Things to Do – Houses & Gardens in Somerset

Somerset has a rich agricultural history and throughout the centuries wealthy landowners and others have built grand homes for themselves in the countryside. Today a large number of those country homes and mansions remain standing in perfect condition and are open for public exploration. Many of these impressive residences also have exquisitely landscaped gardens to wander in.

Tyntesfield, Wraxall

In a classic story of ‘rags to riches’ a commoner named William Gibbs amassed a large fortune through the sale of fertiliser made from bird and bat excrement. With it he built Tyntesfield – a gothic-inspired Victorian country mansion. The house itself is surrounded by 150 acres of well-kept parkland.

Clevedon Court, Clevedon

Clevedon Court is a medieval manor house which was originally constructed in the 14^th century.  The accompanying terraced garden dates to the 18^th century.

Montacute House, Montacute

A grand Elizabethan design is complimented by more than 60 portraits from the period and the Tudor era. Guided tours of the quintessentially English gardens are available to visitors.

Barrington Court, Illminster

Barrington Court is slightly different than many stately homes as it has no furniture or collections within it. What is left is a wonderful and moving example of a Tudor manor house that is difficult to forget.

Cothay Manor, Greenham

Cothay was built in the late 15^th century and is a particularly well-preserved example of a medieval manor house. Twelve acres of surrounding gardens are open to the public and group tours of the house itself are available by appointment.

The Bishop’s Palace, Wells

The Bishop’s Palace is easily one of the most historic and grandest mansions in Somerset. The palace has been home to the serving Bishop of Bath and Wells for more than 800 years and features 14 acres of gardens. A newer contemporary addition is the ‘Garden of Reflection’ within the grounds.