South Petherton Tourist Information South Somerset

South Petherton History

South Petherton has been settled since ancient Britons colonised the area for the fertile soils that could support them. The Romans were later attracted to the area being in a good defensive position with views out over the Somerset Levels.

It was an important Saxon settlement and the Palace of King Ine of the Wessex Kingdom was built on what is now Silver Street. In 1680 The Duke of Monmouth visited South Petherton to raise support for the Monmouth Rebellion.

South Petherton has been the site of an important mint and a centre for bronze cauldron and skillet making during the seventeenth century.

The mainstay of the village has always been agriculture glove making, cider production and a range of other cottage industries have all contributed other village's income.

• Somerset South Hotels
• Accommodation in South Somerset
• Guest Houses in South Somerset

South Petherton Tourist Information

The old buildings and churches dotted around South Petherton give the village its character.

One such building is the The William Blake Memorial Hall in the centre of South Petherton with its distinctive bell turret.

The church, St Peter's and St Paul's has an octagonal tower and is believed to be the tallest octagonal church tower in Britain. The church has some interesting historic artefacts including a medieval effigy of a knight. The Methodist Church dates from the nineteenth century and was build as a memorial to Thomas Coke who preached in the town during the eighteenth century - although he ejected his parishioners who didn't like his evangelical style of preaching!

South Petherton has a good range of shops in its centre selling a wide range of goods and local produce. Holiday accommodation includes B&B in traditional Ham stone cottages.

• Bed and Breakfast in South Somerset
• Hotels in South Somerset
• South Somerset Accommodation

The River Parrett Trail

South Petherton is not far from The River Parrett Trail and you can take a circular diversion to visit the village. This is a 50 mile, long distance hiking trail that extends from near Crewkerne to Combwich near Steart, just south of Burnham-on-Sea. You can complete the whole trail over 3 or 4 days or break it up as a series of shorter walks during your holiday in Somerset.

The trail follows the River Parrett from the Dorset Hills where it starts through the Somerset Levels countryside and characteristic Somerset market towns, ending at its mouth at Bridgwater Bay. The going is relatively easy as most of the walk is on flat ground. If you want more of a challenge along the way you can have a go at canoeing on the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal or hire a bike from the Langport Visitor Centre and explore further afield.

There is a good variety of attractions along the way. Historic towns such as Langport (the River Parrett Trail Visitor Centre is also here) and Muchleney and you can join the Battle of Sedgemoor Trail at Westonzoyland near Bridgwater to find out more about the last battle on English soil.

If wildlife's more your thing there is a good range of nature reserves to explore in the heart of the Somerset Levels where you can do a bit of birdwatching at West Sedgemoor RSPB reserve or slight further inland around Shapwick Heath. You can also find out more about the willow weaving that has been a traditional craft of the area for thousands of years at the Willows and Wetlands Centre at Meare Green Court, Stoke St Gregory, Taunton, Somerset TA3 6HY. Tel: 01823 490249. Fax: 01823 490814. Check The Parrett Trail website for more information. You can get a free leaflet from Tourist Offices or buy the Trail Guide to plan your trip.

• Holiday Cottages in South Somerset
• B&Bs in South Somerset
• South Somerset Guest Houses