Museums, archives and heritage in Somerset

Somerset, maritime county in SW. of England, bounded N. and NE. by the Bristol Channel and the estuary of the Severn, and from NE. round to S W. by the counties of Gloucester, Wilts, Dorset, and Devon; greatest length, N. and S., 43 miles; greatest breadth, E. and W., 67 miles; area, 1,049,812 acres, population 469,109. The coast line is generally low and marshy in the E., but lined with lofty slate cliffs in the W. The interior consists of ranges of hills separated by valleys, or by extensive low marshy flats. The principal ranges are the Mendip Hills, the Polden Hills, the Quantock Hills, the Brendon Hills, and Exmoor. The chief rivers are the Avon and the Parret (with its tributaries the Yeo or Ivel, Isle, and Tone), the former forming the boundary on the NE., the latter traversing the centre of the county; the other streams are the Yeo, Ax, and Brue. Both soil and climate are well adapted for agriculture, particularly in the low alluvial tracts; and in the Vale of Taunton heavy crops of the finest wheat are raised. The rich meadows rear large numbers of cattle, and the hilly grounds are pastured with numerous flocks of sheep. In the E. of the county are some small isolated coalfields, the most southerly in England, the quarries which furnish the famous Bath stone, and a large development of magnesian limestone; the W. of the county consists chiefly of slaty rocks, forming the wild moorlands of Exmoor. The chief minerals worked are lead, iron, and slate. The principal manufactures are woollen and worsted goods, gloves, lace, linen, crape, silk, paper, glass, and bath-bricks. There are salmon, herring, and other fisheries in the Bristol Channel. An important chain of internal communication is formed by the Yeo and Parret navigation and the Glastonbury Canal. The county contains 40 hundreds, 2 liberties, 489 parishes, with parts of 3 others, the parliamentary and municipal boroughs of Bath and Taunton, and the municipal boroughs of Bridgwater, Chard, Glastonbury, Wells, and Yeovil. It is nearly co-extensive with the diocese of Bath and Wells.

– John Bartholomew, Gazetteer of the British Isles (1887)

American Museum in Britain

Claverton Manor

Bath BA2 7BD

01225 460503

www.americanmuseum.org

Founded in 1961, the museum has the finest collection of American decorative arts outside the United States. Displayed in a series of period rooms, the collection illustrates how early Americans lived between the 17th and 19th centuries.

Ashton Windmill

Chapel Allerton

Axbridge BS26 2PP

01278 435399

www.sedgemoor.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=5957

This unique 18th century flour mill stands on the ‘Isle of Wedmore”, a ridge giving commanding views of Cheddar Gorge, the Somerset Levels and Brent Knoll. A windmill is mentioned on this site as far back as 1317.

Bakelite Museum

Orchard Mill

Williton TA4 4NS

01984 632133

www.bakelitemuseum.co.uk

The largest collection of vintage plastics in Britain. Exhibits from the inter-war period and the smooth, stylish Art Deco styles that set the trends of the 20th century. Showcases hundreds of the domestic items which we all grew up with. Thousands of quirky and rare items on show, including spy cameras, monstrous perming machines and the Bakelite coffin. Housed within a historic watermill.

Barrington Court – National Trust

Barrington

near Ilminster TA19 0NQ

01460 241938

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/barrington-court

Discover the haunting echoes of the past at Barrington Court, a Tudor manor house free from collections and furniture. Explore using your imagination and your senses to discover a house full of memories, where light fills the rooms and you feel you can almost touch the past. The property was saved from ruin and restored by the Lyle family in 1920s, when the court house resembled a barn rather than the proud manor house that it is.

Bath Abbey

Bath

01225 422462

www.bathabbey.org

Bath Abbey stands at the heart of the city of Bath. During the past twelve and a half centuries, three different churches have occupied this site: an Anglo-Saxon Abbey Church dating from 757, pulled down by the Norman conquerors of England soon after 1066; a massive Norman cathedral begun about 1090; the present Abbey church founded in 1499, ruined after the dissolution of the monasteries in 1539 by order of Henry VIII, and completed in 1611.

Bath & North East Somerset Record Office

Guildhall, High Street

Bath BA1 5AW

01225 477421

www.batharchives.co.uk

Are you interested in the history of Bath? The record office collects, preserves and makes available to everyone historical records relating to Bath. These records include documents from the 12th century to the present day, reflecting all aspects of life in Bath.

