Fivehead: Nature, Walking Trails and Historic Churches

Those interested in nature, walking trails and historic religious buildings will find several different points of interest in Fivehead.

Trails in the Parish of Fivehead

The Parish of Fivehead has circular walking trails that bring its natural surroundings, varied landscapes and local history to life. The Stillbrook & Fivehead circular walk is 5.8 km long. This distance gives you a specific reference point for planning a walk. As trail conditions can change seasonally, check them before setting out.

Nature with distinct seasonal highlights

Fivehead Arable Fields is a cultivated arable field managed to conserve rare arable wildflowers. In summer, it displays a unique collection of arable flowers. Broad-fruited cornsalad also makes the site botanically notable: Fivehead Arable Fields is the only known site of this species in south-west England. Here, a clearly identified rare plant species meets a broader seasonal picture of arable flora.

Swell Wood is a mixture of ancient woodland and an abandoned oak plantation that is over 100 years old. The age of over 100 years refers to the oak plantation, which is a distinct feature alongside the ancient woodland. More than 100 pairs of grey herons nest in the trees between March and June. Compared with the arable flowers visible in summer at Fivehead Arable Fields, the herons’ breeding season is earlier in the year. This difference in seasonal timing can help you plan a nature getaway. You can reach Swell Wood via the A378 Langport road between Fivehead and Curry Rivel. Check access conditions before travelling.

Churches and architectural history

The Church of St Martin is an Anglican parish church in the village of Fivehead and is listed Grade I. The Church of St Catherine at Swell is also a Grade I listed Anglican church; its fabric includes elements from the 12th, 15th and 16th centuries. St Martin stands out for its role as a parish church and its listing, while St Catherine is notable for its fabric dating from three historic centuries.

Fivehead Baptist Chapel bears a central date inscription reading “1860 Enlarged 1869 Baptist Chapel”. The years and the word “Enlarged” are all part of the inscription. The three buildings can therefore be distinguished by different features: St Martin by its role as a parish church, St Catherine by its historic building periods, and the Baptist Chapel by its central inscription.

Opening hours at St Martin's

The Church of England lists daily opening hours for St Martin's in Fivehead as 9:30 am to 4:00 pm; in summer, the church is usually open longer. Before travelling, check whether the church will be accessible at the time of your visit.

Discover more destinations: Mells, Brompton Regis, West Quantoxhead, Ditcheat, Tolland, Ilchester, Lydford, Sparkford

Go to the regional travel overview: Somerset.