Places To Go By Bus - South Somerset District
Places to visit from Yeovil
Yeovil Town
Yeovil town is a hub of activity. It has lots of shops, places for a drink whether a cofee shops or pub. Cafe's or restraunts for lunch or snack. It has a cimea, gyms (such as Nuffield, or Goldenstone, anytime fitness, whilst Westlands and pure gym are on the bus no. 51 11 and near 81 bus routes). There is Nine springs and the play area, are accessible from town. There is a great library which has various schemes running and free groups to join… there is much more than just books!!
Montacute House
Montacute House is a stunning example of Elizabethan Renaissance architecture and design, with towering walls of glass, glowing ham stone and surrounding garden. I'ts one of the few remaining Elizabethan compartmentalised gardens. Lawns, flower borders and clipped yew hedges. It's one of the finest National Trust houses in Somerset and well worth a visit
Address: Montacute House, Montacute, TA15 6XP
Contact: 01935823289 / montacute@nationaltrust.org.uk
Nearest bus stop for Montacute House: Montacute, The Borough
Bus service: South West Coaches - bus service 81 - Monday to Saturday except Bank Holidays
The TV and Radio Toy Museum
The museum is filled with old toys, magaines, board games and all other sorts of miscellanea. It is a stroll down memory lane into all sorts of TV and movies.
Address: 1 South St, Montacute TA15 6XD
Contact: 01935 823024 / info@montacutemuseum.co.uk
Nearest bus stop: The Borough, Montacute
Bus service: South West Coaches - bus route 81 - Monday to Saturday expcept Bank Holidays
Ham Hill is a stunning wildlife haven centred around an Iron Age hillfort, offering fantastic opportunities for scenic dog walks, walking, running, playing and wildlife watching with far reaching views across Somerset. Superb accessible walking route with great views. . Aftwrads why not grab a bite to eat or pint in Prince of Wales Pub
Address: Ham Hill Country Park, Ham Hill Road , Stoke-sub-Hamdon, Somerset, TA14 6RW
Nearest bus stop: Main Street Post Office, Stoke-sub-Hamdon
Bus service: South West Coaches - bus route 81 - Monday to Saturday expcept Bank Holidays
Stoke-sub-Hamden Priory
Stoke-Sub Hamden Priory is a 14th/15th-century farm buildings, formerly a priest's residence
Address: North Street, Stoke-sub-Hamdon, Somerset, TA14 6QP
Contact: 01935823289 / stokehamdonpriory@nationaltrust.org.uk
Nearest bus stop: Main Street Post Office, Stoke-sub-Hamdon
Bus service: South West Coaches - bus route 81 - Monday to Saturday except Bank Holidays
Follow the footpath from Ham Hill or through the landscaped parkland of Montacute House to St Michael’s Hill. Climb the hill to St Michael’s Hill Tower, where you can enjoy extensive views of the surrounding countryside.
Address: St Michael's Hill Tower, Montacute, Somerset, TA15 6UA
Nearest bus stop: The Borough, Montacute
Bus service: South West Coaches - bus route 81 - Monday to Saturday except Bank Holidays
Hauser & Wirth - Somerset (Bruton)
The Somerset branch of Hauser & Wirth’s international group of modern and contemporary art galleries opened in Bruton in 2014.Occupying a former farmstead in Bruton, Hauser & Wirth Somerset is home to a vibrant program of art exhibitions, events, learning activities and artists’ residencies, which connect with the local community and landscape. It has a garden created by Dutch landscape designer Piet Oudolf. It has also a fantastic restraunt. Well worth a visit.
Address: Dropping Lane Durslade Farm, Bruton BA10 0NL
Contact: 01749814060 / somerset@hauserwirth.com
Nearest bus stop: Church Bridge, Bruton
Bus service: South West Coaches - 667 (Monday to Saturday except Bank Holidays)
Shepton Mallet
Shepton Mallet Prison
HMP Shepton Mallet, sometimes known as Cornhill, is a former prison located in Shepton Mallet, Somerset. When it closed in 2013, it was the United Kingdom's oldest operating prison.
