Ditcheat – Church, Historic Buildings and Walks

You can explore Ditcheat during a stay through three themes: St Mary Magdalene parish church, historic buildings that reflect rural architectural history, and paths in and around the settlements. This mix offers different focuses for your plans: you can explore church architecture, learn more about the history of rural buildings, or set aside time for walks in the parish. If you are looking for a hotel in Ditcheat, you can tailor your trip to these interests.

St Mary Magdalene: Building History and Visiting

The Anglican parish church of St Mary Magdalene dates back to the 12th century and is listed as a Grade I building. Its fabric dates from the 12th to the 15th century; the church was restored in the 19th century. This means you can encounter several historical periods in one building. A large 13th-century wall painting of Saint Christopher is located in the north aisle. The church also houses a large Vowles organ dating from 1888. The church is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm; check the opening hours again before you travel.

Manor House, Farmhouses and Barn

Ditcheat’s rural architectural history also offers various points of interest. Ditcheat House, also known as Ditcheat Manor, is an early 17th-century Grade II* listed manor house. The main barn at Abbey Farm dates from the 18th century, is listed Grade II, and was altered in the early 19th century. Attached to it are a horse-powered engine house and a wagon shed. At Longhill Farmhouse, each side has a two-storey, two-bay Gothick wing. Langford Farmhouse, meanwhile, has two cylindrical brick chimneys; one has spiral fluting and a moulded cap. The chronology thus spans from the early 17th-century manor house to alterations to the barn in the early 19th century, while the individual buildings draw attention to different architectural features.

Paths, Countryside and History

There are footpaths and public rights of way in and around the parish settlements. Check path conditions and access arrangements before setting out. In the context of the parish of Ditcheat, the Monarch's Way runs through Sutton. The route was used during Charles II's escape after the Battle of Worcester in 1651. Nearer to Ditcheat, Bolter's Bridge currently connects Bolter's Lane with the Monarch's Way. The network of paths therefore includes both routes in and around the settlements and a route with historical significance. Small areas of traditional orchards are located in and around the residential areas of Ditcheat and Alhampton; their extent may change over time.

Planning Around Your Interests

For planning purposes, a visit to the church can be considered separately from a walk: the church is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm, while you should check path conditions and access arrangements in advance. If you want to include both in your stay, keep the church opening hours in mind and adapt your walking plans to local conditions. Those interested in architecture will find different building periods and details in the parish church, manor house and farm buildings; if you prefer to explore on foot, you can make the paths and rights of way in and around the settlements your main focus.

Discover more destinations: Wincanton, West Huntspill, Street, Shepton Mallet, Holcombe, Bishops Lydeard, North Curry, Othery

For the broader travel guide: Somerset.