Why This Guide?
When we arrived in Somerset, we found ourselves constantly discovering hidden gems - the perfect dog walk, a brilliant farm shop, a pub with real character. We started keeping notes, and those notes became this guide.
It's primarily a reference for ourselves, but we hope it's useful for anyone else exploring this beautiful corner of England. Castle Cary and its surroundings have so much to offer, from ancient hillforts to world-class gardens, from traditional cider farms to contemporary art galleries.
📋 Quick Reference
🆓 Free Activities
- Haddon Woods, Lodge Hill, Wyke Valley, Cadbury Castle (walks)
- Glastonbury Tor (free, open 24/7)
- Ebbor Gorge (free parking)
- Avebury Stones (free to walk among)
🐕 Dog-Friendly
- All local walks
- Combe Hill Wood
- Ninesprings, Yeovil
- Ebbor Gorge
- Bere Cider Company
- Stourhead (on leads)
🌧️ Rainy Day
- Wookey Hole Caves
- Pottery at Homoceramicus
- The White Spring, Glastonbury
- Caryford Hall Cinema
- Somerset Rural Life Museum
⭐ Best for Visitors
- The Newt
- Glastonbury Tor + White Spring
- Cheddar Gorge & Caves
- Stonehenge or Avebury
⏱️ Quick Outings
Under 2 hours, close to home
🐕 Dog Walks
Haddon Woods
Lovely woodland walk just outside Castle Cary. Good paths, peaceful setting.
Carymoor Environmental Trust
📞 Book ahead
100 acres of nature reserve. Wildflower meadows, Celtic roundhouse.
Combe Hill Wood
62 acres of beautiful managed woodland near Street. Views across Somerset. Optional walk to Admiral Hood monument.
Wyke Valley
Triangle of public footpaths just off Wyke Road. Very scenic with valley views.
Over Lodge Hill
A hilltop picnic with views to Glastonbury Tor. One of several mapped town trails.
Around Castle Cary Town
A short walk around a jewel in Somerset's crown. Explore the town centre and historic streets.
☕ Food & Drink
At The Chapel
All-day restaurant in a stunning 18th century chapel. Wood-fired sourdough pizzas, seasonal small plates, legendary Sunday roasts. In-house bakery, wine store, south-facing terrace.
Burnt Honey
Australian-style brunch cafe. Excellent coffee, locally sourced food.
Osip
⭐ Michelin star
Farm-to-table tasting menus in a 300-year-old country inn. Chef Merlin Labron-Johnson's daily-evolving menus showcase produce from their own farm. Also holds a Green Michelin star for sustainability.
The Station Cafe at The Creamery
Part of The Newt but open to all. British classics, buffalo dairy, beautiful converted railway building.
🍺 Quick Drink
The Alhampton Inn
Community-run village pub ("The Ally"). Cosy with open fires, beer garden. Prince of Wales Award 2024, listed in Daily Mail's 100 best pubs.
Wraxall Vineyard
Award-winning English wines. Stunning views from The View@Wraxall.
🌾 Farm Shops
The Slow Farming Company
⭐ Top pick
Regenerative family farm. Grass-fed beef, free-range pork, award-winning eggs, dairy, honey.
The Hut at Shepherds Gate
Veg, local milk
King Brain Cider
Organic cider makers - five generations. Taste before you buy.
Wyke Farms
Award-winning Somerset cheddar and farmhouse butter. Four generations of cheesemaking. Visitor centre.
🥾 Half Day Adventures
2-4 hours
🥾 Walks Worth the Drive
Cadbury Castle
Historic Iron Age hillfort, said to be the site of Camelot. Spectacular 360° views. Moderate climb.
Ninesprings, Yeovil
🐕 Dog-friendly
Country park with man-made waterfalls and woodland trails.
Ebbor Gorge
🐕 Dog-friendly
Peaceful limestone gorge in the Mendips. Three marked trails (up to 3km). Views to Glastonbury Tor.
Avalon Marshes
1,500 hectares of wetland nature reserves - reedbeds, meres, and meadows. Great for walking and cycling. The Bittern Trail links Glastonbury to the Avalon Marshes Centre (mostly traffic-free). Visitor centre with cafe.
King Alfred's Tower
🐕 Dog-friendly
Circular walk through beautiful woodlands to the 160ft folly marking where King Alfred rallied his troops in 878. Spectacular views over three counties. Returns via Iron Age hillfort. Also has an excellent cycle track through the estate.
