Attractions and Places To See around Shepton Montague - Top 20

The area around Shepton Montague is rich in history. You can explore Alfred's Tower Climb, a 49-meter high folly marking where King Alfred the Great rallied his troops. Another significant site is the Bristol High Cross, originally from 1373 Bristol and now located at Stourhead. Within Shepton Montague itself, St Peter's Church, dating back to the 13th century, is also notable.

Yes, the region offers beautiful natural features. Stourhead House and Gardens features expansive grounds, a beautiful lake, and world-renowned landscape gardens. The area around Shepton Montague also boasts rising land composed of limestone and clay, with local streams and rivers forming parish boundaries. The Shepton Montague Railway Cutting is a geological Site of Special Scientific Interest, significant for its Middle Jurassic Fuller's Earth Rock.

For cultural experiences, consider visiting The Newt in Somerset, a major garden and countryside attraction with recreated gardens and landscapes. A short drive away in Bruton, you'll find Hauser and Wirth Somerset, a pioneering gallery and multi-purpose arts center offering contemporary art. At The Chapel in Bruton is also a unique cultural spot, an old chapel converted into a modern restaurant, cafe, and bar.

Many attractions cater to families. Stourhead House and Gardens is a great option with its vast grounds and lake. Bristol High Cross and Bell's Lane are also categorized as family-friendly historical sites. For more active fun, Pevlings Farm Riding and Livery Stables offers horse riding for all ages, and Laser Assault Somerset provides an outdoor activity center experience.

The village itself hosts The Montague Inn, an 18th-century country pub known for its warm welcome, local ales, and seasonal menu. It's dog-friendly in the bar and on the terrace. Just a short drive away in Bruton, At The Chapel offers a stylish restaurant, cafe, and bar experience.

The area around Shepton Montague is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy hiking, cycling, and mountain biking. There are numerous routes available, such as the 'Bruton Dovecote – Stourhead House loop from Wincanton' for cycling or the 'View of Bruton from the Hills – Mill Dam loop from Bruton' for hiking. For more details on routes, visit the cycling guide, hiking guide, or MTB trails guide for Shepton Montague.

Yes, there are several hiking trails. An easy option is the 'Hiking loop from Wincanton' which is about 6.8 km. For a moderate challenge, consider the 'View of Bruton from the Hills – Mill Dam loop from Bruton' at 9.3 km. You can find more hiking routes and details in the hiking guide for Shepton Montague.

Absolutely. The region offers various cycling routes for different skill levels. A popular moderate route is the 'Bruton Dovecote – Stourhead House loop from Wincanton' covering about 35 km. Another option is the 'King Alfred's Tower – Alfred's Tower Climb loop from Wincanton' at around 28.8 km. Explore more routes in the cycling guide for Shepton Montague.

The Newt in Somerset, formerly the Hadspen Estate, is a significant garden and countryside attraction adjacent to Shepton Montague. It features meticulously recreated gardens, beautiful landscapes, a luxury hotel, and a spa. It's highly regarded for its horticultural beauty and offers a comprehensive visitor experience, making it a worthwhile destination for garden and nature lovers.

Alfred's Tower is a 49-meter high folly built in 1772. It is managed by the National Trust and is part of the Stourhead estate. Historically, it is believed to mark the spot where King Alfred the Great rallied his troops in 878 AD, making it a significant landmark for those interested in English history.

Stourhead House and Gardens is a world-renowned National Trust property. It features a Palladian house, expansive grounds, and a famous landscape garden with classical temples and a beautiful lake. The gardens are particularly stunning in autumn when the trees display vibrant colors. It offers a blend of architectural beauty, natural scenery, and historical significance.

The area around Shepton Montague offers beauty year-round, but autumn is particularly recommended for visiting places like Stourhead House and Gardens, when the trees turn crimson and gold. The countryside walks are also especially scenic during this season.