Bath Museums Education Service

Heritage Services, Pump Room, Stall Street

Bath BA1 1LZ

01225 477757

goo.gl/MueIsq

People learn at any age and at any time of their lives. The Heritage Services Learning and Programmes team enables this to happen in a range of fun, interactive and accessible ways.

Bath Postal Museum

27a Northgate Street

Bath BA1 1AJ

01225 460333

www.bathpostalmuseum.org

The Bath Postal Museum tells the history of 4000 years of communication from clay mail to e-mail. With colourful and frequently changing exhibitions, there is something for everyone. The story of Ralph Allen’s revolutionary postal system and John Palmer’s innovative mail coach organisation are told.

Beckford’s Tower & Museum

Lansdown Road

Bath BA1 9BH

01225 460705

www.bath-preservation-trust.org.uk

Beckford’s Tower was designed by Henry Edmund Goodridge in 1825 and completed in 1827 for William Beckford (1760-1844), one of the nation’s most accomplished and interesting characters. The 120-foot neo-classical tower, which enjoys uninterrupted views of the countryside, was constructed as a study retreat and to house Beckford’s precious collection of art and rare books. The tower is now home to a museum collection displaying furniture originally made for the tower, alongside paintings, prints and objects illustrating William Beckford’s life as a writer, collector and patron of the arts.

Bishop’s Palace, The

Wells BA5 2PD

01749 988111

www.bishopspalace.org.uk

More than simply an historic house and garden, this splendid medieval Palace has been the home of the Bishops of Bath and Wells for 800 years. There are 14 acres of gardens including the springs from which the city takes its name. Visitors can also see the Bishop’s private Chapel, ruined Great Hall and the Gatehouse with portcullis and drawbridge beside which the famous mute swans ring a bell for food.

Blake Museum

Blake Street

Bridgwater TA6 3NB

01278 456127

www.bridgwatermuseum.org.uk

From the earliest settlements in the archaeology gallery to the hustle and bustle of the port, and from the drama of the Monmouth Rebellion to the glamour of Bridgwater’s annual carnival – there is plenty to interest the whole family.

Bruton Museum

The Dovecote Building, 26 High Street

Bruton BA10 OAA

01935 462855

www.brutonmuseum.co.uk

This local history museum contains lots of historic artefacts from Bruton’s past. On display is the table John Steinbeck wrote on when, close to Camelot, he started his book on King Arthur and his Noble Knights.

Building of Bath Collection

The Countess of Huntingdon’s Chapel, The Vineyards

Bath BA1 5NA

01225 333895

goo.gl/E5krgG

This unique collection interprets the rich architectural history of Bath and the men who transformed a provincial town into the world famous Georgian Spa. It demonstrates how classical design influenced the buildings and illustrates the construction of a house from the cellars to the rafters.

Cadbury Castle

South Cadbury

Yeovil BA22 7HA

www.britannia.com/history/arthur/cadcast.html

Cadbury Castle is an Iron Age hill fort in the civil parish of South Cadbury in the English county of Somerset. It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and associated with King Arthur.

Castle Cary & District Museum

Market House, Market Place

Castle Cary BA7 7AH

01963 351334

www.castlecarymuseum.org.uk

The museum in Castle Cary is found in the historic Market House, a splendid mid-Victorian building in the centre of town. We have a large collection of domestic and agricultural implements, archaeological and historical information and artefacts. Displays include: our geology section showing that this area of Somerset was once under the sea; the life of diarist Parson James Woodforde; Douglas Macmillan, the founder of Macmillan Cancer Support; T S Donne’s Rope and Twine Works; and John Boyd’s Horsehair Weaving factory.

Chard & District Museum

Godworthy House, High Street

Chard TA20 1QL

01460 65091

www.chardmuseum.co.uk

Chard Museum has displays illustrating the history of Chard and its surrounding area. Highlights include displays devoted to pioneers of powered flight (John Stringfellow) and the development of artificial limbs (James Gillingham).

Cheddar Gorge – National Trust

Cheddar Gorge

Cheddar BS27 3QF

01934 742 343

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cheddar-gorge

Cheddar Man Museum of Prehistory explores 40,000 years of British pre-history, with demonstrations of Stone Age survival skills and beautiful cave art.

