Travel notes: What to do in Bruton
The small (and erstwhile, sleepy) village of Bruton might not sound like the most obvious choice for staycationers and London day trippers, at first. But with a slew of excellent hotel openings (Number One; At The Chapel; The Newt), a fantastic foodie scene and easy accessibility by train, it's definitely becoming the Somerset base of choice for those in the know.
I've been several times now and think I've finessed a pretty comprehensive guide of what to do in Bruton, whether you're looking to plan the perfect day trip or maximise an overnight stay!
Go shopping on the high street
Admittedly, this won't take you long, as the high street is tiny! But the shops in Bruton are excellent. I love Caro for homewares and books, and Godminster for cheese & deli bits. Durslade Farm Shop, next door to Hauser & Wirth, is also amazing – think the West Country's version of Daylesford (basically - heaven).
Walk up to the Dovecote
Making your way up from the high street towards the river, you pass under the train station (and traverse several allotments and fields…) to make the scenic walk up to the Dovecote. If weather permits, I highly recommend stopping off at At The Chapel for some takeaway pizzas and a glass of something cold & alcoholic, first. The perfect spot for a picnic!
Get your culture fix at Hauser & Wirth
Once you've made your way down to the bottom of the hill from the Dovecote, you're almost at one of Bruton's main attractions: Hauser & Wirth. It was apparently the arrival of the UK outpost of this lauded gallery that kickstarted Bruton's recent wave of popularity, and for good reason, I’d say – the exhibitions are excellently curated and regularly rotate. Entry is free, and don't miss the gardens, afterwards.
Grab a bite
In my book, a visit to At The Chapel alone is worth the trip to Bruton! The most unique setting, a delicious and well-executed menu, and the friendliest staff. What's not to love?! If you only get chance to grab a pastry & coffee, the bakery out front is excellent, too.
For dinner, it's got to be Osip - I haven't yet been able to dine there (as we always seem to end up in Bruton on a Monday, when they're closed!) but I have heard amaaaazing things from my very fussy foodie friends. A stay at Number One is on my wishlist, so I can experience Osip myself – watch this space!
Explore Somerset’s nearby gems
I may be biased, having studied in Bath for 3 years, but I think this glorious county is one of the most beautiful in England. Bruton is well-placed to explore the region, especially if you have a car (although you can definitely get to Bruton by train with no problems, I've always driven, for this reason!).
I can highly recommend…
Stopping off in nearby Frome to poke your nose in the independent shops (if you need a pitstop for lunch, Eight Stony Street is excellent)
Stourhead is one of my all-time favourite National Trust properties, and is only about a 15 minute drive away – if your visit is timed in Autumn, you're in for a treat!
Castle Cary, Glastonbury and Wells are some other pretty villages nearby that are well worth a visit.
Drop in on the Newt
You'll need membership to go (the annual fee is currently £68) but I can honestly say that the scale of the gardens and the activities on offer (guided tours, cyder making, wine tasting, a Roman villa, the Beezantium… I could go on and on!) make the Newt unmissable, while you're in this part of the world. Plus membership is much more affordable that an overnight stay, so if you're looking for a more affordable way to experience the property, this is it!