🧖 Sauna Sessions
Soul Fired Sauna
Shepton Mallet | £12 without membership
Wild Shed Sauna
Bruton
Higher Farm Sauna & Lake
Dilton | £14.15 - includes outdoor swimming
🍎 Cider Tasting
Somerset Cider Brandy / Burrow Hill
200-year-old orchards, copper stills, UK's only PGI-protected cider brandy. Walk to the top for views to Glastonbury Tor.
Bere Cider Company
🐕 Dog-friendly
Family-run since 1988. Farm shop, cafe, bar. Open daily.
Southdown Cider
Award-winning artisan cider. Supreme Champion 2019 British Cider Championships.
King Brain Drinks
Organic ciders and sparkling pressés from heritage apples. Five generations of family farming near Cadbury Castle.
🎨 Learn Something
Homoceramicus
Pottery studio - wheel-throwing, hand-building, workshops. Beginners welcome.
Southfields School of Pottery
Relaxed pottery classes from taster sessions to 3-day workshops.
🐴 Horse Riding
Pevlings Farm Riding Stables
Established 1985. BHS and ABRS accredited. Lessons, hacking, and pony days for all ages. Friendly, safe environment focused on leisure riders.
🎯 Clay Pigeon Shooting
The Big Shoot
25-clay shoot with archery combo available. Led by four-time British Ladies Champion. Suitable for beginners, no licence needed.
Rodney Stoke Shooting Ground
Somerset's only CPSA Premier Status site. Novice and experienced shooters welcome. CPSA qualified coaches available.
🧗 Rock Climbing
Cheddar Gorge Rocksport
Britain's largest gorge with 100m limestone cliffs and 1,000+ routes. Guided taster sessions for beginners - no experience needed.
🌄 Full Day Out
Make a day of it
⛪ Glastonbury
Glastonbury Tor
Free 24/7
Iconic hilltop tower with 360° views. Site of religious significance for 1,000+ years.
The White Spring
Underground bathing temple fed by natural spring. Candlelit pools, unique atmosphere. Nude bathing common. Water is cold!
Glastonbury Abbey
Earliest Christian foundation in Britain, linked to Joseph of Arimathea and King Arthur's burial. 36 acres of grounds, new AR app for families.
Chalice Well & Gardens
Sacred spring and peaceful gardens at the foot of the Tor. Known for its red iron-rich water.
Somerset Rural Life Museum
Family-friendly museum about Somerset life from the 1800s. Features a 14th-century Abbey Barn.
Glastonbury High Street
Eclectic spiritual and alternative shops, cafes, and the Goddess Temple.
🦇 Cheddar & Wookey
Wookey Hole Caves
📞 Book in holidays
Show caves, penny arcades, adventure golf.
Cheddar Gorge & Caves
Dramatic gorge (free to drive through). Caves, museum, cliff-top walk.
Clarks Village
🐕 Dog-friendly
Outlet shopping with 90+ designer and high street brands. Up to 60% off RRP.
Shoemakers Museum
Somerset's newest museum celebrating 200 years of Clarks shoemaking. Over 100,000 objects including fossils, factory machines, and social history. Beautiful walled orchard.
🏄 Bristol
The Wave
Inland surf lagoon. Sessions for all levels.
🏊 Open Water Swimming
Vobster Quay
36-acre spring-fed quarry lake with marked swim courses (330m-750m). All levels welcome. Great facilities, relaxed atmosphere.
Farleigh Hungerford
One of UK's last river swimming clubs. Rope swing, lawns for picnics, changing huts.
River Brue
Wild swimming spots from Baltonsborough to Lovington. Multiple dipping spots along footpath. Cross Keys Inn nearby.
The Lakeside Pool
Heated indoor pool (32°C) overlooking a lake. 12m x 6m, 1.2m depth throughout.
🛶 Paddling
River Brue
Gentle current, peaceful paddling from the weir at West Lydford through to Glastonbury (~3 hours). Bring your own kayak, canoe or SUP - no hire nearby.
⛳ Golf
Wheathill Golf Club
18-hole par 69 parkland course plus 8-hole academy course. Welcoming clubhouse, practice range. Good for beginners and seniors.