Claverton Pumping Station

Ferry Lane Claverton

Bath BA2 7BH

01225 483001

www.claverton.org

The Claverton Pumping Station is a rare example of the technology of the Late Georgian – Regency – period. Built in 1813, the year Jane Austen published Pride and Prejudice, this amazing pump uses the power of the River Avon to lift water up 48ft into the Kennet and Avon Canal above. Burning no fuel and making no waste it is the ultimate in environmentally friendly technology.

Cleeve Abbey – English Heritage

Old Cleeve, Abbey Road

Washford TA23 0PS

01984 640377

goo.gl/n1zXUG

In Washford lies one of the undiscovered jewels of Somerset, providing an interesting day out for families and budding historians alike. The Cistercian abbey of Cleeve is a haven of peace and tranquillity, said to contain the finest cloister buildings in England.

Clevedon Pier

The Toll House, The Beach

Clevedon BS21 7QU

01275 878846

www.clevedonpier.com

Clevedon Pier is the only fully intact, Grade 1 listed pier in the country. The pier has been beautifully restored and provides a lovely day out for all the family.

Community Heritage Access Centre

SSDC Lufton Depot, 7 Artillery Road, Lufton

Yeovil BA22 8RP

01935 462855

goo.gl/Y0lyjm

Open by appointment the Community Heritage Access Centre houses the collection of the previous Museum of South Somerset. Major collections include gloving, firearms, textile and archaeology.

Crewkerne & District Museum

The Heritage Centre, Market Square

Crewkerne TA18 7JU

01460 77079

www.crewkernemuseum.co.uk

Newly opened in 2000, Crewkerne & District Museum is a small museum run by volunteers.It is contained in an historic house whose 18th century front conceals a much older dwelling behind. Many aspects of local history are explored in the museum – industries, commerce, religion, education and domestic life. Changing displays of photographs and other items from the collection or on loan are on view in the Exhibition Room.

Downside Abbey Library & Archives

Downside Abbey, Stratton on the Fosse

Radstock BA3 4RH

www.downside.co.uk

Library and Archive of Downside Abbey in Somerset, we have recently begun our beacon of learning project. The school attached to the Abbey lost many ex pupils in the Great War and we want to recognise this sacrifice during the Centenary.

Dunster Castle & Gardens – National Trust

Dunster TA24 6SL

01643 821314

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunster-castle

Ancient castle with fine interiors and sub-tropical gardens. Dramatically sited on a wooded hill, a castle has existed here since at least Norman times.

Dunster Dolls Museum

Memorial Hall, High Street

Dunster TA24 6SF

01643 822 315

www.dunstermuseum.co.uk

The Dolls Museum in Dunster is situated in the Memorial Hall. Mrs Mollie Hardwick began collecting dolls in 1957 and these were gifted to the Hall committee on her death in 1970 so that her collection could form a museum.

Farleigh Hungerford Castle – English Heritage

Farleigh

Hungerford BA2 7RS

01225 754026

goo.gl/VmPUz5

In a picturesque valley of the river Frome, on the border between Wiltshire and Somerset and nine miles from Bath stand the remains of Farleigh Hungerford Castle. Started in the 14th century it still has much for the visitor to enjoy.

Fashion Museum

Assembly Rooms, Bennett Street

Bath BA1 2QH

01225 477173

www.fashionmuseum.co.uk

A world class collection of contemporary and historical dress. Located in the magnificent Georgian Assembly Rooms, the Fashion Museum offers more than 150 figures dressed in original garments on display.

Collections: The collection at the Fashion Museum includes over 30,000 items of fashionable dress for men, women and children from the late 16th century to the present day.

Fleet Air Arm Museum

Royal Naval Air Station, Yeovilton

Ilchester BA22 8HT

01935 840565

www.fleetairarm.com

The Fleet Air Arm Museum houses a very large and well presented collection of aircraft and memorabilia. Four display halls portray the development of naval aviation from World War I to the Gulf War.

Frome Museum

1 North Parade

Frome BA11 1AT

01373 454611

fromemuseum.wordpress.com

Frome Museum aims to provide a modern museum with an industrial focus. It is housed in an elegant Italianate building in the centre of Frome.

