Attractions and Places To See around Staple Fitzpaine - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Staple Fitzpaine are found within the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Somerset, England. This region offers a blend of historical landmarks, natural features, and rural settings. Visitors can explore ancient sites, scenic woodlands, and rolling hills. The area provides opportunities for outdoor activities and cultural discovery.
Best attractions and places to see around Staple Fitzpaine
- The most popular attractions is Castle Neroche Iron Age Hill Fort, a castle that is a motte-and-bailey castle on the site of an earlier Iron Age hill fort. It features impressive earthworks covered in trees and is managed by Forestry England.
- Another must-see spot is Donyatt Halt, a disused train station. It is located along the old Chard to Ilminster railway line, which is now a cycle path, offering a place for a pit stop.
- Visitors also love St Peter's Church, Staple Fitzpaine, a historical site. This Grade I listed building has Norman origins, with parts dating back to the 14th century, and features a crenellated three-stage tower.
- Staple Fitzpaine is known for its historical sites, natural features, and walking trails. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient castles to disused railway lines and historic churches.
- The attractions around Staple Fitzpaine are appreciated by the komoot community, with 52 upvotes and 14 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 5, 2026
Castle Neroche Iron Age Hill Fort
Highlight โข Castle
Now it's a really fascinating place; the old earth works are covered in trees with amazing views between the trunks. Managed by Forestry England.
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Donyatt Halt
Highlight โข Structure
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Wellington Monument
Highlight โข Climb
Tours are available from April to October 10:00 - 16:00, booking essential. You can view the monument from outside and walk around the area which has great views without booking.
The Wellington Monument is the tallest three sided obelisk in the world at 175ft. It was commissioned in 1817 to commemorate the Duke of Wellingtons victory at the battle of Waterloo. Originally designed to be a plinth with a stature of the duke on top but the money ran out and it was eventually finished in 1820.
It's been damaged by lightning and needed major restoration several times since it's completion.
The National Trust took over the management in 1934 and undertook many cycles of repair over the years. The most recent 3.1million pound project has been recently completed with the aim of not needing more repair work in the near future.
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St Peter's Church, Staple Fitzpaine
Highlight โข Historical Site
The Chancel ( area around the Altar ) dates back to the 14th century. The North aisle was added about a century later, but the south porch and vestry were added much alter on in the 1800's.
The Church has 6 bells, the oldest dating to the 1400's
The crenellated three stage tower has merlons ( Designed slits for observations or firing ) Note on my pictures what appear to be gargoyles, but in fact are actually hunky punks ( grotesque gothic decorations which serve no purpose, unlike Gargoyles which are used a drainage features for water on the roof ).
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Taunton Castle
Highlight โข Historical Site
Today, you can visit the castle and its fascinating museum. You'll also find a cafe there because no English castle is complete without a slice of cake.
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Tips from the Community
Donyatt Halt Records for Donyatt Halt state: "This halt, opened on May 5th, 1928, has a single platform edged with wooden sleepers, and a small wooden shelter. A pathway leads up from the platform to the road, which crosses the line by an overbridge at the Ilminster end of the platform. An ornate oil lamp stands at the top of the path and there are various posts with brackets for hanging oil lamps in winter." It would be the guard's duty to light and extinguish these lamps. Five trains a day operated in each direction taking about 45 minutes for the 15 - mile journey from Taunton to Chard, having made stops at Thornfalcon, Hatch, Ilton, Ilminster and Donyatt. Donyatt.com
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wellington monument sits on the top of the black down hills so be prepared for a big climb from all directions
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The church of st Peter is of norman origin and is listed as a Grade 1 building. The Chancel ( area around the Altar ) dates back to the 14th century. The North aisle was added about a century later, but the south porch and vestry were added much alter on in the 1800's. The Church has 6 bells, the oldest dating to the 1400's The crenellated three stage tower has merlons ( Designed slits for observations or firing ) Note on my pictures what appear to be gargoyles, but in fact are actually hunky punks ( grotesque gothic decorations which serve no purpose, unlike Gargoyles which are used a drainage features for water on the roof ).
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Norman castle The earthworks at the site are larger than would normally be found in a castle from the Norman period, raising speculation that it reused previously developed features. The castle was probably built by Robert, Count of Mortain in the 11th century. Archaeological evidence suggests it was built in several stages. During the first a rampart enclosing 7.5 acres (3.0 ha) was built. Soon after the Norman Conquest a smaller inner ringwork was constructed. The site was later converted into a motte and bailey, with a corner of the 20 feet (6.1 m) high motte serving as a barbican. By the early 12th century the castle was no longer in regular use. However, its use was resumed during The Anarchy, a period of civil war and unsettled government during a succession dispute between the supporters of King Stephen (1135โ1154) and those of his cousin, the Empress Matilda. Continued use in the later 12th century may have been by administrators of the surrounding royal forest as a base for operations against poachers.
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Castle Neroche is a Norman motte-and-bailey castle on the site of an earlier hill fort in the parish of Curland, near Staple Fitzpaine, Somerset, England. It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. The origin of the term Neroche is believed to be a contraction of the Old English words nierra and rechich or rachich for Rache, a type of hunting-dog used in Britain in the Middle Ages, giving a meaning of the camp where hunting dogs were kept. This also gives the site its alternative name of Castle Rache. Iron Age The reason for the construction of Iron Age hill forts has been a subject of debate. It has been argued that they could have been military sites constructed in response to invasion from continental Europe, sites built by invaders, or a military reaction to social tensions caused by an increasing population and consequent pressure on agriculture. The dominant view since the 1960s has been that the increasing use of iron led to social changes in Britain. Deposits of iron ore were separated from the sources of tin and copper necessary to make bronze, and as a result trading patterns shifted and the old elites lost their economic and social status. Archaeologist Barry Cunliffe believes that population increase played a role and has stated "[the forts] provided defensive possibilities for the community at those times when the stress [of an increasing population] burst out into open warfare. But I wouldn't see them as having been built because there was a state of war. They would be functional as defensive strongholds when there were tensions and undoubtedly some of them were attacked and destroyed, but this was not the only, or even the most significant, factor in their construction.
