Best attractions and places to see around Upton Noble, a village located on the River Frome in the Mendip district of Somerset, England, offers a quieter experience. The area serves as a base for exploring attractions in the wider Somerset and Bristol region. It is situated within scenic countryside, providing opportunities for outdoor activities.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
Highlight • Historical Site
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
Highlight • Climb
Tip by
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Upton Noble.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Alfred's Tower is a folly in Somerset,England, on the edge of the border with Wiltshire, on the Stourhead estate. The tower stands on Kingsettle Hill and belongs to the National Trust. It is designated as a Grade I listed building. Henry Hoare II planned the tower in the 1760s to commemorate the end of the Seven Years' War against France and the accession of King George III, and it was erected near the site of Egbert's Stone, where it is believed that Alfred the Great, King of Wessex, rallied the Anglo-Saxons in 878 before the Battle of Edington. The tower was damaged by an aeroplane in 1944 and restored in the 1980s.
0
0
King Alfred's Tower is a folly in Somerset, located on the Stourhead estate. The triangular shape is hollow in the centre with a winding staircase along the walls. You can climb the tower from April until October on every weekend. More info: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wiltshire/king-alfreds-tower
0
0
Ignore suggestions that you can 'open up' along this cycleway! It is well used by riders with young children, disabled people on buggies (especially towards the Radstock end), occasional horseriders as well as pedestrians with or without dogs. The southern half from Hatchet Hill to Great Elm is quieter, but watch out for encroaching stinging nettles in late summer!
0
0
King Alfred's Tower is managed by the National Trust and is part of the nearby Stourhead estate. The tower is a 49m high folly designed in 1772. It's believed to mark the site where King Alfred rallied his troops in 878.
1
0
Longleat House drive is a stately way to arrive at the house and a great road to ride. The house and surrounding safari park are paid entry but there is access via this road and several others through the estate.
0
0
Nice run down to the house. Watch out for cross wind on windy days
1
0
Just over half way up the gradient eases for a short distance. In the days of old, horses pulling a cart would be sent into a gallop to gain momentum for the steep section ahead. You are unlikely to see that nowadays but it is still known as "galloping plain" locally.
0
0
Same as above - there is a cafe, but attempt to use it at your own risk. They allowed us to buy a coffee, but promptly asked to move on immediately after. Coffee is mediocre anyway...
2
0
The area around Upton Noble is rich in history and culture. You can visit the impressive Longleat House, an Elizabethan prodigy house with a safari park. Another significant historical site is Alfred's Tower Climb, a 49-meter high folly part of the Stourhead estate, believed to mark where King Alfred rallied his troops. Don't miss Nunney Castle, a picturesque moated medieval castle with French design influences.
Yes, several attractions cater to families. Longleat House and its safari park are a major draw, offering opportunities to see animals like giraffes and kangaroos. The Longleat House Drive itself is family-friendly for cycling, often allowing glimpses of the safari animals. Nunney Castle is also considered family-friendly, offering a fascinating historical experience.
Upton Noble is situated within the scenic Mendip district of Somerset, offering beautiful countryside. The village itself is on the River Frome. For outdoor activities, the region provides excellent opportunities for hiking and cycling. You can explore the Longleat House Drive for cycling through parkland, or tackle the challenging Alfred's Tower Climb for a rewarding viewpoint.
Absolutely! The area is popular for cycling. The Longleat House Drive is part of a national cycle route, allowing access through the grounds where you might spot safari animals. Another option is the Colliers Way Cycle Route (NCN 24), a quiet path following an old railway line. For more detailed routes, explore the Road Cycling Routes around Upton Noble guide.
Beyond the well-known, you can visit Nunney Castle, a 14th-century moated castle with a distinctive French architectural style. The nearby Shepton Mallet Prison, approximately 3.4 miles from Upton Noble, also offers a unique historical visitor experience, though it's not a komoot highlight in this guide.
Yes, the Colliers Way Cycle Route (NCN 24) is noted for being wheelchair accessible. It follows an old railway track bed, providing a good surface for most of its length, making it suitable for various users.
The region's scenic countryside and opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling are best enjoyed during milder weather. Spring, summer, and early autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for exploring both the outdoor attractions and the grounds of historical sites like Longleat House and Stourhead.
Yes, the area offers several running trails. The Colliers Way Cycle Route (NCN 24) is well-used by locals for running due to its good surface. For more options, you can check out the Running Trails around Upton Noble guide, which includes routes like the 'Seated Man by Giles Penny – Bruton Dovecote loop'.
Yes, major attractions like Longleat House and the Stourhead estate (which includes Alfred's Tower Climb) typically have dedicated parking facilities for visitors. For the Colliers Way Cycle Route, you can find parking at various access points such as Great Elm, Mells, Kilmersdon, and Radstock.
Visitors frequently praise the impressive Elizabethan architecture of Longleat House and the unique experience of its safari park, where you can spot animals like giraffes and hippos. Cyclists particularly enjoy the Longleat House Drive for its scenic views and the chance to see animals while riding through the estate.
Yes, the region offers mountain biking opportunities. You can find trails like the 'Hose Gate Road Summit – Gare Hill Bridleway loop' or the 'Gare Hill Forest Singletrack'. For a comprehensive list and details, refer to the MTB Trails around Upton Noble guide.
While Upton Noble is a quieter village, it has its own charm. You can find the Upton Noble Church, which is a point of historical and architectural interest. The village also has a Village Hall that hosts local events, and historically, it was home to the 17th-century Lamb Inn.


Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions: