Exploring National Trust Properties in Somerset
Our incredible landscape of Somerset is home to some of the best and most interesting National Trust properties in the UK. Each property under the care of the National Trust has a rich background, each with its own unique story and footprint on the history of England. There are currently 34 National Trust Properties in Somerset, and today we will be giving you a few of our favourites.
Dating to the Norman period and originally built as a motte and bailey castle by William de Mohun, Dunster Castle today is the result of the combined efforts of the de Mohuns and the Luttrells.
Dunster Castle was added to the list of National Trust properties in Somerset in 1976, where the 11th century castle survives today thanks to the hard work of volunteers. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful, wooded gardens below the castle, which feature a variety of subtropical and Mediterranean plants.
The 17th century stables are now the sites shop, which has plenty of original gifts and local products to take away as a souvenir. There is also a café onsite for refreshments, and the gardens are a lovely spot to have a picnic in when you start to feel peckish.
One of the most peaceful National Trust properties in Somerset is Watersmeet. A gorgeous location that was originally built as a fishing lodge in 1832, anglers used to come here and fish for salmon at the confluence of the East Lyn River and Hoar Oak Waters.
The once fishing lodge has now been repurposed into a lovely tearoom and has been serving cream teas since the beginning of the 20th century. The tea rooms accompanied by the 2,000 acres of surrounding land to explore make for one of the most pleasurable visits in Somerset.
Watersmeet carries on its legacy by offering fishing for visitors during the appropriate seasons, and experienced canoeists can travel down the East Lyn River to Lynmouth, providing the water level is high enough. For more information on these activities and times, please visit the National Trust website.
Hailed by many as one of the most charming National Trust properties in Somerset, Selworthy is a series of idyllic thatched cottages in the valley of the Holnicote estate. Nearby is the All-Saints church, which is known for its white appearance due to the paint being a mixture of lime and tallow.
Selworthy and its beacon was acquired in 1944 by the National Trust when Sir Richard Dyke Acland donated the land. You can get to Selworthy beacon via a 3 ¼ quarter mile walk through the neighbouring woodlands, Selworthy beacon historically was used as a signalling point to warn for impending invasions. Canadian and American soldiers also used this area as a tank training ranges during World War 2.
Built in 1823 by Colonel John Chichester, Arlington Court is an impressive Regency house. The last private owner, Miss Rosalie Chichester, generously gifted Arlington Court to the National Trust in 1949. The estate is home to gorgeous gardens, a deer park, and ancient woodlands.
The estate is also host to the Carriage Museum which is home to over 40 carriages. Most of these carriages are from the 19th century, but they offer a fascinating insight into the history of travel in England. Today, the National Trust plans make the museum a place of excellence for research and training.
There is a souvenir shop onsite with a wide range of gifts for you to remember your trip by, as well as a second-hand book shop and a tasty tearoom for a light bite to eat.
Our last entry on the list is Horner Wood, one of the largest oak woodlands in Britain. Part of the massive Holnicote Estate which covers 12,500 acres, there is evidence of prehistoric settlements on the fringes of the woodland.
The woods itself is named after the village of Horner at the north side of the vale. In the early 20th century, the woods were taken under the wing of the National Trust after Sir Richard Dyke Acland donated the Holnicote Estate. The oldest Oaktree in the forest is called ‘The General’ and is thought to be over 500 years old.
Perfect for a day of exploration, we suggest packing up a lunch box and finding a nice quiet spot in Horner Woods to enjoy your food at. Horner Woods is one of the most popular National Trust properties in Somerset, and for good reason.
A homebase to explore from
Our beautiful location at Porlock Weir is your homebase to explore the National Trust properties in Somerset from. Featuring serene coastal views and bedrooms designed with your sleep in mind, the Porlock Weir hotel is your escape from the world.
Our Harbour Rooms, Side View Rooms and Classic Rooms provide couples with more than just sleep. They give peace of mind, rest from the world, and a quiet place to centre yourself in.
