5 National Trust places to visit in Somerset

When you think of Somerset, many people think about the county’s open countryside, Cheddar cheese, strawberries, the Glastonbury Festival, beaches, woodlands and green spaces. Something else that the county is home to is some of the best National Trust places in the UK.

The National Trust places in Somerset range from beautiful country castles and pretty gardens to areas of outstanding natural beauty, there is so much you can enjoy during a visit.

Kevin, one of the writers behind Travelling With Krushworth, says he loves the National Trust and talks about what makes it so special:

“A memory that will never fade, Lizzy and I find great comfort in looking back on our trip to England and Wales. To us, the National Trust is so much more than just a symbol of Great Britain, and ‘trust.’ We remember more than just our adventure and the history — the people we met, especially the staff from the National Trust, played a tremendous role in ensuring we had the right trip and the best one we ever could.”

In this guide, you will discover just some of the gems Somerset has to offer courtesy of the National Trust, along with some top-line accessibility information that users of stair lifts might find useful.

Top National Trust places to visit in Somerset

• Tyntesfield
• Cheddar Gorge
• Barrington Court
• Clevedon Court
• Montacute House

Tyntesfield

Tyntesfield is just a stone’s throw away from Bristol, and the Victorian Gothic Revival house is a hugely popular place to visit. Here you can not only explore the house and its spectacular rooms, but there are 540 acres of historic land that includes a woodland and orchard, a chapel, and gardens.

If you are visiting with children, there are three play areas for different age groups, as well as a den-building village in the woodland. If you want a drink or some food, the Home Farm Café at Tyntesfield is well worth a visit as it serves meals, snacks, drinks and more.

Katrina, the writer behind the Real Girls Wobble blog, has visited Tyntesfield before and she spoke about her visit:

“I love being a National Trust Member. It has allowed me to discover so much more about the surrounding areas of my home. The first time I visited Tyntesfield House and Gardens was as the lockdown was lifting; not everything was open or accessible. However, after going back, I’ve been able to discover more.

“You'll be transported from arrival. As you wind through the beautiful drive, you can imagine what it would have been like in its heyday. The Grade I listed house is fascinating, built from the profits of slavery. Around every corner, there’s breathtaking beauty, from the design of the room to a view from the window, or one of the hundreds of paintings or sculptures.

“Most of my enjoyment comes from the gardens. Whatever the season, the flowerbeds have an array of colours. As I travel everywhere with my rescue dog, Ivan, walks are also important. Tyntesfield has several routes, including one that is step-free. It loops around the house and terraces. The longest walk takes about 2 hours, through the woodland.”

Tyntesfield is an accessible attraction to visit as there are accessible toilets, wheelchairs you can hire, a powered mobility vehicle you can ride on, and accessible routes that you can follow in the house and gardens.

You can find the full access statement for Tyntesfield here.

ALSO READ: 5 National Trust locations to visit in Norfolk

Cheddar Gorge

The Cheddar Gorge is one of the most famous attractions in Somerset and is one of the most popular places to visit for people from across the rest of the UK.

At almost 400 feet deep and three miles long, it is also the largest gorge in England, but it is some of the spectacular views that you can enjoy from the gorge really makes the area stand out.

Ellie Quinn Belhaj from the travel blog The Wandering Quinn has visited Cheddar Gorge before and she speaks about her experience:

“I love how spectacular Cheddar Gorge is from so many different angles, driving and walking through it gives such a unique experience in the UK, as does hiking above it.

“Visiting Cheddar Gorge can be a quick activity passing through as you drive elsewhere in the region, or, it can be a full day, or even multiple day trips visiting the many nearby attractions such as the Cheddar Village, the show caves, Cheddar Reservoir and the many hiking tracks in the area.

“Due to the many ways Cheddar Gorge can be visited, it also makes it accessible in a variety of ways and for a variety of needs.”

Those with severely restricted mobility or who are wheelchair users will find much of Cheddar Gorge & Caves inaccessible including the caves, the Cliff-top Walk and the Lookout Tower. There are still lots of things you can do at Cheddar Gorge if you suffer from limited mobility, including visiting the Museum of Prehistory, driving along the road which cuts through the gorge, eating and drinking at the local cafes and exploring the village of Cheddar and its shops.

You can find the full access statement for Cheddar Gorge here.

ALSO READ: 5 National Trust locations to visit in Cornwall

Barrington Court

Barrington Court is one of the best National Trust properties in Somerset that you can visit as it transports visitors back to old Somerset. The estate is home to farm buildings, orchards, and gardens where an abundance of flowers are grown.

The Tudor house is one of the star attractions and it was restored in the 1920s by Colonel Arthur Lyle and now it boasts spectacular fireplaces and staircases. The walled gardens and the estate, which are more than 70 acres in size, offer you the perfect opportunity to get some fresh air and explore the stunning countryside that Somerset has to offer.

John Raby, who runs his own food and travel site, says he loved his visit to Barrington Court: “Barrington Court scores highly on the curiosity scale, and my visit here was thoroughly rewarding and fascinating. There is something for everyone here: fabulous walled gardens, a Tudor mansion to explore and expansive green, open space in which to frolic and relax. Barrington Court has been used as a venue for the Antiques Roadshow, and the historical drama Wolf Hall was filmed here in 2015.

“Northeast of Ilminster and not far from two main roads, it is very accessible and well worth the journey, especially if you're exploring South Somerset and the Levels. This National Trust property may not be so well known as its more prominent counterparts, such as Montacute House and Lytes Cary Manor, but it’s a ‘must see’ nonetheless. Why don't you go along and find out for yourself?”

Barrington Court is accessible to visitors with limited mobility and those who need to use wheelchairs as there are accessible entrances, a stone path to explore the gardens, accessible toilets, and wheelchairs available to hire.

You can find the full access statement for Barrington Court here .

ALSO READ: 5 National Trust locations to visit in Dorset

Clevedon Court

Clevedon Court is a 14th-century manor house and there is an 18th-century terraced garden that visitors can explore too. The house has been home to the lords of the manor of Clevedon for centuries and during a tour of the house, you can expect to see architecture from the medieval period.

Clevedon Court was bought by Abraham Elton in 1709 and today it is still the family home of his descendants. During a visit to Clevedon Court, you can explore the displays of Eltonware pottery and Nailsea glass. The Grade II listed 18th-century terraced garden is spread over six levels and not all of the garden will be accessible to visitors.

The National Trust property is accessible to visitors with mobility problems as there are wheelchair car parking spaces that are just 40 yards from the house, wheelchairs available to hire, accessible paths and toilets available.

You can find the full access statement for Clevedon Court here.

ALSO READ: 5 National Trust locations to visit in Gloucestershire

Montacute House

Montacute House is one of the most popular National Trust places to visit in Somerset and the jewel in its crown is the house. It is a masterpiece of Elizabethan architecture and design and was built at the end of the 16^th century.

The garden at Montacute House is one of the few remaining Elizabethan compartmentalised gardens left in the UK, and its lawns, flower borders, and clipped hedges are perfect for walking around, especially when it is a nice day.

Other attractions you can explore include the Porters' Lodges, the estate and parkland which features orchards and woodland, as well as a café and a shop where you can pick up some gifts.

Montacute House is accessible to wheelchair users and visitors with mobility issues as there are accessible toilets, designated parking for Blue Badge holders, ramped access/slopes, and wheelchairs available to hire and accessible routes.

You can find the full access statement for Montacute House here.

ALSO READ: 5 National Trust locations to visit in Devon

As you can see, there are a number of wonderful National Trust places in Somerset that you can visit. These attractions will provide plenty of interest for those seeking a day out in the county, combining fascinating history with gorgeous outdoor spaces to enjoy.

For more tips, guides, and advice, make sure to visit our news page.