Attractions and Places To See around Barrington - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Barrington include historical sites, natural monuments, and former railway lines. The region offers a variety of landscapes, from rolling slopes to historic parkland. Visitors can explore sites commemorating historical events or enjoy routes along disused train stations. The area provides opportunities for both historical exploration and outdoor activities.
Best attractions and places to see around Barrington
- The most popular attractions is Ham Hill War Memorial and Stone Circle, a man-made monument that commemorates victims of various conflicts. This site serves as a testimony to the horrors of war and the need for peace.
- Another must-see spot is Donyatt Halt, a disused train station. Visitors can find benches along the old Chard to Ilminster railway line, which is now a cycle path, making it a suitable place for a pit stop.
- Visitors also love Dillington House, a historic 16th-century manor. This house is set amongst historic parkland and gardens, offering a delightful place to visit.
- Barrington is known for its historical sites, natural monuments, and cycle routes. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from war memorials to historic estates.
- The attractions around Barrington are appreciated by the komoot community, with 37 upvotes and 17 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: May 5, 2026
Ham Hill War Memorial and Stone Circle
Highlight • Monument
Second World War (1939-1945), First World War (1914-1918), Northern Ireland Conflict; The Troubles (1969-1998)
Maker
Ham Hill and Doulting Stone Company (Makers)
Mr W. Bussell of Montacute (Designer)
Ceremony
Unknown
Date: 19 July 1923
Attended by: HRH Prince of Wales KG laid a bronze laurel wreath at the foot of the memorial (to whose column it was later fixed).
Unveiled
Date: 26 September 1920
Attended by: Reverend E. Skilton
Dedicated
Date: 26 September 1920
Attended by: Reverend E. Skilton performed the service. Those present included relatives of the Fallen, and villagers
Tip by
Donyatt Halt
Highlight • Structure
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Dillington House
Highlight • Historical Site
During the Second World War, the house was part of 'Fortress Ilminster' as part of the Taunton Stop Line, a plan to protect against Nazi invasion. Tanks and gun emplacements stood along a long drive, which is now a public footpath.
Tip by
Hollow Lane
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
Norton-sub-Hamdon Village
Highlight • Settlement
Norton-sub-Hamdon is home to a manor house of 17th-century origins and a water mill dating back from around the same time. In the grounds of the Church of St Mary the Virgin, there’s a 17th-century stone dovecote. Although you can’t go inside, it contains 400 stone nests and is said to have provided pigeons for the manor.
There’s an old pub here if you’re looking for somewhere to put your feet up, otherwise, simply walking around the hamlet is like stepping back in time.
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Barrington.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
However, such war memorials, which one encounters so frequently along the way, regardless of nationality, language, or name, are always a testimony – still significant and relevant today – to the horrors of war and tyranny. They therefore all have two essential functions, and this continues anew for each generation: -1- To commemorate and remember the victims -2- To remind people of the need to maintain peace
2
0
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
0
0
Dillington House was built originally in the 16th century, but re-built in the 19th century. Recently, Dillington House was used by Somerset Council as an event venue and a place to run adult education courses. However the council has stopped this as of September 2023.
1
0
Hollow Lane is a great example of a Hollow Way, a sunken lane typical of this area of the country. These ancient lanes are cut into the landscape but we're not entirely sure why. It could be simply due to erosion by booth people and animals over 100s of years, exacerbated by water run off. They may also have been cut initially to make animal heading easier and to provide protection from the weather. What ever the cause they make for very atmospheric riding!
0
1
Commemoration Second World War (1939-1945), First World War (1914-1918), Northern Ireland Conflict; The Troubles (1969-1998) Maker Ham Hill and Doulting Stone Company (Makers) Mr W. Bussell of Montacute (Designer) Ceremony Unknown Date: 19 July 1923 Attended by: HRH Prince of Wales KG laid a bronze laurel wreath at the foot of the memorial (to whose column it was later fixed). Unveiled Date: 26 September 1920 Attended by: Reverend E. Skilton Dedicated Date: 26 September 1920 Attended by: Reverend E. Skilton performed the service. Those present included relatives of the Fallen, and villagers
3
0
There is a single pub called the “The Prince Of Wales” at Hamhill, which sells, ice cream, ales, ciders, and food… With out door seating, overlooking the rolling Slopes.
