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An atmospheric fragment of old Somerset; the estate is the vision of Colonel Lyle and his architect James Edwin Forbes. Whilst Court House remains closed for repair, the ground floor of Strode House is open, and there are glorious garden rooms, avenues, and orchards to explore. Installations in the farm buildings tell the stories of key characters and the development of the estate.
Barrington, near Ilminster, Somerset, TA19 0NQ
Asset | Opening time |
---|---|
Garden | 10:00 - 17:00 |
Strode House | 10:00 - 17:00 |
Parkland | 10:00 - 17:00 |
Beagles Café | 10:00 - 16:45 |
Shop | 10:00 - 17:00 |
Book Barn | 10:00 - 16:00 |
Last entry to the ground floor of Strode House is 30 minutes before it closes. Court House is CLOSED to visitors throughout 2024 whilst we prepare for major conservation work.
Ticket type | Gift aid | Standard |
---|---|---|
Adult | £12.10 | £11.00 |
Child | £6.10 | £5.50 |
Family | £30.30 | £27.50 |
1 adult, 2 children | £18.20 | £16.50 |
Group Adult | £10.45 | |
Group Child | £5.23 |
Installations in the farm buildings tell the stories of key characters and the development of the estate.
Dogs are welcome on the estate and in the parkland, but aren’t allowed in the formal and walled garden areas.
The kiosk near Visitor Reception is open at certain times of the year.
There is plenty of space for picnics on the South Lawn and tables and chairs outside Beagles café.
Bike racks are located behind Beagles café next to the accessible parking spaces.
Blue Badge parking. Drop-off point. Adapted toilet in Strode House. Some uneven paths. Ground floor of house accessible (Court House is currently closed).
Accessible parking spaces are available behind Beagles café.
Please ask at the Visitor Reception for manual wheelchairs.
On B3168 signposted from A358 Ilminster to Taunton. Or off A303 London to Exeter.
Parking: free
Sat Nav: Please note that Sat Navs incorrectly directs you to rear entrance. We recommend using What3Words: ///surprised.metals.brushing and following the brown tourist signs.
Numerous public footpaths
Crewkerne, 7 miles
View events for 2024
Barrington Court is a two pawprint rated place. Find out where to walk your dog through the country estate and parkland at Barrington Court Walk and where the dog bins are located.
Barrington Court is an ideal place to visit as a group as there’s something for every to enjoy and discover. Find out how to organise a group visit and the available perks.
Gertrude Jekyll influenced these formal walled garden areas which include a Lily Garden, White Garden and the Rose and Iris Garden. You'll find scents and vibrant colours around every corner, as well as lawns and orchards, and quiet spaces to stop and relax.
The Design Shed and History Shed highlight information about the key characters and the development of Barrington Court estate.
Over 70 acres with farm buildings still in use, tenanted cottages, tennis court, cricket pitch and formal parkland.
The ground floor of Strode House is open. Court House is closed to visitors whilst we prepare for major conservation work.
The café offers a range of lunches, light bites, cakes, hot drinks and other tasty treats. Perfect rest stop to admire the view or grab a coffee to take on your morning walk.
Shop in the old farm buildings on the Avenue, with original gifts, treats, local products and some seasonal plant sales.
A well-stocked book barn brimming with pre-loved bargains covering all topics and tastes.
Four independent artisanal businesses on the Avenue, including a goldsmith, a pottery, a chair maker and a wood carver.
Discover what family activities are available at Barrington Court in Somerset and plan your visit.
Explore the garden of Barrington Court throughout the seasons. See the fruit and produce growing in the Kitchen Garden or enjoy the tranquillity and beautiful borders of formal, walled garden areas.
Walk the estate to discover nature, views, and the landmarks of Barrington Court. Bring along your dog to enjoy these spaces.
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.
Fun activities to enjoy at Barrington Court
Explore the grounds to find pumpkins hiding around the estate. See how many you can find as you use your senses, spot autumn colours and look out for the pumpkins in disguise…
Grab a wheelbarrow and help harvest the apples
Fuel up at Barrington Court’s café, find a souvenir at the shop, browse pre-loved page turners at the Book Barn, and discover local artists at the craft studios.
Stay in part of this idyllic Somerset house among the formal garden of Tintinhull.
A decorative gate lodge with a spacious interior that retains many original features.
A grade II-listed gatehouse with a pretty, private garden, at the entrance to Elizabethan masterpiece Montacute House.
Explore the grounds to find pumpkins hiding around the estate.
Colonel Arthur Lyle rescued the partially derelict 16th-century Court House in the 1920s, undertaking an ambitious restoration and surrounding it with a productive estate. A keen collector of architectural salvage, Colonel Lyle filled the house with rescued panelling, fireplaces and staircases. His fortune came from the colonial sugar industry; he was the founder’s grandson and Director of what became Tate & Lyle. Now without furniture, the light, empty spaces provide atmospheric opportunities to explore freely.
The ground floor of Strode House is open and inside visitors can find out more about the history of Barrington Court, how it was transformed by Colonel Lyle and became a home for an unsual collection of architectural salvage.
Court House is currently closed for the Barrington Court Revival project, which is working to understand and repair damage to the historical fabric of the buildings caused by water ingress. The house will remain closed for some time as we need to carry out research to ensure repairs are made using the correct materials and tools, whilst minimising environmental impact.
The walled White Garden, Rose and Iris Garden and Lily Garden were influenced by Gertrude Jekyll, with playing fountains, vibrant colours and intoxicating scents. The original kitchen garden remains productive; continuing the Lyle family's vision of self-sufficiency.
Barrington Court developed from Roman times until the 20th century when the grand Tudor mansion was restored with a remarkable collection of antique panelling.
Explore the objects and works of art we care for at Barrington Court on the National Trust Collections website.
Discover more about the project to restore and care for Barrington Court for the future.
Conservation staff and volunteers at Barrington Court work all year round to protect the fine interiors as well as to maintain the gardens and orchards.
Atkins Ferrie Wealth Management has a long-standing relationship with the National Trust in the south west. Aiming to offer the highest ethical principles and best service standards of any financial adviser in the UK, with locally based offices across southern England. These include Sherborne, and a newly opened location in Richmond-upon-Thames. We’re very pleased that they’re kindly continuing to support the South Somerset portfolio.
Volunteers bring Barrington Court to life, from welcoming visitors to maintaining the gardens, and we’re happy to hear from people keen to join the team.
Join today and help protect nature, beauty and history – for everyone, for ever. Enjoy access to more than 500 places with National Trust membership.