🌳 Gardens
The Newt
⭐ Top pick
Stunning estate gardens including the famous parabola walled garden, woodland walks, cyder press, and museum. Restaurant on site.
Stourhead
🐕 Dog-friendly
World-famous 18th-century landscape garden. Temples, grottos, lake, and 2,500-acre estate with Alfred's Tower.
Hauser & Wirth
Free entry
World-class art gallery with stunning Piet Oudolf perennial meadow garden. Peak bloom in summer.
Lytes Cary Manor
National Trust medieval manor with intimate Arts and Crafts garden. Yew hedges, stone walls, peaceful atmosphere.
Tintinhull Garden
National Trust garden rooms with vibrant borders, topiary, dahlias. Harmonious design in a small space.
Montacute House
National Trust Elizabethan mansion with formal gardens, topiary, and mixed borders.
Kilver Court
Spectacular 1950s rockery with viaduct backdrop, 100m herbaceous border, rose parterre.
Iford Manor
Grade I Italianate terraced gardens by Harold Peto. Sculptures, cloisters, romantic setting.
🪨 Ancient Sites
Stonehenge
The famous stones. Book ahead - gets busy.
Avebury
Free to walk
Largest prehistoric stone circle in the world. Walk among the stones.
👥 When Visitors Come
Impressive spots for guests
The Newt
⭐ Top pick 📞 Book ahead
Gardens, restaurant, cyder. Membership for gardens, or book restaurant.
Glastonbury Tor + White Spring
Classic Somerset day out. Free (apart from parking).
Cheddar Gorge
Dramatic scenery, caves, cliff walks.
Stonehenge or Avebury
Stonehenge for the famous photo. Avebury for atmospheric walk-among-them experience.
📅 Events Calendar
View full calendar with filters →
🗓️ Regular Local Events
Castle Cary Tuesday Market
Fresh fruit & veg, artisan bread, local meats, fish, cheese, crafts
Castle Cary Farmers Market
Monthly farmers market with local produce, live music
Caryford Hall Cinema
Moviola village hall cinema night. Licensed bar.
Alhampton Inn Folk Night
Folk music upstairs at the community pub
🏪 Castle Cary Shops
Schimmel Hardware
🐕 Dog-friendly
Traditional hardware store that has everything. Friendly, helpful staff who know their stuff. Rumoured to have a speakeasy in the back.
Bailey Hill Bookshop
🐕 Dog-friendly
Independent bookshop since 1979. Fiction, local history, walking guides, maps, children's books. "Best window displays in Somerset." Next-day ordering available.
🛒 Regional Markets
Frome Independent Market
200+ independent traders - craft, vintage, food, plants
Giant Shepton Flea Market
250+ stalls - antiques, vintage, crafts, food court
🎪 Annual Events
🚫 Glastonbury Festival 2026
Fallow year - no festival in 2026. The festival takes a break every few years to let the land recover. Next festival expected 2027.
Wassail Season (January)
Traditional Somerset cider orchard blessing ceremonies
- Mid-Somerset Showground - 14 Jan
- Somerset Rural Life Museum - 17 Jan
- Shoemakers Museum, Street - 18 Jan (free)
- Sheppy's Cider - 23 Jan
Glastonbury Abbey Medieval Fayre
Jousting, re-enactment, music, markets
Wells Comedy Festival
10th anniversary edition - top comedians
Show of Hands Festival
New all-ages festival at Gilcombe Farm, Bruton. Live music across woodland & open-air stages. Lady Wray, Submotion Orchestra, Romare. Pottery, sunrise yoga, hot air balloons.
Run the Ruins 10k
Longest Day trail run around Glastonbury Abbey grounds
Party at the Palace
Music festival at Bishop's Palace, Wells
WOWFest
Wells Orchestral Weekend - youth orchestras, choral performances, Carmina Burana. Community chorus open to all.
Night at the Abbey
One-day festival at Glastonbury Abbey. Sophie Ellis-Bextor + more
🎓 Workshops & Classes
Coming Up at The Newt
- 7 Jan - Yoga for Body & Mind
- 8 Jan - Dawn Walk: Winter Quiet
- 8 Jan - Grounding Walk with Chris Giles
- 9 Jan - Yin Yoga & Breathwork
- 10 Jan - Run the Estate with Tracksmith
- 13 Jan - Hort Shorts: Winter Tree ID
The Newt in Somerset
Book at thenewtinsomerset.com/whats-on
Fitness & Wellness (32 workshops)
- 10 Jan Run the Estate with Tracksmith
- 3 Jan, 7 Feb, 7 Mar Monthly Estate Run with Chris Giles
- 7, 14, 21 Jan Yoga for Body & Mind (Jan)
- 9, 16, 23 Jan Yin Yoga & Breathwork (Jan)
- 8 Jan Dawn Walk: Winter Quiet
- 29 Jan Dawn Walk: Four Seasons - Winter
- 5 Feb Dawn Walk: Song of the Snowdrop
- 4, 11, 18 Feb Yoga for Body & Mind (Feb)
- 19 Mar Dawn Walk: Fresh Shoots
Gardening & Horticulture (14 workshops)
- 13, 27 Jan Hort Shorts: Winter Tree ID
- 28 Jan Proper Planning for Productive Plots
- 17, 24 Feb Hort Shorts: Habitat Creation
- 25 Feb Fruit Tree Pruning
- 26 Feb Hort Shorts: Design a Border
- 27 Feb Fruit Tree Grafting
- 11 Mar Peony Support
- 18 Mar Propagation Course
- 3, 17 Jun Gardener & Chef
Food & Drink (7 workshops)
- 27 Jan, 10 Feb Fermentation Workshop & Lunch
- 7, 25 Feb Farm to Knife Butchery - Lamb
- 13 Feb Valentine's Cocktails & Canapés
- 6 Mar Wassail Supper (Members)
- 12 Mar Dinner with Gaz Oakley
- 13 Mar Kombucha Masterclass
Creative & Crafts (26 workshops)
- 20, 22 Jan Herbal Poultices
- 22 Jan Terrarium Workshop
- 20 Feb, 13 Mar Traditional Skep Beehive Making
- 28 Feb Botany Watercolours (Winter)
- 12 Mar Spring Creatures in Willow
- 19 Mar Beekeeping: Build a Honey Frame
- 2 Apr Easter Willow Creatures
- 22 Apr, 2, 7 May Dry Stone Walling
- 9, 15 Apr, 8 May Somerset Safari
- 1, 7, 14 Oct Mushroom Masterclass
- 9 Oct Home Ground Cyder Making
At The Chapel, Bruton
Meantime Events - Talks & Author Evenings
- 15 Jan Anna Whitwham: Soft Tissue Damage (novel about boxing & grief)
- 22 Jan Tim Willasey-Wilsey: The Spy and the Devil (MI6 in Nazi Germany)
- 29 Jan Nick Todhunter: The Epic History of Portrait Painting
- 5 Feb Jenny Knight: Wild Moon Rising (nature & self-discovery)
- 12 Feb Ali Ray: My Nights in the Museum (documentary filmmaker)
- 19 Feb Emma Simpson: Breaking Waves (grief & wild swimming)
Other Local Workshops
Carymoor - Basket Weaving (check website for dates)
2-day willow basket weaving courses in small groups (max 6). Learn stake-and-strand method - shopping baskets, laundry baskets, berry baskets, bird houses. All materials provided.
Bruton Art Society (check website for dates)
Art workshops at Hadspen Village Hall - paper art, wire sculpture, egg tempera, expressive drawing. Contact Sally Ridout to book.
Zumba at Batcombe - Every Wednesday
Every Wednesday 7-8pm at Batcombe Village Hall (BA4 6HE), near Bruton. Term time only.
Pottery & Ceramics
-
Somerset Ceramics (Frome) - 5-week courses, one-day intros, outdoor Raku firing. At Vallis Farm biodynamic community hub.
somersetceramics.co.uk -
Kara Leigh Ford Ceramics (Carlingcott) - Private 2-hour lessons, all materials, firing & glazing included.
karaleighfordceramics.com -
The Thoughtful Potter - Hand-building mugs, flower pressing. Eco-friendly log cabin studio.
thethoughtfulpotter.co.uk
Art & Painting
-
Glastonbury School of Art - Oil painting workshops. £25 for 3hrs, max 5 people. Mon/Fri/Sat.
heavenlypathartgallery.com -
Red Brick Building (Glastonbury) - Weekly mixed-media painting, drawing, landscapes classes.
redbrickbuilding.co.uk -
Lynn Keddie (Frome) - Expressive acrylic painting for beginners. One-day workshops.
lynnkeddie.com
Crafts - Printing & Textiles
-
Narrowleaze (West Coker) - Indian block printing. £25 for 2hrs, £35 for 3hrs. All materials included.
narrowleaze.com -
Lilac Barn - Patchwork, quilting, knitting, sewing courses. Project-based days.
lilacbarn.co.uk
Cooking & Baking
- Robert's School of Baking (Glastonbury) - Bread & pastry days. £125 includes lunch. Max 6 students.