Address: Frithfield Lane, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5LU
Contact: 01749 681862
Nearest bus stop: Beech House, Shepton Mallet
Bus service: South West Coaches bus service 1
Kilver Court And Gardens, Shepton Mallet
Kilver Court is a historic house and gardens in Shepton Mallet. The River Sheppey powered textile mills and it later became a factory, the headquarters of the Showerings brewing business (later part of Allied Domecq), and then the headquarters of a leather-goods manufacturer, Mulberry. It is now used as a designer outlet centre and has historic landscaped gardens you can visit.
Address: Kilver Court, Kilver Street, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5NF
Contact: 01749 705 279
Nearest bus stop: Charlton Inn, Shepton Mallet
Bus service: South West Coaches bus service 1
Dobbies Garden Centre, Shepton Mallet
Large garden centre with extensive range of plants, garden equipment, outdoor living, home range, pet range, and a restaurant for tea or lunch.
Address: Fosseway Industrial Estate, Mendip Ave, Shepton Mallet BA4 4PE
Contact: 01749 333490 / Shepton.Manager@dobbies.com
Nearest bus stop: Amulet Way, Shepton Mallet
Bus service: South West Coaches bus service 1
Hullabaloo Soft Play, Shepton Mallet
Address: The Blue Tower, Townsend Road, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5SB
Contact: 01749 344433
Nearest bus stop: Cenotaph, Shepton Mallet
Bus service: South West Coaches bus service 1
Street
Clark’s village, Street
Clarks Village is an outlet shopping village in Street, having over 90 Designer & High Street Brands. It also has number of coffee shops, restaurants and fast food chains.
Address: 12 Clarks Village, Street, BA16 0BB
Contact: 01458840064 / hello@clarksvillage.co.uk
Nearest bus stop: Crispin Hall / The Library, Street
Bus service: First Bus - Buses of Somerset 77
Glastonbury
Prominent hill overlooking the Isle of Avalon, Glastonbury and Somerset.
Address: Glastonbury Tor near Ashewell Lane, Glastonbury
Contact: 01278751874 / glastonburytor@nationaltrust.org.uk
Nearest bus stop: Tmurco Garage, Glastonbury
Bus service: First Bus - Buses of Somerset 77
Glastonbury Abbey Ruins
Glastonbury Abbey was a monastery in Glastonbury, Somerset. Its ruins, a grade I listed building and scheduled ancient monument, are open as a visitor attraction. The abbey was founded in the 8th century and enlarged in the 10th. It was destroyed by a major fire in 1184, but subsequently rebuilt and by the 14th century was one of the richest and most powerful monasteries in England. The abbey controlled large tracts of the surrounding land and was instrumental in major drainage projects on the Somerset Levels. The abbey was suppressed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries under King Henry VIII of England. The last abbot, Richard Whiting (Whyting), was hanged, drawn and quartered as a traitor on Glastonbury Tor in 1539.
From at least the 12th century the Glastonbury area has been associated with the legend of King Arthur, a connection promoted by medieval monks who asserted that Glastonbury was Avalon. Christian legends have claimed that the abbey was founded by Joseph of Arimathea in the 1st century.
Address: Magdalene Street, Glastonbury BA6 9EL
Contact: 01458 832267
Nearest bus stop: Town Hall, Glastonbury
Bus service: First Bus - Buses of Somerset 77
Challice Wells are surrounded by beautiful gardens and orchards it is a living sanctuary in which the visitor can experience the quiet healing of this sacred place. For over two thousand years this has been a place where people have gathered to drink the waters and find solace, peace and inspiration.
Address: Chalice Well Trust, 85-89 Chilkwell St, Glastonbury BA6 8DD
Contact: 01458 831154 / info@chalicewell.org.uk
Nearest bus stop: Tmurco Garage, Glastonbury
Bus service: First Bus - Buses of Somerset 77
Margaret’s Chapel Almshouses, Glastonbury
St Margaret’s Chapel was built by the Abbey as a place of prayer attached to the existing hospital for sick men. The building dates from 1444 and is Grade II* listed, and a Scheduled ancient monument. The chapel has features dating to the 13th and 15th centuries although the lancet window at the East end may be earlier. The chapel is open daily for quiet prayer and contemplation
Almshouse and former hospital - The first hospital in Glastonbury was built by the monks of the Abbey on the site of St John’s Church on the High Street but this soon became too small and so in about 1250 they built a hospital on this site, just inside the chaingate entrance to the Abbey. The chaingate was used to control the number of pilgrims allowed to access the Abbey and was opened at sunrise and closed at sunset.
Address: Magdalene St, Glastonbury BA6 9EJ
Contact: info@stmargaretschapel.org.uk
Nearest bus stop: Tmurco Garage, Glastonbury
Bus service: First Bus - Buses of Somerset 77
Glastonbury's Gem Shops
Glastonbury is famed for it's range of Gem shops. Most of these can be found on High Street or Magdalene Street, Glastonbury.
Nearest bus stop: Town Hall, Glastonbury
Bus service: First Bus - Buses of Somerset 77
Sherborne
Sherborne is a market town and civil parish in north west Dorset. Sherborne is without doubt one of the most beautiful towns in England. The charming, honey-coloured town is brimming with history and heritage and you're sure to be impressed by the array of beautiful buildings, including a magnificent Abbey, that make Sherborne so special. It's 6 miles east of Yeovil.
Sherborne Abbey
Sherborne Abbey was founded by St. Aldhelm in AD 705, Sherborne Abbey has developed from Saxon cathedral to the worshipping heart of a monastic community and, finally, to one England’s most beautiful parish churches. For many, it is still the ‘cathedral of Dorset’ and our Benedictine heritage lives on in the daily offering of prayer and praise.
Address: Abbey Close, Sherborne DT9 3LQ
Contact: 01935713777
Nearest bus stop: Digby Road, Sherborne
Bus service: South West Coaches - service 5 (Monday to Friday excluding Bank Holiday)
Sherborne Castle & Gardens
Sherborne Castle & Gardens
Built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594 and the stately home of the Wingfield Digby family since 1617.
There are 42 acres of our beautiful English landscaped gardens, Grade I listed Garden commisioned by Capability Brown. And a 50 acre lake.
Address: Sherborne Castle, New Road, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 5NR
Contact: 01935813182 / castleoffice@sherbornecastle.com
Nearest bus stop: The Station, Sherborne
Bus service: South West Coaches - service 5 (Monday to Friday excluding Bank Holiday)
Sherborne Old Castle built on a grand scale in the 12th century by the Bishop of Salisbury, Sherborne was coveted by churchmen and noblemen alike. Sherborne Old Castle became the home of Sir Walter Ralegh. Later a powerful Royalist base, it saw fierce fighting during the civil war, Described by Sir Oliver Crowmwell as ‘Malicious and Mischievous’ it finally fell in 1645.
Visitors today can delight in the great gatehouse, stroll in the castle grounds and enjoy a picnic where Sir Walter Raleigh once entertained when the castle acted as his country home. The castle grounds today with its picturesque views across the surrounding countryside is a haven for wildlife and flowers. There is also a deer park in the grounds.
Address: Sherborne Castle, Castleton, Sherborne DT9 3SA
Contact: 01935 812730
Nearest bus stop: The Station, Sherborne
Bus service: South West Coaches - service 5 (Monday to Friday excluding Bank Holiday)
Sherborne Museum
Sherborne Museum is housed in what used to be the gatehouse and almonry of the monastery once associated with the Abbey.
Founded in 1968, from the outset it has been dedicated to the geological, historical, social and industrial heritage of the town and the surrounding villages, as well as its natural history.
Highlights include a unique medieval wall-painting, a touch-screen version of the Sherborne Missal, 200 botanical watercolours of local flora, silk and gloving displays and a vast photographic archive. We also have regularly changing temporary exhibitions, some of which are created by local schools.