Glastonbury Abbey

The Abbey Gatehouse, Magdalene Street

Glastonbury BA6 9EL

01458 832267

www.glastonburyabbey.com

Extensive ruins set in 36 acres of parkland in the centre of the town of Glastonbury. The abbey is believed to be one of the earliest recorded Christian foundations in the land, and the burial place of King Arthur as well as three Saxon Kings.

Glastonbury Lake Village Museum

The Tribunal, 9 High Street

Glastonbury BA6 9DP

01458 832954

goo.gl/b1UMPq

The fascinating story of the Glastonbury Lake Village can be viewed in the Tribunal, the 15th century merchant’s house in Glastonbury High Street, that also houses the Tourist Information Centre. The Lake Village Museum presents an insight into everyday life in an Iron-Age settlement, dating from around 2000 years ago, when much of Somerset’s landscape was covered by marshy sea.

Guildhall

Heritage Services, High Street

Bath BA1 1LZ

01225 477785

www.bathvenues.co.uk/venues/guildhall

There has been a Guildhall on the present site in the heart of Bath since Tudor times. The current building was built by Thomas Baldwin in 1775 with its imposing façade it is a masterpiece of neo-classical decoration. It continues to house the Register Office, mayor’s parlour and city archives.

Haynes International Motor Museum

Haynes Motor Museum

Sparkford BA22 7LH

01963 440804

www.haynesmotormuseum.co.uk

Haynes International Motor Museum is Britain’s biggest car collection with over 400 cars and motorcycles, dating from 1886 to the present day. Also a collection of memorabilia displayed in spectacular style.

Helicopter Museum, The

The Heliport, Locking Moor Road

Weston-super-Mare BS24 8PP

01934 635227

www.helicoptermuseum.co.uk

This unique collection of over 70 helicopters and autogyros forms the world’s largest dedicated rotorcraft museum and the only one in the United Kingdom.

Herschel Museum of Astronomy

19 New King Street

Bath BA1 2BL

01225 446865

www.bath-preservation-trust.org.uk

The Herschel Museum of Astronomy celebrates the achievements of William and Caroline Herschel who were brilliant astronomers and talented musicians. It was from the garden of this house, using a telescope of his own design that William discovered the planet Uranus in 1781.

Holburne Museum

Great Pulteney Street

Bath BA2 4DB

01225 388569

www.holburne.org

This jewel in Bath’s crown was once the Georgian Sydney Hotel, whose glittering society Jane Austen watched from her house opposite. It displays the treasures collected by Sir William Holburne: superb English and continental silver, porcelain, maiolica, glass and Renaissance bronzes. The Picture Gallery contains works by Turner, Guardi, Stubbs and others plus portraits of Bath society by Thomas Gainsborough.

Ilchester Museum

Town Hall and Community Centre, High Street, Ilchester

Yeovil BA22 8NQ

01935 841247

goo.gl/Lst8Yy

Ilchester has a small community museum in the Town Hall. It was a very important town in Roman times and this importance continued until the 19th century.

Jane Austen Centre

40 Gay Street, Queen Square

Bath BA1 2NT

01225 443000

www.janeausten.co.uk

The Jane Austen Centre at 40 Gay Street in Bath is a permanent exhibition which tells the story of Jane’s Bath experience – the effect that living here had on her and her writing. Jane Austen is perhaps the best known and best loved of Bath’s many famous residents and visitors. She paid two long visits here towards the end of the 18th century, and from 1801 to 1806 Bath was her home.

King John’s Hunting Lodge – National Trust

The Square

Axbridge BS26 2WA

01934 732 012

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/king-johns-hunting-lodge

The museum aims to illustrate the history, geology and community of Axbridge and the surrounding area (the area of the old Axbridge Rural District Council, which included many neighbouring villages such as Cheddar, Wedmore, Mark and Winscombe).

Montacute House – National Trust

Montacute House

Montacute TA15 6XP

01935 823289

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/montacute-house

Magnificent Elizabethan stone-built house, with fine collections, garden and park. Built in the late 16th century for Sir Edward Phelips, Montacute glitters with many windows and is adorned with elegant chimneys, carved parapets and other Renaissance features, including contemporary plasterwork, chimneypieces and heraldic glass.