-
The Kitchen Garden - Bread-making & cake courses. £200, max 4 people. Like a day at the bakery.
thekitchengardensomerset.com -
Pony Chew Valley - Bread-making classes, kids' pizza-making.
theponychewvalley.co.uk
Jewellery Making
-
Julia Thompson Jewellery (South Somerset) - 5-hour silver workshops, wedding ring courses in Fairtrade gold.
juliathompson.co.uk -
Christina Oswin (Frome) - 5-week beginner courses, day workshops. 18 Cheap Street.
christinaoswin.co.uk -
Glastonbury Abbey - Silver jewellery with gemstones weekend workshops.
glastonburyabbey.com
Photography
-
Glastonbury Abbey - One-day landscape & architecture courses with Somerset Skills & Learning.
glastonburyabbey.com - Shutterbugs (Glastonbury) - Photography walks & workshops, novice to expert.
-
Alan Ranger Photography - 3-day residential Somerset landscape workshops. £895.
alanranger.com
Blacksmithing & Metalwork
-
Thorn Wood Forge (Hinton Park Estate) - One-day knife making course. Forge a fire-steel and foraging knife. Max 6 people. 09:30-18:00.
thornwoodforge.com -
Melissa Cole Blacksmithing (Somerset) - Flexible blacksmithing for 1-2 people. £165/person/day. Sculpture & creative work.
melissacole.co.uk -
Parmenter Forge - Courses for beginners to intermediates with award-winning Master Blacksmith.
parmenterforge.co.uk
Music Lessons
-
Musical Embers (Glastonbury) - Ukulele & guitar, all ages. 1-2-1 or group, online or in-person.
musicalembers.com -
BMT School of Music (Bruton) - Guitar lessons for kids, teens & adults. Since 2005.
bmtschoolofmusic.com
Dance Classes
-
South West School of Dance (Street) - 60+ classes/week. Ballet, tap, modern, contemporary, musical theatre.
southwestdance.co.uk -
Somerset Dance Umbrella (Wells) - Award-winning dance & performing arts.
somersetdanceumbrella.co.uk
Floristry
-
The Bath Greenhouse - Growing, harvesting & arranging cut flowers. Hen party workshops available.
thebathgreenhouse.com -
Fall Into Flowers - Flower arranging workshops & demonstrations across Somerset.
fallintoflowers.com
🖼️ Current Exhibitions
Hauser & Wirth, Bruton
Niki de Saint Phalle & Jean Tinguely: Myths & Machines - First UK show dedicated to both artists
🔗 More Event Listings
💪 Regular Fitness
Marvel Gym
24hr access
PureGym
24/7 gym with classes
The Club at Holbrook Manor
Gym, heated indoor pool, spa bath, sauna and steam room. Day passes available.
Roundhouse Boxing Club
Boxing classes and training
🧘 Yoga
Yoga Hub Somerset
Classes at Caryford Hall, Castle Cary. Beginners to improvers. £9 drop-in or £48 for 6 classes.
Candlelit Vinyasa Flow
Flowing yoga linking poses with breath. Energising and grounding. All levels welcome.
Yoga with Lyn
Gentle Hatha, Yin and Restorative yoga in Lamyatt (near Castle Cary, Bruton, Evercreech).
Ashtanga Yoga Glastonbury
Mysore-style self-practice with Jane Piddington. £12/session or £55 for 5 classes.
Red Brick Building
Hatha yoga Saturdays 10:30am in Glastonbury with Andrew Wrenn. All levels. £8/session.
🥋 Tai Chi
Tai Chi at Caryford Hall
Gentle exercise suitable for most people. Can be done seated. No previous experience necessary.
🏃 Parkrun
Shepton Mallet parkrun
Free
5km on tarmac paths and gravel in Collett Park. Post-run coffee at The Hive.
Street parkrun
Free
Flat grass course at Strode College. Post-run coffee at Strode Theatre Cafe.