Address: Church Lane, Sherborne, DT9 3BP
Contact: 01935 812252
Nearest bus stop: Digby Road, Sherborne
Bus service: South West Coaches - service 5 (Monday to Friday excluding Bank Holiday)
Dorchester
Dorchester is the county town of Dorset. It is situated between Poole and Bridport on the A35 trunk route. A historic market town, Dorchester is on the banks of the River Frome to the south of the Dorset Downs and north of the South Dorset Ridgeway that separates the area from Weymouth, 7 miles to the south. Dorchester is 20 miles from Yeovil.
You can also catch buses from Dorchester to go to Weymouth plus the two train stations: Dorchester South and Dorchester West.
First Bus - Wessex, Dorset & South Somerset - 10 / 10A - Dorchester to Weynmouth
Dorset Museum, a place to connect with 250 million years of Dorset’s history, now re-opened following a 2-year refurbishment.
Address: High W Street, Dorchester DT1 1XA
Contact: 01305262735 / enquiries@dorsetmuseum.org
Nearest bus stop: The Museum (Stop D), Dorechester
Bus service: South West Coaches - service 5 (Monday to Friday excluding Bank Holiday)
The Keep Military Museum in Dorchester offers a fascinating insight into local military history. The Grade II listed building, once the gatehouse for the Depot Barracks of the Dorsetshire Regiment, houses amazing artefacts, learning experiences and fun for all the family.
Address: Bridport Road, Dorchester DT1 1RN
Contact: 01305264066 / info@keepmilitarymuseum.org
Nearest bus stop: Top O Town, Dorchester
Bus service: South West Coaches - service 5 (Monday to Friday excluding Bank Holiday)
spectacular recreation of Tutankhamun's tomb and treasures. This internationally acclaimed exhibition spans time itself. Extensively featured on television throughout the world.
and , and Dorchester large Market.
Address: The Tutankhamun Exhibition High West Street, Dorchester, DT1 1UW
Contact: 01305 269 571 / info@tutankhamun-exhibition.co.uk
Nearest bus stop: Nearest bus stop: Top O Town, Dorchester
Bus service: South West Coaches - service 5 (Monday to Friday excluding Bank Holiday)
Shire Hall Museum brings over 200 years of justice and injustice to life. Walk in the footsteps of people whose lives were forever changed in the historic court at Dorchester’s Shire Hall. Immerse yourself in the cells before ascending to the dock. Experience it for yourself.
Address: High West Street, Dorchester, DT1 1UW
Contact: 01305 261849 / info@shirehalldorset.org.
Nearest bus stop: Nearest bus stop: Top O Town, Dorchester
Bus service: South West Coaches - service 5 (Monday to Friday excluding Bank Holiday)
Blankford Forum
Located on the banks of the River Stour, Blandford Forum is the most complete, small Georgian town in England.
This town has stunning architecture, a charming parish church and wonderful market place. It is also home to one of Dorset’s breweries – Hall & Woodhouse.
Catch the X10 run by First Bus - Buses of Somerset to Blandford Forum with there popular market and here you could catch a bus to Shaftesbury.. for Goldhill known for the how is advert!
Or catch the More Bus x8 (Monday to Friday except Bank Holidays) from Blankford Forum to Poole.
Blanford Forum Market is held on Thursdays and Saturdays each week in the Market Place throughout the year. Trading hours are between 8.30am and 4.30pm with a variety of goods being sold, these may include food, luggage, clothing or household goods. the Market is held in the centre of town.
Address: Market Place
Nearest bus stop: Crown Hotel (Bay D)
Bus service: First Bus - Buses of Somerset- x10 (Monday - Saturday except Bank Holidays)
Martock
Yandles was founded in 1860 by Henry Yandle. Visit the sawmill, woodworking centre, gallery, coffee shop, arts and crafts store, and gifts and home store with beautifully crafted gifts and artwork by local artists. Café.
Address: Yandles Woodworking, Arts & Crafts, Hurst Works, Hurst, Martock, TA12 6JU
Contact: 01935822207
Nearest bus stop: The Green, Martock
Bus service: South West Coaches 52 (Monday to Friday)
Crewkerne
An historic and attractive stone built country Market Town in the South Somerset Hills, Crewkerne has its origins in Saxon times. The 15th Century parish church, St Bartholomew's, overlooking Bincombe Valley, was built with the wealth of the flourishing medieval wool industry. The Town Centre is a Conservation Area with some fine examples of 19th Century Georgian houses.
