Attractions and Places To See around Lopen - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Lopen, a village in Somerset, England, offers a blend of historical sites and natural landscapes. The area is characterized by its charming local character and proximity to various notable landmarks. Visitors can explore a range of historical sites, including 16th-century manor houses and ancient monuments, alongside natural features like scenic lanes and country parks. This region provides opportunities for discovering both cultural heritage and outdoor environments.
Best attractions and places to see around Lopen
- The most popular attractions is Ham Hill War Memorial and Stone Circle, a man-made monument that commemorates those who served in the World Wars. It stands as a testimony to historical events and is located near a pub with outdoor seating.
- Another must-see spot is Donyatt Halt, an other man-made site, which is a disused train station along an old railway line now used as a cycle path. It serves as a pit stop with benches and features a statue.
- Visitors also love Hollow Lane, a trail that offers a climb between Hamdon and Butcher's Hill. This lane is characterized by thick woodland, providing an atmospheric and steady ascent.
- Lopen is known for its historical sites, natural features, and cultural points of interest. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient monuments to scenic trails and historic buildings.
- The attractions around Lopen are appreciated by the komoot community, with 37 upvotes and 17 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 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
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Donyatt Halt
Highlight • Structure
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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.
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Hollow Lane
Highlight • Trail
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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.
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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
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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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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.
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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!
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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
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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.
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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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore near Lopen?
The Lopen area is rich in history. You can visit Dillington House, a historic 16th-century manor set in parkland. The charming Norton-sub-Hamdon Village features a 17th-century manor house, a water mill, and a stone dovecote. Nearby, you'll also find National Trust properties like Barrington Court and Montacute House, and the impressive Forde Abbey and Gardens.
Are there any ancient monuments or war memorials in the Lopen area?
Yes, a significant site is the Ham Hill War Memorial and Stone Circle. This man-made monument commemorates those who served in the World Wars and is located near a pub with outdoor seating, offering a place for reflection and refreshment.
Where can I find scenic walking trails around Lopen?
For a unique walking experience, explore Hollow Lane, which offers an atmospheric climb through thick woodland between Hamdon and Butcher's Hill. Ham Hill Country Park, about 6.5 km from Lopen, also provides natural beauty and outdoor opportunities. For more structured routes, you can find various easy hikes in the area, such as the 'Hamstone Knight Carving – Norton-sub-Hamdon Village loop', detailed in the Easy hikes around Lopen guide.
Are there opportunities for cycling or mountain biking near Lopen?
Absolutely. The Lopen area offers several routes for cyclists. Donyatt Halt is a disused train station along an old railway line that has been converted into a cycle path, perfect for a pit stop. For more extensive rides, explore the Cycling around Lopen guide or the MTB Trails around Lopen guide, which include routes like the 'Donyatt Halt – Castle Neroche Woods loop'.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities around Lopen?
Yes, families can enjoy visiting Donyatt Halt, a former train station now part of a cycle path, featuring benches and a statue – a great spot for a break. The picturesque Norton-sub-Hamdon Village is also family-friendly for a stroll, offering a glimpse into 17th-century life. Many of the easy hiking routes are suitable for families too.
What are some unique or less-known places to visit near Lopen?
Beyond the main highlights, consider the atmospheric Hollow Lane for a walk that feels like entering another world. Donyatt Halt, a disused train station on a cycle path, offers a unique historical pit stop. The presence of a reburied Roman mosaic in Lopen also hints at the area's deep, hidden history.
Where can I find refreshments or a pub near the attractions?
At Ham Hill, near the War Memorial, you'll find 'The Prince Of Wales' pub, which offers ice cream, ales, ciders, and food with outdoor seating overlooking rolling slopes. The Norton-sub-Hamdon Village also has an old pub where you can relax after exploring the hamlet.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions around Lopen?
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The Ham Hill War Memorial is valued as a testimony to historical events, while Hollow Lane is praised for its 'enchanted' and 'atmospheric' climb. The area's charm and the sense of stepping back in time, particularly in villages like Norton-sub-Hamdon, are also frequently highlighted.
What is the best time of year to visit Lopen for outdoor activities?
While Lopen can be enjoyed year-round, spring and summer generally offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities like walking and cycling, with longer daylight hours. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, making walks particularly scenic. Always check local weather forecasts before your visit.
Are there any cultural or arts-related points of interest near Lopen?
Yes, for those interested in arts and crafts, Yandles Arts & Crafts Store in Martock (about 5.4 km away) is a themed exhibition hall. If naval aviation history piques your interest, the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Museum is located approximately 16.2 km from Lopen in Yeovil.
Can I find easy hiking routes around Lopen?
Yes, there are several easy hiking routes suitable for a relaxed outing. Examples include the 'Burrow Hill Distillery – Burrow Hill loop' and the 'Church of St Mary – Norton-sub-Hamdon Village loop'. You can find more details and options in the Easy hikes around Lopen guide.
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