South West Heritage Trust

Shepton Mallet, Wells & Glastonbury

The Museum of Somerset

Visit Taunton Castle
Housed in Taunton’s historic castle, the Museum of Somerset tells the county's fascinating story from prehistoric times to the present day.  Within the 12th century castle walls you’ll find contemporary gallery spaces and great family visitor facilities, all situated within the town centre.

Discover 400 million years of history 
With an amazing nine themed galleries, each with its own distinctive character, there’s something for everyone to discover. Our ‘must see’ exhibits include a 200 million year old Plesiosaur fossil (a type of marine reptile); the impressive Low Ham Roman mosaic; a stunning Bronze Age Gold Torc and the Frome Hoard of more than 50,000 Roman coins. The museum also houses The Somerset Military Museum.

Courtyard Café and shop
The Courtyard Café showcases Somerset’s great-tasting produce. Take your pick from morning coffees and pastries, freshly-made light lunches, afternoon teas and cake. You can also visit the museum shop which stocks a range of reasonably-priced toys, cards, books and gifts including the ‘Made in Somerset’ range of local food and drink.

For more information visit our website museumofsomerset.org.uk or call us on 01823 255088 or email museumofsomerset@swheritage.org.uk

Opening times are Tuesday - Saturday 10.00 am - 5.00 pm (last entry 4.30 pm) bank holiday Mondays and some Sundays.

The Museum of Somerset is part of the South West Heritage Trust, an independent charity that protects and celebrates Somerset and Devon’s rich heritage.

Somerset Rural Life Museum

Visit Abbey Farm
Situated just below Glastonbury Tor the Museum is a unique heritage attraction on the site of the former Abbey Farm. Here you can explore rural life from the 1800s onwards and discover more about the county’s heritage. The farmhouse and former farm buildings are home to a series of galleries and exhibition spaces. Outside spaces, including in the farmyard and orchard, offer interpretation and family trails. The magnificent 14th-century Abbey Barn is one of the West Country’s finest buildings and the centrepiece of the site. With the Museum Unlimited annual pass visitors pay once and visit for a whole year free of charge.

Café and shop
The Grain Store Cafe serves delicious locally-sourced food and drink. You are welcome to visit the cafe even if you aren’t visiting the Museum. A small shop offers a wide selection of gifts and souvenirs. 

For more information visit our website srlm.org.uk or call us on 01458 831197 or email SRLM@swheritage.org.uk

We are open 10.00 am to 5.00 pm:

• Tuesday to Sunday – Easter to 31 October
• Tuesday to Saturday – 1 November to Easter

Somerset Rural Life Museum is part of the South West Heritage Trust, an independent charity that protects and celebrates Somerset and Devon’s rich heritage.

Somerset Brick & Tile Museum

The Museum tells the story of brick and tile making, one of the many labour-intensive industries once found in Somerset. At the heart of the Museum is one of the only traditional brick kilns to survive in southern England. It was one of six at the former Barham Brothers’ Yard in East Quay, Bridgwater, and was last fired in 1965.

Bridgwater produced an impressive variety of bricks, tiles, terracotta plaques and other wares that created the look of many Somerset towns. The kiln is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and was saved from destruction in the 1990s.

Open Tuesdays 10:00am to 4:00pm

For more information visit our website Somersetbrickandtilemuseum.org.uk or call us on 01278 426088 or email brickandtile@swheritage.org.uk