the sand here is perfect for sandcastle building. The promenade and harbour area with cafés, bars and shops offer spectacular views across to North Hill. It is the terminus for the West Somerset heritage railway.
Dunkery Beacon
The drive through Exmoor National Park to Dunkery Hill offers spectacular views of this area of outstanding natural beauty. The 25 minute walk to the summit passes some iron age fort remains and the hill is covered in heather offering a pink tinge when in flower
Tarr Steps Clapper Bridge
A 17 span clapper bridge made of un-mortared stone slabs, the longest example in Britain and dating back to at least medieval times over the wooded valley of the River Barle is well worth exploring. The wildlife including wild ponies otters can be seen from the Jubilee walking trail upstream of the bridge.
Cothay Manor
Cothay Manor built in 1480 is a grade one listed medieval house and gardens, in Stawley. Twelve acres of magical gardens surround the manor. Many garden rooms, each a garden in itself, are set off a 200 yard yew walk. In addition, fine trees, cottage garden, courtyards, and a river walk make this a gardener’s paradise.
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