Discover Kelston: Walks and Architectural History

Kelston brings together walks around Kelston Roundhill, historic buildings and a distinctive parkland landscape. When choosing a destination, you can consider walking on named routes, views and architectural history as separate highlights. There are also activities related to cheesemaking, as well as a bookable afternoon tea. This lets you plan your stay around the things that interest you locally, rather than simply looking for somewhere to stay.

Walking to Kelston Roundhill

Kelston is served by bus routes 19 and 37 between Bath and Bristol. From The Crown bus stop, the footpath to Kelston Roundhill runs along Cullimore’s Lane; the walk takes approximately twelve minutes. Check the current timetable before travelling.

The Kelston Roundhill Walk is part of the Cotswold Way. The route “A Way, a Hill and a Stile” leads to the summit of Kelston Roundhill. In clear weather, views from there stretch towards Bath and Bristol. Kelston Roundhill itself is an ancient burial mound, giving the summit destination a historical connection too. Terrain and conditions can vary; take this into account when planning.

Parkland and views

Kelston Park lies at the eastern end of a ridge and offers views of the city of Bath to the east and the River Avon valley to the south. The parkland slopes down a steep hillside towards the River Avon. The views therefore differ to the east and south, while the slope also shapes the landscape by the river. At Kelston Park, both the views from the ridge and the change in elevation take centre stage.

Historic buildings in Kelston

The Church of St Nicholas dates from the 13th and 14th centuries. The Dovecote, a Grade II* listed building, stands southwest of the church. Kelston Knoll is a Grade II listed building and an Italianate country villa dating from 1835.

Tower House is also an Italianate country villa dating from 1835; it was built as a dower house for the Kelston Park estate. The year 1835 links the two villas chronologically, but the role of dower house belongs to Tower House. Together with the older church, they offer a glimpse of different periods of construction and building types, without necessarily serving the same purpose.

Cheesemaking and afternoon tea

Park Farm offers a bookable afternoon tea at its café in Kelston; the provider asks guests to book in advance. Tours of the cheesemaking rooms are also available. The cheesemaking masterclass includes a tour, cheese tasting and lunch. While afternoon tea is a café offering, the masterclass brings together several elements related to cheesemaking. Booking details for the cheesemaking activities may change; check them before making plans.

Discover more destinations: Ubley, Temple Cloud, Timsbury, Bathampton, Farrington Gurney, Chew Magna, Midsomer Norton, Pensford.

Return to the regional travel overview: Bath And North East Somerset.