Muchelney Abbey – English Heritage

Muchelney

Langport TA10 0DQ

01458 250664

goo.gl/saOIhl

Muchelney, the atmospheric and once-remote ‘great island’ amid the Somerset Levels, has many rewards for visitors. Beside the clearly laid out foundations of the wealthy medieval Benedictine abbey (and its Anglo-Saxon predecessor) stands a complete early Tudor house in miniature.

Museum of Bath at Work

Camden Works, Julian Road

Bath BA1 2RH

01225 318348

www.bath-at-work.org.uk

This is the fascinating story of a local family firm. Mr Jonathan Burdett Bowler started his business in Bath in 1872 He described his trade as engineer, brass founder, gas-fitter, lock smith and bell hanger.

Museum of East Asian Art

12 Bennett Street

Bath BA1 2QJ

01225 464640

www.meaa.org.uk

The museum of East Asian Art located in the heart of Georgian Bath offers visitors of all ages a wonderful insight into the art and culture of China and East Asia. This unique museum houses a fine collection of ceramics, jades, bronzes and much more from China, Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia.

Museum of Somerset, The

Taunton Castle, Castle Green

Taunton TA1 4AA

01823 255088

museumofsomerset.org.uk

An under-floor Plesiosaur, the largest collection of Roman coins ever discovered in Britain and a chilling recreation of the infamous Bloody Assizes – you’ll find them all at the museum of Somerset. Set in the heart of Taunton, the museum of Somerset lies within the historic 12th century Taunton Castle.

Collections: Amongst the treasures on display for the first time is the Frome Hoard, the largest collection of Roman coins ever discovered in a single container in Britain, and which was saved for the nation following a national fundraising appeal. A shrunken head from South America and Judge Jeffreys’ medical bill are a few of the many other exhibits to be discovered in the museum.

Museum of South Somerset

CHAC, SSDC Lufton Depot, 7 Artillery Road, Lufton

Yeovil BA22 8RP

01935 462855

goo.gl/Y0lyjm

The building which housed the museum of South Somerset closed in 2011. The items in the museum have been moved to the Community Heritage Access Centre (CHAC) at SSDC Lufton Depot, 7 Artillery Road, Lufton, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 8RP which is open by appointment.

Collections: Includes archaeology from the many Roman Villa sites in South Somerset. Particular strengths of the collection are gloving and the Stiby firearm collection.

Nailsea Tithe Barn Trust

Nailsea Tithe Barn, Church Lane

Nailsea BS48 2BL

07749 563908

www.nailseatithebarn.co.uk

Nailsea Tithe Barn dates from 1480 and with Holy Trinity Church is part of Nailsea’s historic heart. A school for over 200 years, it is now fully restored to its medieval origins. The vaulted ceiling, stonework and owl & putlog holes are beautiful features along with the modern facilities you need.

No 1 Royal Crescent

c/o 1 Royal Crescent

Bath BA1 2LR

01225 428126

no1royalcrescent.org.uk

No 1 Royal Crescent is a magnificently restored Georgian town house that creates a wonderfully vital picture of life in Georgian Bath. Built between 1767 – 1774 to the designs of the architect John Wood the Younger, the Royal Crescent is justly considered one of the finest achievements of 18th century urban architecture and represents the highest point of Palladian architecture in Bath. No 1 was the first house to be built in the Crescent and originally provided luxury accommodation for the aristocratic visitors who came to take the waters and enjoy the social season.

Prior Park Landscape Garden – National Trust

Ralph Allen Drive

Bath BA2 5AH

01225 833422

goo.gl/KBYwpf

One of only four Palladian bridges of this design in the world can be crossed at Prior Park, which was created in the 18th century by local entrepreneur Ralph Allen, with advice from ‘Capability’ Brown and the poet Alexander Pope. The garden is set in a sweeping valley where visitors can enjoy magnificent views of Bath.

Radstock Museum

Waterloo Road, Radstock

Bath BA3 3EP

01761 437722

www.radstockmuseum.co.uk

An award-winning museum that offers an insight into North Somerset life since the 19th century. Created and sustained by dedicated enthusiasts who live and work in the area, the museum is a gem for adults and children alike.

Roman Baths

Abbey Church Yard

Bath BA1 1LZ

01225 477785

www.romanbaths.co.uk

Bath was founded upon natural hot springs with the steaming water playing a key role throughout its history. Lying in the heart of the city the Roman Baths were constructed around 70 AD as a grand bathing and socialising complex.

