A small journey from Yeovil and 24 miles south of Bath sits Castle Cary, a small medieval market town on the edge of gorgeous rolling countryside between the Somerset Levels and Penselwood. With plenty to see and do, we’ve assembled a guide to help plan your trip to this charming Somerset town
Rest your head at…
If luxury, chic modern interiors and industrial decorative touches are your bag, The Nurseries is an ideal place to relax after a day’s exploring. This Air BnB rental makes for an idyllic retreat in Castle Cary, and although positioned at the top of the town’s high street, it feels a million miles away from the hustle and bustle. The house has floor length windows making for wonderful views of the surrounding countryside, and there’s even a patio and garden area that’s perfect for entertaining in the evening.
Nestled in the town centre, George Hotel is a lovely place to unwind during your stay in Castle Cary. Originally a coaching inn, you’ll now find bedrooms with modern décor and all the amenities necessary for a relaxing break away. Make sure to grab a pint of local ale or enjoy a delicious coffee in the cosy bar area, with an open inglenook fireplace roaring in the background.
Get your foodie fix at…
By day The Bakehouse is a vibrant coffee shop and restaurant, serving an eclectic mix of Thai and traditional British dishes at lunchtime, and on Friday and Saturday evenings exclusively authentic Thai cuisine. With dishes like the mouth-watering Pad Thai and scrumptious slices of homemade cake to enjoy with coffee in the day, there are plenty of reasons to make a visit to The Bakehouse. If you visit in summer, try and dine al fresco in the delightful courtyard under the shade of the grapevines.
In the lovely hamlet of Lovington, a ten minute drive from Castle Cary, lies the Pilgrims Restaurant, a stunning stone building bursting with character, that was previously a village pub. The award-winning restaurant, also with bedrooms available, offers an extensive menu brimming with unique dishes full of local produce. For seafood lovers, why not try the heavenly monkfish and scallops?
A local watering hole to enjoy a tipple…
The family run White Hart is a wonderfully traditional town pub in the heart of Castle Cary. With a great range of local real ales and a varied wine list there are also plenty of classic home-cooked pub dishes to be enjoyed near a warming fire or sat in the sun-trapping beer garden that provides great views. There are plenty of events that run throughout the year making for a lively atmosphere including games of skittles, discos, pub quizzes and comedy nights.
Don’t miss…
Scenic countryside walks
The Monarch’s Way, a 615 mile long footpath stretching from Worcester via Bath and Yeovil to Brighton, alongside the Macmillan Way and Leland Trail all pass near Castle Cary. The routes are ideal for a peaceful stroll through Somerset’s scenic setting. If spectacular views are what you’re after, take a walk up to the top of Lodge Hill which offers a panorama of Castle Cary.
Shopping
For those who love independent shops and finding unique treats, Castle Cary is full of places to explore. Take a look in Needful Things Interiors & Gifts for gorgeous trinkets, Bailey Hill Bookshop for a host of new and second-hand literature, among many stores for you to peruse. On a Tuesday morning, the town hosts a market in front of Castle Cary’s Market House, a picturesque building dating back to 1855, where a host of stalls selling local crafts and produce are available to browse from 9am to 2pm.
A short drive from Castle Cary is the formidable Nunney Castle, a stunning moated medieval castle built in the 1370s. Maintained by English Heritage, the well-preserved ruins are perfect for an afternoon of exploring and learning about the castle’s colourful history.
Fancy exploring more of beautiful Somerset? Take a look at…
