Skip to content

Eating and shopping at Montacute House

Blankets and pillows from the Autumn range
Browse latest delights in the gift shop at Montacute House | © ©National Trust Images/James Dobson

Whether you're looking for a bite to eat or some retail therapy, Montacute House has something for you. Visit the Courtyard café for a wide range of freshly made snacks, meals and drinks. Then head to the National Trust shop and second-hand book store to pick up a gift or souvenir.

The Courtyard cafe

Whether you’re looking for a light bite, a sweet treat or something more substantial, the Courtyard cafe is sure to satiate your appetite. Everything is freshly made each day, so it's the ideal spot to refuel when visiting Montacute House.

While enjoying your tasty treats, look out for the giant wooden clothes pegs that serve as benches in the courtyard. They’re a reminder that the area was originally a bustling centre for a variety of domestic chores, including baking and laundry.

Visitor carrying a tray of coffee and cake in the cafe at Llanerchaeron, Wales
Treat yourself to a hot drink and a cake | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Allergen information

Most of the food and drink served is prepared on site in our kitchen, using a wide range of ingredients. As a result, we can’t guarantee that any of our food and drink products are completely allergen free.

If you have an allergy or intolerance and would like ingredient information about the food and drink served, please ask the staff, who will be happy to help.

Always check when you visit

Visited before? We sometimes change our recipes to improve quality and flavour, including the ingredients. When you visit, please speak to one of our team to check the current allergen information for your favourite dish.

Thank you

Every cuppa or tasty treat you buy helps us to continue looking after places for everyone to enjoy.

Paperbacks on a shelf in the second-hand bookshop at Shugborough Estate, Staffordshire
Find a gem in the second-hand book store | © National Trust Images/David Goacher

The National Trust shop

Enjoy some guilt-free browsing at the National Trust shop, knowing that every penny of profit from your purchase will go straight back into helping us look after Montacute House, both inside and out.

Peruse the shelves

Step inside and find a wide selection of household items, fashion accessories, foodie treats and greeting cards. It’s a great place to pick up a present for someone special or a treat for yourself.

There's also a small area containing pocket-money treats for the children to take home as a reminder of their visit.

Seasonal goods

Many of the seasonal items in the shop take inspiration from National Trust places all over the country, with new items frequently added as the seasons change.

The second-hand book store

The stables were once home to at least ten horses, but now it’s where you'll find a wide selection of pre-loved books. Take some time to browse through the shelves; with everything from factual to fiction, you’re bound to find something to grab your interest.

Book donations

As the books are so popular, we’re always in need of donations. If you have any books that you would like to rehome, we’d love to take them off your hands. We also welcome jigsaw puzzles (in good condition and with all the pieces, please!).

If you have any questions about making book donations, please email montacute@nationaltrust.org.uk. Donations can usually be left with the team in visitor reception.

Thank you

It is through your purchases and support that we are able to continue to care for nature, beauty and history for everyone, for ever.

View of the east side of Montacute House from Cedar Lawn with sunshine hitting the house

Discover more at Montacute House

Find out when Montacute House is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

You might also be interested in

Visitors in the tearoom at East Riddlesden Hall, Yorkshire

Places to eat 

Discover some of the best cafés, restaurants and tea-rooms at the places in our care across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Find a place to eat near you, as well as special deals and allergen information.

Summer shop display at Baddesley Clinton, Warwickshire

Treat yourself 

Looking for the perfect gift or perhaps you're in need of some retail therapy? You can browse our full range via our online shop.

Four bookshelves filled with books of the second-hand bookshop at Paycocke's House, Essex
Article
Article

Second-hand bookshops 

Pick up a book from a second-hand bookshop to keep or share. Every purchase will raise funds for conservation projects at the places in our care.

Visitors walking their dog in the parkland with Montacute House in the background
Article
Article

Things to do on the estate at Montacute House 

Walk the estate at Montacute House and discover nature, views and landmarks to enjoy throughout the season. Bring along your dog and enjoy wide-open spaces.

Visitors walking through the garden at Montacute, Somerset along a path lined with flower beds and a raised stone balustrade behind them with stone pavilion building at the end of the wall
Article
Article

Things to do in the garden at Montacute House 

Explore the garden of Montacute House throughout the seasons. See the yew trees, affectionately known as ‘wibbly wobbly’ hedges, or take a few moments of tranquillity in the Orangery.

Tournai Tapestry at Montacute House
Article
Article

Things to do in Montacute House 

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

A black and white dog runs towards the camera off the lead along a grass lawn at Copt Hall Marshes in Essex, the owner can be seen behind in the distance.
Article
Article

Visiting Montacute House with your dog 

Montacute House is a two pawprint rated place. Enjoy seasonal walks with your dog throughout the year and find out how you can make the most of your visit.

Visitors sit outside having tea and scones in the cafe tea garden at Canons Ashby, Northamptonshire

Places to eat in Somerset 

Find the perfect places to eat and refuel after your adventures in Somerset. There are plenty of tea-rooms and cafés serving a wide variety of food and drinks for the whole family to enjoy.