Today Crewkerne has a range of cafes, pubs and restaurants, supermarkets and small shops (including a range of antique shops).
Address: Market Place and surrounding streets
Nearest bus stop: George Hotel, Market Square, Cewkerne
Bus service: South West Coaches 96 (Monday to Friday except Bank Holidays)
Chard
Chard charming hisitoric town and is is geographically the highest town in Somerset and nestles in a corner of South Somerset between Dorset and Devon.
Chard is indeed the birthplace of powered flight, as it was here in 1848 that the Victorian aeronautical pioneer John Stringfellow (1799–1883) first demonstrated that engine-powered flight was possible through his work on the Aerial Steam Carriage.
Chard Tourist Information Centre
Address: The Guildhall Fore Street, Chard, Somerset TA20 1PP
Contact: 01460260051
Nearest bus stop: St Mary's Church, Chard
Bus service: South West Coaches service 96 (Monday - Friday excluding Bank Holidays)
Chard Museum
Chard Museum is a small local museum in Chard, Somerset, England. It opened in 1970, in a converted 16th century listed building, with collections of exhibits about local history and displays related to the lives of notable local residents. Exhibits include the history of Chard, historical agricultural equipment, a display on cider making, a 1960's exhibit, a blacksmith's forge display and an exhibit on John Stringfellow, who worked in Chard and was a pioneer of powered flying machines.
Address: Godworthy House, High Street, Chard, TA20 1QB
Contact: 0146065091
Nearest bus stop: St Mary's Church, Chard
Bus service: South West Coaches service 96 (Monday - Friday excluding Bank Holidays)
Chard Reservoir is a 36.97-hectare (91.4-acre) reservoir north east of Chard. It is owned and managed by South Somerset District Council and is a recipient of the Green Flag Award. It was built on the river Isle in 1842 to provide water for the Chard Canal.
It is a Local Nature Reserve. It is used for dog walking, fishing and birdwatching, with a bird hide having been installed. Birds which are spotted regularly include herons, egrets, kingfishers, cormorants, grebes, gulls, ducks and also a wide range of woodland birds such as nuthatch, treecreeper and woodpeckers. Rarities have included ring-necked duck, great white egret, cattle egret and yellow-browed warbler.
The water is stocked with carp.
Address: Chard Reservoir, Oaklands Avenue, Chard, TA20 1HU
Contact: 01935 462462 / countryside@southsomerset.gov.uk
Nearest bus stop: Ship Inn, Chard
Bus service: First Bus - Buses of Somerset 30 (Monday to Saturday excluding Bank Holidays)
South Cadbury
Cadbury Castle
Steeped in history and mythology, the site of the long-forsaken Cadbury Castle is an essential part of any visit to South Somerset.
A military stronghold for over 4000 years, the first earthen ramparts were raised in the Stone Age. During the Iron Age the fort was occupied by the Durotriges tribe (who gave their name to Dorset) and was where they made their stand against the invading Romans. They were ultimately defeated in AD 70, and the successful Roman aggressors went on to burn down the fort and surrounding village.
By AD 500 the fort was again standing tall, and was extended by Ethelred the Unready in AD 1000, as a means of defence against the plundering Vikings. In the 16th century it was suggested that this site was indeed the stronghold of King Arthur during the 6th century and there is certainly plenty of archaeological evidence to suggest Cadbury Castle was an important fortification at that time.
Today, as you walk the earthen ramparts, the sigh of a cool northern wind eloquently speaks of the history this hill has seen and the many souls who once lived here. As you stand on the summit, alone except for the calling of crows or the rumble of distant thunder, it’s easy to become lost in the past, as Glastonbury Tor reaches out across the Somerset Levels before you and the Isle of Avalon sparkles.
Address: Cadbury Hill Fort, South Cadbury, Yeovil BA22 7HA
Nearest bus stop: Chapel Cross, South Cadbury
Bus service: South West Coaches - services 1 (Monday to Saturday except Bank Holidays)