Collections: Some of the best known finds from Roman Britain are to be found amongst the 50,000 objects in the Roman Baths Museum.

Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House & Museum

4 North Parade Passage

Bath BA1 1NX

www.sallylunns.co.uk

A must visit – the unique taste of Bath’s history is open every day and evening. Right in the centre of the city, experience the traditional hospitality of Bath’s oldest historic eating house.

Saltford Brass Mill

The Shallows

Saltford BS31 3EY

www.tcsafety.co.uk

Saltford Brassmill is situated on the banks of the River Avon in the village of Saltford, 5 miles west of the City of Bath in the South West of England. The Brassmill is the only surviving building still with a furnace and working water wheel remaining from a group of 18th century mills making brass and copper goods in the Avon Valley between Bristol and Bath.

Shoe Museum, The

40 High Street

Street BA16 0EQ

01458 842169

goo.gl/bhT0z1

IHeritage represents an important part of the Clarks brand and our extensive archive, spanning six generations of the family firm, has grown to reflect this. Now protected by the Alfred Gillett Charitable Trust, the archive preserves a varied assortment of objects and papers that remain a rich source of ideas and inspiration for the company, whilst acting as a resource to those interested in our business, economic, genealogical, local, religious or social history.

Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust Museum

The Railway Station, Washford

Watchet TA23 0PP

01984 640869

www.sdrt.org.uk

The museum contains relics from the former Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway, which ran from Bath to Bournemouth with branchlines to Highbridge, Burnham on Sea, Wells and Bridgwater until closing in 1966. Artefacts on show include station nameboards, lamps, tools, signalling equipment, tickets, photographs, handbills, rolling stock and steam locomotives.

Somerset Archives & Local Studies

Somerset Heritage Centre, Brunel Way, Langford Mead, Norton Fitzwarren

Taunton TA2 6SF

01823 278805

www1.somerset.gov.uk/archives/

We exist to find, preserve and make available written records of Somerset’s people and communities. We are based at the Somerset Heritage Centre in Taunton.

Somerset Brick & Tile Museum

East Quay

Bridgwater TA6 4AE

01823 320200

goo.gl/L3PVOK

The museum is dedicated to the local industry of brick and tile making, one of the many labour-intensive coal based industries once found in Somerset. The core of the museum is the only remaining tile kiln in Bridgwater. It used to be one of six at the former Barham Brothers’ Yard at East Quay.

Somerset County Museums Service

Taunton Castle, Castle Green

Taunton TA1 4AA

01823 320200

www.somerset.gov.uk/museums

What we do: Collect, conserve, research, communicate and exhibit material evidence of human activity and the natural environment. Offer facilities at our museums in Taunton, Glastonbury and Bridgwater for visitors to discover, learn about and enjoy Somerset’s fascinating history and heritage. Many of our collections are on public display whilst more are available for study by appointment.

Somerset Cricket Museum

7 Priory Avenue

Taunton TA1 1XX

01823 275893

www.indv.dreamhosters.com

Somerset Cricket Museum is located inside a medieval barn – one of the last remaining buildings of Taunton’s Augustinian priory. It has exhibitions and displays about the history of Somerset County Cricket Club, Somerset cricket and cricket in general.

Somerset Military Museum

Taunton Castle, Castle Green

Taunton TA1 4AA

01823 355 504

www.sommilmuseum.org.uk

The Somerset Military museum is located within the Museum of Somerset in Taunton Castle in the centre of the County Town. The museum features: The Somerset Light Infantry (Prince Albert’s); The Somerset and Cornwall Light Infantry; The West Somerset Yeomanry; The North Somerset Yeomanry; Somerset Militia, Rifle Volunteers and Territorials; The Light Infantry and its successor regiment, The Rifles.

Somerset Rural Life Museum

Abbey Farm

Glastonbury BA6 8DB

01458 831197

www.somersetrurallifemuseum.org.uk

The Somerset Rural Life Museum is located on the outskirts of Glastonbury, not far from the famous abbey ruins, and was established in the 1970s to tell the story of rural life in the county. The museum is based at what was one of the principal dairy farms in the area and includes the magnificent 14th-century Abbey Barn, one of only four surviving barns which belonged to Glastonbury Abbey. The museum tells the story of Victorian domestic life, the farming year and local crafts and industries. The grounds contain a traditional cider apple orchard which is home to rare breeds of sheep and chickens. The museum is currently closed to the public for refurbishment.

