Top Things to do in Somerset
Countries
The 10 Best Gardens in Somerset, England
Discover the best top things to do in Somerset, United Kingdom including American Museum & Gardens, Botanical Gardens at Victoria Park, Prior Park Landscape Gardens (NT), Sydney Gardens, Forde Abbey & Gardens, Barrington Court, Milton Lodge Gardens, The Bishop's Palace and Gardens, Hestercombe Gardens, Tintinhull Garden.
Restaurants in Somerset
1. American Museum & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 720 reviews
The American Museum provides a fabulous day out for all adults and children. The New American Garden, Mount Vernon Garden, and play area “The Children’s Garden” awaits explorers of all ages. From winding paths and colourful flowers to woodland wanders with your four-legged friends (yes, dogs on leads are welcome!) and climbing adventures, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Housed in a fine Georgian manor house with outstanding views over the Limpley Stoke Valley, on the edge of Bath, the American Museum takes you on a journey through American history, with its remarkable collection of folk, decorative arts and cultural objects. The only museum of Americana outside of the United States, it was founded to bring American history and cultures to the people of Britain and Europe. The gardens, children’s play area and cafe are open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am until 5pm. The Museum and exhibition remain closed in line with government guidance. Please see our website for updates,
Reviewed By rosannam316 - Inverness, United Kingdom
Such an interesting and informative museum. The gentleman on reception clearly explained how the layout works and from reading up about it beforehand I knew that the emphasis is on the folk art side of things. However I was very pleasantly surprised to find a lot of information about the history of America and it’s good to hear this is likely to be expanded. I particularly enjoyed the Native American section and the quilts and other textiles on display are wonderful. The skill and craftsmanship is just astonishing. A huge bonus was the Kaffe Fassett exhibition and I was blown away by the display. I also enjoyed the Thomas Kellner photos - imaginative and quite stunning. Lovely gift shop and I like the way it’s also used to display museum pieces. I had lunch in the cafe and thoroughly enjoyed it. Nice to see American dishes on the menu. Friendly staff and good service. Unfortunately due to the weather I didn’t have chance to go round what looked to be really interesting gardens. I used the hop on/off bus and would just say if you choose to do the same, it’s a good 20 min walk from where you’re dropped off, part of it on a narrow road with no pavement. I’m fit and healthy and enjoy walking but others may wish to consider different options. I also found there was a lack of signage once you turned off the “main” road and I had to check with passers by that I was still heading in the right direction!! I hope to visit again next year with friends who I know will love it.
2. Botanical Gardens at Victoria Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 276 reviews
Located on the north side of Bath's Victoria Park, these gardens were constructed in 1887 and today displays a huge variety of plants spreading over nine acres of its scenic landscape.
Reviewed By idopam
My family and I spent a lovely time wandering about the garden which has wonderful trees and plants. It is very well kept and a perfect place to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Well worth a visit.
3. Prior Park Landscape Gardens (NT)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 805 reviews
A beautiful 18th-century landscape garden featuring the Palladian Bridge, which is magically sited on a scenic lake with sweeping views of the city of Bath.
Reviewed By LeeLee883 - Reading, United Kingdom
We visited on a Monday morning whike staying in Bath, it is quite a steep walk from the town centre and we were a little our of breath upon arriving. The gentlemen who we brought our tickets from was super friendly and thorough in explaining where everything was. We felt the entry fee of £7.50 was about right for the duration we stayed. It did not take us long to walk around, there were some fantastic views and lovely photo opportunities. Not very good for people who would struggle with climbing as it was steep in places and if the ground was wet quite slippy also
4. Sydney Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 153 reviews
Reviewed By cardamon
We heard about the Sydney Gardens in the Jane Austen museum so thought we'd go and find them. Lovely gardens to wander around. Free entry. Nice end to my day in Bath.
5. Forde Abbey & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 707 reviews
Thirty acres of beautiful gardens, surrounding one of the oldest inhabited houses in England that is open to the public, features a rockery, bog garden, arboretum and millions of spring bulbs.
Reviewed By hopefultraveller_9 - Christchurch, United Kingdom
Beautiful gardens tucked away in the middle of nowhere! Lovely herbacious borders near the fountain which is spectacular (is switched on at noon, 1.30 and 3pm for 15 mins) The bog garden is impressive as is the extensive kitchen garden which has a large amount of squashes growing.
6. Barrington Court
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 769 reviews
Reviewed By richardstewartn
Each time we visit it seems improved on previous visits. The house is a delight and the information boards provide valuable details about the Lyle family who rebuilt much of the house 100 yrs ago. Worth visiting for the wood panelling and plumbing. House is unfurnished but as many of the rooms are not overly large did not miss this. The panelling stole the show. The Gardens were the highlight of the trip and the radios on the seats a delightful touch. How wonderful it was to see the walled garden being used for the purpose intended. It is quite surprising how many poor N T gardens their are but Barrington is up with the best of them. The tearooms were also top league . Well done to all the lovely volunteers who make Barrington so special..
7. Milton Lodge Gardens
8. The Bishop's Palace and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,578 reviews
Home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for 800 years this stunning medieval palace is open for all to enjoy. Surrounded by a breathtaking moat with resident Mute swans, you can cross the Drawbridge to experience a true hidden gem in the heart of the City of Wells. The Palace sits within 14 acres of RHS partner gardens, including the beautiful well pools from which the city takes its name. In the Arboretum is the newly developed "Dragon's Lair" children's playground to tire out little legs. There are daily Guided Tours, a Cafe serving delicious lunches, cakes and hot and cold drinks. Dogs are welcome on leads. Regular events and activities take place including children's activities in the holiday time.
Reviewed By SeniorswithLatitude - Princeville, United States
You can easily spend several hours wandering through the gardens, seeing the "wells" for which Wells in named, watching the swans ring a bell for food, along with touring through the elaborate Bishops Palace. Fun and interesting. Sit and relax, have something to eat at the cafe or stroll the day away.
9. Hestercombe Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 989 reviews
Based near Taunton in Somerset, Hestercombe House and Gardens features a unique combination of 300 years of garden design, a contemporary art gallery and award-winning visitor facilities. We’re a place where visitors can explore, learn and relax. The Gardens include Coplestone Warre Bampfylde's Georgian landscape garden, the Victorian terrace and shrubbery and the beautiful Edwardian garden design by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll. All have undergone restoration and today provide important examples of gardens in contrasting styles that continue to grow and develop. As part of your visit, relax in the warm and welcoming Stables Cafe with a tasty hot or cold lunch, and a range of savoury and sweet afternoon teas. Hestercombe Gallery presents the best in contemporary art exhibitions whilst focusing on the relationship between art and landscape. Hestercombe is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm, (closed on Christmas & Boxing Day). Dogs welcome. Booking online essential.
Reviewed By melsie21 - Taunton, United Kingdom
Formal gardens with scented roses, a wonderful walk through woods with a cascade, ducks on the fish ponds, follies and birdsong, a great café for coffee, tea, or lunch - and all just a couple of miles from Taunton - what more could you ask.
10. Tintinhull Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 242 reviews
Reviewed By jasonhF832CX - Yeovil, United Kingdom
I love it here, it's worth having the National Trust membership just for this as it's just down the road. Beautiful gardens and a vegetable garden to get inspiration. There are apple trees on the land between the car park and the gardens too. Love this place.
TAGS
