A library with ornate blue wallpaper, a marble fireplace in the centre, and dark wood bookshelves. There are a blue sofa and armchair and wooden desk and chair in the room. — The library at Dunster Castle | © James Dobson

Houses and buildings in Somerset

Discover highly decorated Elizabethan and Tudor mansions to humble Georgian dwellings. There’s plenty to see and do with the family in Somerset.

Explore a variety of historic homes from highly decorative interiors to simpler styles.

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Montacute House

Explore the ground floor of the house at Montacute in Somerset, home of the rare Tournai Tapestry.

The marble chimney and interiors in the Drawing Room at Dunster Castle, Somerset

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Dunster Castle and Watermill

Explore 1,000 years of history at Dunster castle, from its collection of painted leather hangings – the only one of its kind in the UK – to its historic working watermill.

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Barrington Court is home to two houses that went through an impressive restoration during the 1920s, resulting in mystery and fascinating details. Court House is currently closed. The ground floor of Strode House is open.

The Gothic west front of Tyntesfield on a sunny day in autumn, wrapped in purple climbing plants

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Tyntesfield near Bristol

The Gibbs family bought Tyntes Place in 1843 and transformed it into the Victorian Gothic masterpiece that exists today. Step inside the house to see rooms that reveal what life was like for those who lived and worked here.

Discover buildings off the beaten track for visits full of history and interest. Take your time and soak up the heritage on your doorstep.

The Chapel and Great Hall at Stoke-sub-Hamdon Priory, Somerset

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Stoke-sub-Hamdon Priory

Discover a collection of 14th/15th-century farm buildings formerly the home of priests serving the Chapel of St Nicholas.

A close-up of timber on the exterior of King John's Hunting Lodge, Somerset, with the wooden face of a man wearing a crown attached to it.

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King John's Hunting Lodge

King John's Hunting Lodge is an early Tudor timber-framed wool merchant's house of circa 1500.

View from Horner Wood towards Selworthy village and Selworthy Beacon at Holnicote Estate, Somerset

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Selworthy

A timeless rural landscape of tenanted thatched cottages, nestled in the vale of the Holnicote Estate. Explore the village green and stop at the shop and tea-room.

The Courtyard at Fyne Court in early autumn

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Fyne Court

A hidden gem in the heart of the Quantock Hills, the tea-room and information room can be found in the courtyard buildings. Relax in the surroundings or set off to find the folly and boathouse in the grounds..

Outside the Great Hall in the courtyard garden at Treasurer's House, Somerset

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Treasurer's House, Martock

Discover a small Medieval house with Great Hall in Somerset, completed in 1293. Look out for an unusual wall painting and a 15th-century kitchen.

The house and garden in spring at Priest's House, Muchelney, Somerset

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Priest's House

Discover a medieval hall-house, built in 1308 for the parish priest of Muchelney.

Visit places that form part of the landscape in Somerset and can be seen for miles. Walk to the remains of St Michael's church that forms the iconic image on top of Glastonbury Tor or climb the steps inside the Wellington Monument.

View up the steps towards the roofless St Michael's Tower at Glastonbury Tor

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Glastonbury Tor

This iconic and evocative landmark offers magnificent views of the Somerset Levels, Dorset, Wiltshire and Wales. Walk to the remains of St Michael's church and see the 15th-century tower.

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Wellington Monument

Discover the tallest three-sided obelisk in the world. At certain times of the year you can book a tour of the inside of the monument. See the Egyptian inspired carvings and take great steps to the top of the monument for a exhilarating views.