Bruton Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of Somerset, England, the charming town of Bruton is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by travelers seeking a tranquil escape. With its picturesque countryside, historic landmarks, and vibrant arts scene, Bruton offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.

One of the town's most iconic landmarks is St. Mary's Church, a magnificent medieval church dating back to the 14th century. Visitors can marvel at its impressive architecture, including the beautifully carved wooden screen and the ancient stained glass windows. The church also hosts regular concerts and events, adding a touch of music to the town's atmosphere.

For art enthusiasts, a visit to the renowned Hauser & Wirth Somerset is a must. This contemporary art gallery and cultural center showcases a diverse range of exhibitions, installations, and performances. Set within a restored 18th-century farm, Hauser & Wirth Somerset seamlessly blends modern art with its rural surroundings, creating a captivating experience for visitors of all ages.

Nature lovers will be delighted by the abundance of scenic walks and trails in and around Bruton. The nearby King Alfred's Tower is a popular spot for hikers, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from its 160-foot-high vantage point. The beautiful gardens of the National Trust property, Stourhead, are also within easy reach, providing a tranquil setting for a leisurely stroll amidst stunning landscapes.

Bruton's culinary scene is equally enticing, with a range of excellent restaurants, cafes, and pubs to satisfy any palate. From traditional British fare to international cuisines, visitors can indulge in a variety of culinary delights. The town's local farmers' market is a great place to sample delicious regional produce and artisanal products, while the charming tea rooms offer a delightful spot to enjoy a cup of tea and a slice of homemade cake.

Alternative names: Population: 3 thous.Elevation: 213 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 51°6'43"N, 2°27'7"W

Location

EnglandUnited Kingdom

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Bruton Top Attractions

Bruton Attractions - What to See and Explore

Bruton offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: King Alfred's Tower, St. Mary the Virgin Church, Bruton Museum, Bruton Abbey. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Historical place • Architecture • View point
King Alfred's Tower
King Alfred's Tower is a folly in Somerset, England, on the edge of the border with Wiltshire, on the Stourhead estate. The tower stands on Kingsettle Hill and belongs to the National Trust. It is designated as a grade I listed building.
Church
St. Mary the Virgin Church
The Church of St Mary in Bruton, Somerset, England was largely built in the 14th century. Like many Somerset churches, it has a very fine tower; less usually it has a second one as well. Simon Jenkins has called Bruton's tower "Somerset architecture at its most powerful." It has been designated a Grade I listed building.
Specialty museum • Museum
Bruton Museum
Bruton Museum is a small local museum in Bruton, Somerset, England. The museum is housed in the Dovecote Building, in the towns High Street. The building also contains a tourist information office.

Monastery • Gothic architecture
Bruton Abbey
Bruton Abbey in Bruton, Somerset was founded as a house of Augustinian canons in about 1127, and became an abbey in 1511, shortly before its dissolution in 1539.
Ruins
Bruton Dovecote
The Bruton Dovecote is a limestone tower that was built between the 15th and 17th century in Bruton in the English county of Somerset. The structure was once used as a dovecote, and may have been a watchtower or prospect tower prior to this. It is a Grade II* listed building and scheduled monument.
51°6'32"N • 2°26'50"W
Hauser & Wirth Somerset
Museum • Art gallery
Museum
Gants Mill
Gants Mill is a watermill on the River Brue in Pitcombe near Bruton, Somerset, England. Much of the current mill was built in 1810 but includes parts of the 18th century building and possibly some material from earlier mills, as there has been a mill on the same site since about 1290 which was originally a fulling mill.
Bridge
Bow Bridge
Bow Bridge is a 15th-century packhorse bridge over the River Brue in Plox, Bruton, Somerset, England. It has been designated as a Grade I listed building, and Scheduled Ancient Monument.
51°6'43"N • 2°27'18"W
Sexey's Hospital
Sexey's Hospital in Bruton, Somerset, England was built around 1630 as almshouses. The West Wing and chapel have been designated as a Grade I listed building. The East Wing and gateway are grade II listed. Hugh Sexey, was a local landowner. By the age of 43 he had been appointed Royal auditor of the Exchequer to King James I.

Day trips

Bruton – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Bruton, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Cheddar Gorge (Cheddar), Roman Baths (Bath), Ebbor Gorge (Wells).

18 milesNW
Limestone canyon with caves and trails
Cheddar Gorge, Cheddar
Nestled in the quaint town of Cheddar, within the picturesque Mendip Hills of Somerset, lies the breathtaking natural wonder known as Cheddar Gorge. Renowned for being the largest gorge in England, this remarkable site offers a dramatic landscape that draws visitors...
19 milesN
Museum
Roman Baths, Bath
Nestled in the heart of the picturesque city of Bath, the Roman Baths are a historical treasure and a must-visit attraction for any tourist exploring the United Kingdom. These ancient Thermae, renowned for their remarkable preservation, offer visitors a glimpse into...
13 milesNW
Natural attraction, Canyon
Ebbor Gorge, Wells
Nestled within the verdant landscape of Somerset, Ebbor Gorge is a hidden gem that beckons nature enthusiasts to the outskirts of the city of Wells in the United Kingdom. This nature preserve is an oasis of tranquility, offering a respite from the hustle and bustle of...
19 milesN
Medieval building with a Gothic interior
Bath Abbey, Bath
Bath Abbey stands as a stunning example of Gothic architecture in the heart of the historic city of Bath, England. A place of worship since the 7th century, the current Abbey dates back to the 16th century and is the last of the great medieval churches of England.
5.8 miE
Scenic walking areas, Garden, History museum
Stourhead
Nestled in the verdant Wiltshire countryside, Stourhead is a stunning example of an 18th-century English landscape garden. This picturesque estate, with its classical architecture and tranquil lake, is often referred to as a living work of art.