Attractions and Places To See around Doulting - Top 20

Doulting is rich in history. You can visit St. Aldhelm's Church, a Grade I listed building from the 12th century, and St. Aldhelm's Well, an ancient spring with folklore attributing healing powers. The 15th-century Abbey Tithe Barn showcases the village's connection to Glastonbury Abbey. Further afield, explore the picturesque Nunney Castle, a moated medieval castle, or the impressive The Bishop's Palace, Wells, which has been home to bishops for over 800 years.

Yes, Doulting offers several natural and geological points of interest. The Doulting Railway Cutting is a 2.8-hectare geological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) exposing rocks from the Middle Jurassic period. The River Sheppey originates from St. Aldhelm's Well in the village, and the area is surrounded by open countryside, woodland, and farmland, including Ingsdons Hill and Pitt's Wood, perfect for wildlife spotting. The region's Jurassic limestone geology is evident throughout the landscape.

The Colliers Way is a popular cycling and walking path that utilizes disused railway lines and quiet country lanes through the Somerset countryside. It links Midsomer Norton and Radstock through Mells and towards Great Elm. A specific section, the Colliers Way Cycle Route (NCN 24), is known for its quiet, picturesque stretches through a deep cutting and has a good surface for cycling.

Many attractions around Doulting are suitable for families. Both Colliers Way and Colliers Way Cycle Route (NCN 24) are family-friendly trails for walking and cycling. Nunney Castle is a great spot for kids to explore a moated medieval castle. Wells Cathedral and The Bishop's Palace, Wells also welcome families, with the Palace offering extensive gardens to explore.

Doulting is an excellent base for exploring the rolling countryside with various hiking trails. You can find easy to moderate routes, including the Charlton Viaduct loop. The village is also on the edge of the Mendip Hills, offering sections of the East Mendip Way. For more detailed routes, you can explore guides like Hiking around Doulting and Easy hikes around Doulting on komoot.

Yes, the East Somerset Railway runs just south of Doulting, with its terminus at Mendip Vale railway station. This heritage railway offers steam train rides, including journeys through the historic Doulting Railway Cutting, providing a unique way to experience the local landscape and history.

The countryside surrounding Doulting, including areas like Ingsdons Hill, Pitt's Wood, Chelynch Wood, Doulting Sheep Sleight, and Whitstone Hill, offers excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting. The Sheppey Valley, through which the River Sheppey flows from St. Aldhelm's Well, also provides a natural habitat for various species and scenic walking trails.

Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. For instance, Wells Cathedral is often described as 'unquestionably one of the most beautiful' English cathedrals. Nunney Castle is loved for its picturesque moated setting and the convenience of a pub opposite. The Colliers Way is valued for its quiet, scenic paths through the Somerset countryside.

Yes, Wells Cathedral is noted as wheelchair accessible, allowing visitors to experience its Gothic architecture. Additionally, sections of the Colliers Way Cycle Route (NCN 24) have a good surface, making them suitable for wheelchair users or those with pushchairs.

For mountain biking enthusiasts, there are various trails in the wider Doulting area, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. You can find detailed routes and guides, such as MTB Trails around Doulting, which includes routes like the Honeypot Lane Trailhead – Nunney Castle loop or the Mells Village loop.

Doulting is famous for its Doulting Stone Quarries, which have been producing freestone since Roman times. This Jurassic-period sedimentary rock (Inferior Oolite) was used in the construction of iconic structures like Wells Cathedral and Glastonbury Abbey. While active quarries usually require permission to visit, examples of the stone can be seen on Chelynch Road.

The surrounding countryside and trails are enjoyable throughout much of the year. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for walking, cycling, and exploring the natural features and gardens of places like The Bishop's Palace. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, while winter conditions can be cold but offer a different, often quieter, experience of the historical sites and trails.