Tyntesfield – National Trust

Tyntesfield

Wraxall BS48 1NX

0844 800 4986

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield

See the spectacular Victorian Gothic house and chapel scaffolding free after extensive repairs and restoration works. Inside discover a family home lived in by four generations of the Gibbs family, all making their mark and never throwing anything away.

Victoria Art Gallery

Bridge Street, Pulteney Bridge

Bath BA2 4AT

01225 477233

www.victoriagal.org.uk

Wonderful display of British oil paintings from 17th century to the present day including works by Gainsborough, Barker and Sickert. Over 1,500 decorative arts treasures.

Watchet Boat Museum

Harbour Road

Watchet TA23 0AQ

01984 633117

www.wbm.org.uk

In the museum can be seen many different types of flatner, plus nets and other items associated with their use. There are displays of maps, knotwork and boards showing the various uses of withy. The museum is housed in the historic Old Goods Shed, built in 1862 when Watchet was the terminus of the West Somerset railway.

Watchet Market House Museum

Market Street

Watchet TA23 0AN

01984 632266

www.watchetmuseum.co.uk

The museum houses many documents and artefacts charting Watchet’s history through the ages. The museum also develops studies on more detailed themes for those with a deeper interest in history.

Wells & Mendip Museum

8 Cathedral Green

Wells BA5 2UE

01749 673477

www.wellsmuseum.org.uk

Wells & Mendip Museum is the home of Wells City Archives. The society was founded in 1888 to encourage the practical study of natural history, archaeology and kindred subjects in Wells and the surrounding countryside.

Wells Cathedral

Cathedral Green

Wells BA5 2UE

01749 674483

www.wellscathedral.org.uk

The present cathedral building was begun around 1175. It is one of the most impressive of the English cathedrals and has survived eight centuries with all its associated buildings still around it – the chapter house, vicars’ hall, the cloisters and the unique vicars’ close.

West Somerset Railway

The Railway Station

Minehead TA24 5BG

01643 704996

www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk

Our railway, a true country branch line of the old Great Western Railway is full of fascination whether you are looking for a nostalgic ride back in time through lovely countryside or to study the railway and industrial heritage which our line preserves. The historic steam locomotives, coaches and wagons, and the buildings of our ten unique stations linked by a twenty mile scenic journey will repay hours of exploration.

West Somerset Rural Life Museum

The Old School, Allerford

Minehead TA24 8HN

01643 862529

www.allerfordmuseum.org.uk

The Rural Life Museum is housed in the old Village School leased from the National Trust. It was a school from 1821 to 1981 and opened as the Rural Life Museum in 1983.

Weston-super-Mare Family History Society

125 Totterdown Road

Weston-super-Mare BS23 4LW

www.wsmfhs.org.uk

If you have an interest in families in or from this area of Somerset you will find plenty to help you here. Founded in 1984, we have a growing and active membership.

Weston-super-Mare Museum

Burlington Street

Weston-super-Mare BS23 1PR

01934 621028

westonmuseum.org

Family friendly museum featuring galleries of archaeology, social and natural history. The Seaside Gallery and unique Clara’s Cottage make up the static displays.

Collections: archaeology of North Somerset, including Worlebury Iron Age hill fort. Social history of North Somerset: local industries including royal potteries, seaside holidays, costume and domestic life.

Westonzoyland Pumping Station

Westonzoyland Pumping Station Museum, Hoopers Lane, Westonzoyland, nr Bridgwater, Somerset

Westonzoyland TA7 0LS

01275 472385

www.wzlet.org

Westonzoyland Pumping Station is one of Somerset’s smallest and most isolated museums, housing a fascinating collection of stationary steam-powered engines including a restored and working 1861 Easton & Amos land drainage machine. The original pumping house is a Grade 2* listed building, built in 1830 and still in need of restoration. The museum holds steaming days every month during the tourist season.

Yeovil Railway Centre

Yeovil Junction Station Stoford

Yeovil BA22 9UU

01935 410420

www.yeovilrailway.freeservers.com

Heritage railway centre with original Southern Railway 70ft turntable. Visitors can see main line steam turned and serviced from special viewing platform.