It may be hard to imagine that a sleepy Somerset town could ever become known as ‘The Notting Hill of the West Country', but so it is with Bruton. This quiet backwater tucked away a few miles from the Wiltshire border took off in recent years and still continues to rise in popularity, with people upping sticks from the city and moving down this way. But then, it’s so very lovely, who could blame them?
There’s no denying Bruton’s charm; fair enough, if you prefer a faster pace of life, you might think it's a bit quiet here, nothing to do and that, but if you’re staying nearby on holiday, you should swing by. Park up and have a mooch around and you’ll see the appeal - the independent shops and boutiques, the cottage lined streets, the historic buildings, the River Brue running through the town, the twin towered church, and the good places to eat. So linger, spend a few hours here and if you need help with passing the time, check out our guide to the 10 best things to do in Bruton.
Explore the Town
It’s always good to go exploring, to have a stroll about, discovering the tucked away places that you wouldn’t usually see when you visit a town. Venture down the narrow alleyways (known as twittens) off the high street and down to the river; cross the packhorse bridge, see what’s growing in the well-tended community allotment, note the relief sculpture of the Green Man on Priory House, amble up St Catherine’s Hill past the little cottages,
Go To At The Chapel For Lunch
At The Chapel is an elegant restaurant, artisan bakery and wine store set in a 17th century chapel (no surprises there) on Bruton high street. Inside are soaring ceilings, a cascade of bauble lights, and two beautiful arched windows giving views of the Somerset hills. Go for Mediterranean inspired dishes and wood fired pizzas, buy freshly baked breads and pastries. Downstairs has been turned into a clubroom that opens onto a terrace where in the summer the scent of lavender and jasmine drifts on the air. Go for cocktails and find your groove on DJ nights.
Walk up to the Historic Dovecote
Walk along the river from the town and up the hill to the Dovecote for glorious views across the Somerset countryside. It dates back to the 16th century when it was built as a watch tower, and was converted to a dovecote some 200 years later. The walk is less than a mile so it will only take about half an hour at the most and won’t involve too much huffing and puffing.
Visit the Museum
Bruton Museum may be small in size but it’s certainly big on interest, setting out the town’s long and fascinating history, from Saxon times to the medieval period when it was an important ecclesiastical centre with an Augustinian abbey. See the fossil collection, the sculptures of World War II German Refugee, Ernst Blensdorf, and the very writing desk that American writer John Steinbeck (Of Mice and Men, The Grapes of Wrath) used when he lived in the town in 1959. Opening hours are limited so check before you go.
Take a Tour of Sexey’s Hospital
Sexey’s Hospital was founded in 1638 under the Will of local landowner, Hugh Sexey ‘for relief and maintenance of elderly persons or honest life and good reputation’. It still provides accommodation for people aged over 60 in good health and preferably with a connection to Bruton. Guided tours of the heritage buildings are run daily between 9-5, an opportunity to see the 17th century candlelit chapel and quadrangle range, 18th century gazebo, and tended grounds that run down to the River Brue. Tours are by arrangement for groups of up to 12 people.
Visit Hauser & Wirth
Set in 18th century farm buildings on the charmingly named Dropping Lane on the outskirts of Bruton, Hauser & Wirth is a world famous contemporary-modern art gallery with thought provoking exhibitions, the highly rated Roth Bar & Grill, and the beautiful Piet Oudolf Gardens. There’s also an excellent Italian restaurant, a shop selling carefully curated books, art inspired accessories and jewellery, and a well-stocked farm shop (see Durslade Farm Shop below). It will be an inspiring visit.
Have Dinner at Matt’s Kitchen
Matt’s Kitchen came about when self-taught chef Matt very cleverly turned the ground floor of his characterful Georgian house on the high street into a restaurant and ever since people have been raving about it. Go on Friday or Saturday nights for a fixed price 5 course monthly menu served in the very ambient blue and gold dining room. The food will send your taste buds into a frenzy – to give you an idea, Coq au vin blanc with wild garlic, pickled fennel, crushed baby potatoes, preserved citrus butter and lambs lettuce.
Cheese Tasting at the Godminster Shop
Foodies will love the Godminster Cheese shop down by the station. The cheese is made on the farm on the outskirts of Bruton, using 100% certified organic milk from their own dairy herd and is wrapped in their signature coloured waxes. They do daily cheese tasting where you can try the Bruton Beauty, Oak Smoked Chesney’s Fortune, Black Truffle Howling Hound and Red Chilli Devils Dance, all excellent vintage cheeses. The shop also stocks a fine selection of artisan Somerset foodstuffs – olives, honey, biscuits, charcuterie, chocolates and drinks.
Fill Your Baskets at Durslade Farm Shop
Stock up for your holiday barbecues at Durslade Farm Shop, on the edge of the working farm where there’s a vineyard, walled garden, an orchard and beehives. Organic lamb and beef is from their own animals, raised and grazed here, wine is from their own grapes, honey from the hives; cider is made using apples from the orchard, and jams are packed with fruit grown in the garden and foraged in the woodlands. They also stock an enticing array of goodies from local makers and growers, including fresh fruit and veg, freshly baked bread. Best sellers include Merguez Sausages, Jalapeno and Wild Garlic Hot Sauce, and Spicy Lamb Burgers.
Walk to Alfred’s Tower
This is a longer walk of about 5 miles, for those with strong legs and a good pair of walking boots. Alfred’s Tower stands on the Stourhead estate (NT) and is named after King Alfred who raised his standard here in 878; it also commemorates the end of the Seven Years War and George III coming to the throne in 1760. Beautiful countryside, plenty of decent pubs for lunch enroute.
Large Holiday Houses Near Bruton