2
0
Dillington House is a historic 16th-century manor that is run as a hotel, wedding and course venue. The beautiful house is set amongst historic parkland and gardens and a delightful place to visit. During the Second World War, the house was part of 'Fortress Ilminster' as part of the Taunton Stop Line, a plan to protect against Nazi invasion. Tanks and gun emplacements stood along a long drive, which is now a public footpath.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I visit around Barrington?
Barrington is rich in history. You can explore the poignant Ham Hill War Memorial and Stone Circle, which commemorates victims of various conflicts. Another significant site is Dillington House, a historic 16th-century manor set amidst beautiful parkland. Don't miss Donyatt Halt, a disused train station now part of a cycle path, offering a glimpse into the region's railway past. The picturesque Norton-sub-Hamdon Village, with its hamstone buildings and 17th-century origins, is also worth a visit.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Barrington?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Donyatt Halt, a former train station, is located along a cycle path, making it a great spot for a family pit stop during a bike ride. The historic Dillington House, with its parkland and gardens, offers a pleasant setting for a family stroll. Additionally, the charming Norton-sub-Hamdon Village provides a lovely environment for a leisurely walk, like stepping back in time.
What outdoor activities can I do near Barrington's attractions?
The area around Barrington offers excellent opportunities for outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, cycling, and mountain biking. For hiking, explore routes like 'The George Inn, Donyatt – Donyatt Halt loop from Ilminster' or 'View of Ham Hill – The Masons Arms loop from Kingsbury Episcopi'. Cyclists can enjoy the old Chard to Ilminster railway line, which passes Donyatt Halt. Mountain bikers can find trails such as 'Donyatt Halt – Castle Neroche Woods loop from Ilminster'. You can find more routes in the hiking and MTB guides for Barrington.
Where can I find scenic views or natural features around Barrington?
While the immediate attractions are more historical, the surrounding area offers natural beauty. Ham Hill War Memorial is situated on rolling slopes, providing a sense of expansive views. For a unique natural experience, consider the climb along Hollow Lane, which carves between Hamdon and Butcher's Hill, offering an atmospheric ride through thick woodland.
What is special about Dillington House?
Dillington House is a historic 16th-century manor, though largely rebuilt in the 19th century. It's set amongst beautiful parkland and gardens, making it a delightful place to visit. During the Second World War, it was part of 'Fortress Ilminster' and the Taunton Stop Line, with tanks and gun emplacements along what is now a public footpath.
Are there any easy walking routes near Barrington's attractions?
Yes, there are several easy walking routes nearby. For instance, the 'View of Ham Hill – The Masons Arms loop from Kingsbury Episcopi' is an easy 5.1 km hike. Another option is the 'Pitt Drove Waterway, West Moor – Thorney Mill (Silent Mill) loop from Kingsbury Episcopi', which is 5.3 km and also easy. You can find more easy hikes in the easy hikes guide for Barrington.
What is the significance of Ham Hill War Memorial?
The Ham Hill War Memorial and Stone Circle is a man-made monument dedicated to commemorating the victims of various conflicts, including the First World War, Second World War, and the Northern Ireland Conflict. It serves as a powerful testimony to the horrors of war and a reminder of the ongoing need to maintain peace for future generations.
Can I find places to eat or drink near the attractions?
Yes, there are options for refreshments. Near Ham Hill War Memorial, you'll find 'The Prince Of Wales' pub, which offers ice cream, ales, ciders, and food, with outdoor seating overlooking the rolling slopes. In Norton-sub-Hamdon Village, there's an old pub where you can relax and put your feet up after exploring the hamlet.
What makes Norton-sub-Hamdon Village unique?
Norton-sub-Hamdon Village is known for its picturesque charm, with many buildings constructed from local hamstone, which has a distinctive yellow hue. The village features a manor house from the 17th century and a water mill from around the same time. A notable feature is the 17th-century stone dovecote in the grounds of the Church of St Mary the Virgin, containing 400 stone nests.
Is there a place for cycling enthusiasts?
Absolutely. The old Chard to Ilminster railway line has been converted into a cycle path, offering a pleasant route for cyclists. Donyatt Halt, a disused train station, is located along this path and makes for a convenient pit stop. For a more challenging ride, consider the atmospheric climb along Hollow Lane.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Barrington?
Visitors appreciate the blend of history and natural beauty. The solemn reflection offered by Ham Hill War Memorial, the charm of the historic Dillington House and its gardens, and the unique experience of cycling along the old railway line past Donyatt Halt are frequently highlighted. The picturesque hamstone buildings of Norton-sub-Hamdon Village also leave a lasting impression.
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:
