Thornfalcon Guides: a day out in Ilminster, Barrington & Langport

Start by heading off to Ilminster, 15 mins from Thornfalcon.

Ilminster is a lovely town with cafes, an arts centre, and a beautiful 15th century Minster church. It’s our favourite place for local and seasonal food shopping- Bonners butcher and deli, a brilliant greengrocer next door, and a shop dedicated to cheese cakes. 

Central Ilminster is also home to international fashion designer Alice Temperley’s design atelier, workshop and brand outlet – the only location in the UK to offer original samples and past season's pieces. Set around a beautiful central courtyard, with a cafe, bar and bottle shop, the Temperley Outlethas a wide range of archive Temperley day wear and gowns, great tailoring and deco sequinned gowns, as well as a bridal store, and various accessories and textiles. This is a treasure trove of fashion dreams, in the centre of Ilminster.

There are various antique shops dotted throughout Ilminster to explore. Check out Phoenix Rising Antiques, next to Jordan’s Courtyard an old farm complex with a yoga studio, shops and cafes.

Just outside Ilminster in Dowlish Wake, you’ll find Perry’s cider - a quintessential Somerset working cider mill dating back to 1920, with a great farm shop, delicious selection of craft ciders, cider bar and a cafe. 

Barrington is a quintessential Somerset village with a pretty and distinctive church, and an excellent dining pub. The award-winning Barrington Boar features locally sourced fine dining with a great menu and wine/ cocktail list. It also has a brilliant new bakery just next door. 

Just next door is Barrington Court, a dog-friendly, stunning National Trust property, Tudor mansion and gardens/ parkland (that featured in the BBC’s Wolf Hall) that feels like a slice of old Somerset. It is also home to a number of local artisan studios, including a goldsmith, pottery studio, chair maker and wood carver. 

Driving north towards Langport, on the edge of the Somerset Levels, you come to Mulcheney Abbey- a Benedictine abbey with remarkably intact medieval buildings and cloisters. It was founded on the island of Mulcheney in the 8th century, closing abruptly in 1583 during King Henry VIII’s dissolution of monasteries.

Pretty Langport is on the banks of the river Parrett, an ancient Somerset town. Fish and canoe on the river, sit in one of its cafes, go antiquing and browse its independent shops. 

On the second Saturday of each month, the little town is taken over by a Brocante-style vintage market. Year round, while away a happy hour painting ceramics in the Kiln Cafe (which they will fire for you), and pick up excellent artisan bread at the Little Bakery.

On the way back to Thornfalcon, stop in at the Coates English Willow Centre. Founded in 1819, and still run by the same family today, basket willow making has taken place here for two centuries. The visitor centre has a sculpture trail, little museum, guided tours, a circular walk and a lovely shop for hand woven baskets.

Finish with a drink or dinner in North Curry’s picturesque pub, the Bird in Hand, before heading back to Thornfalcon Winery & Press.