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The Museum cafe is well worth a visit for the cheese scone alone.
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Taunton is a wonderful place to begin or end a run. You could relax and grab a coffee or bite to eat in one of the many great cafรฉs and restaurants, or you could explore the beautiful River Tone or Hestercombe Gardens.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore around Staple Fitzpaine?
The area is rich in history. You can visit Castle Neroche Iron Age Hill Fort, a fascinating site with impressive earthworks that was once an Iron Age hillfort and later a Norman motte-and-bailey castle. Another significant landmark is St Peter's Church, Staple Fitzpaine, a Grade I listed building with Norman origins and parts dating back to the 14th century. Further afield, Taunton Castle offers a glimpse into medieval history with its museum and cafe.
Are there natural features or viewpoints to enjoy in the area?
Absolutely. Staple Fitzpaine is nestled within the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). You can visit Staple Hill, the highest point in the Blackdown Hills, which offers panoramic views across the Vale of Taunton and beyond. The area also features Quants Nature Reserve, known for its relict heathy grassland and ancient woodland, and Bishopswood Meadows, with its species-rich meadows beside the River Yarty. For a unique natural experience, explore the Blackbrook stream, where otters and water voles can sometimes be spotted.
What kind of outdoor activities are available around Staple Fitzpaine?
The region is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy cycling, walking, and horse riding along the waymarked off-road trails of the Staple Fitzpaine Herepath, part of an ancient Anglo-Saxon military road network. For more structured routes, there are numerous options for road cycling, touring cycling, and mountain biking. For example, you can find various cycling routes in the guides for Road Cycling Routes around Staple Fitzpaine, Cycling around Staple Fitzpaine, and MTB Trails around Staple Fitzpaine.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities in Staple Fitzpaine?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Castle Neroche Iron Age Hill Fort is a great place for children to explore ancient earthworks and enjoy the surrounding forest. Donyatt Halt, a disused train station along a cycle path, makes for an interesting pit stop during a family bike ride. The historical St Peter's Church, Staple Fitzpaine, can also be an educational visit, and the various walking trails in the Blackdown Hills offer gentle routes for all ages.
Where can I go for a walk or hike near Staple Fitzpaine?
The Blackdown Hills offer many walking opportunities. You can explore the waymarked trails on Staple Hill, which include an accessible viewpoint trail. The Staple Fitzpaine Herepath provides off-road trails suitable for walking. For more challenging hikes, consider routes that incorporate areas like Castle Neroche or the wider Blackdown Hills. Many of the cycling routes listed in the MTB Trails around Staple Fitzpaine guide are also suitable for walking, offering diverse terrain and scenery.
What is the best time of year to visit Staple Fitzpaine for outdoor activities?
The Blackdown Hills are beautiful year-round, but for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, spring and summer (April to September) offer the most pleasant weather, with longer daylight hours and blooming landscapes. Autumn brings stunning foliage, making it ideal for scenic walks. While winter can be colder, many trails remain accessible, offering a different, tranquil experience, especially in the woodlands.
Are there any unique local legends or folklore in Staple Fitzpaine?
Yes, the village is home to the intriguing Devilstones, large sandstone boulders found around the crossroads. Local folklore claims these stones were thrown by the Devil from Castle Neroche. Legend even suggests they would bleed if pricked with a pin, adding a touch of mystery to your visit.
What are some lesser-known natural spots or wildlife viewing opportunities?
Beyond the main attractions, nature enthusiasts can seek out Quants Nature Reserve and Bishopswood Meadows for diverse flora and fauna. The Blackbrook stream is a traffic-free route for wildlife, where you might spot otters and water voles. Nearby Mount Fancy Farm, a Butterfly Conservation reserve, is excellent for birdwatching, with species like Wood Warblers, Redstarts, and Tree Pipits.
Are there any pubs or cafes in or near Staple Fitzpaine?
The Greyhound Inn stands at the crossroads in Staple Fitzpaine, serving as a social hub and offering local hospitality. For other options, you might find cafes within attractions like Taunton Castle, or in nearby villages and towns, providing places to refresh after exploring.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Staple Fitzpaine?
Visitors frequently appreciate the blend of historical intrigue and natural beauty. The impressive earthworks and forest setting of Castle Neroche Iron Age Hill Fort are often highlighted. The peaceful atmosphere and historical significance of St Peter's Church, Staple Fitzpaine, also receive positive feedback. Many enjoy the well-maintained cycle paths, such as the one passing Donyatt Halt, for a relaxing outdoor experience.
Is there public transport available to reach Staple Fitzpaine or its attractions?
Staple Fitzpaine is a rural village, and public transport options are limited. It is generally recommended to travel by car to access the village and its surrounding attractions within the Blackdown Hills AONB. Some local bus services might connect to larger nearby towns like Taunton, from which further arrangements would be needed.
Are there any accessible trails or attractions for visitors with mobility considerations?
While many trails in the Blackdown Hills can be rugged, Staple Hill features a conifer plantation with waymarked walking trails, including an accessible viewpoint trail. It's always advisable to check specific trail conditions before visiting, but efforts are made to provide inclusive options where possible within the AONB.
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Most popular attractions around Staple Fitzpaine
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