Nether Stowey: Coleridge, a castle and walking trails

Nether Stowey brings together several points of interest for a stay: Coleridge’s literary legacy, medieval architecture, a church with several building phases and walking trails of varying lengths. If you are weighing up culture and walking, the routes differ both in length and in format.

Walking trails in different formats

The Coleridge Way starts in Nether Stowey and runs for 51 miles to Lynmouth. By contrast, the 13-mile Castles and Coast Way is a circular route linking Nether Stowey with the neighbouring village of Stogursey and the England Coast Path at Shurton. When choosing between them, you can compare their length and course: a route to Lynmouth or a shorter circular trail with the connections mentioned above.

A public right of way approved in 2019 forms another circular route. It links Millennium / Jubilee Wood, Stowey Wood and Halsey Cross via public footpaths. Stowey Walking has also compiled a list of local walks of varying lengths in and around Nether Stowey and Over Stowey. As well as the two named routes, there are therefore walks of different lengths to choose from. Check route details before setting out, as information and rights-of-way conditions can change.

Coleridge Cottage and literature

At Coleridge Cottage, Samuel Taylor Coleridge wrote, among other works, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, Kubla Khan, Frost at Midnight, Christabel and This Lime Tree Bower my Prison. These works give literature enthusiasts a specific point of reference when planning a trip: rather than simply associating an author’s name with the place, you can make the texts written at the cottage the focus of your interest.

Guided tours can be arranged on request for groups visiting Coleridge Cottage. If your group is planning a tour, enquire in advance.

Stowey Castle and the Church of St Mary the Virgin

Nether Stowey Castle is a Norman motte-and-bailey castle built for the lord of the manor of Stowey. Parts of its original structure survive in a stone keep; the castle is also a good example of a motte with two baileys. This site offers a chance to explore both the Norman castle type and surviving structural features.

The Church of St Mary the Virgin also offers links to different periods. Its tower dates from the 15th century, while the rest of the church was rebuilt in 1851. Its features include a restored 15th-century octagonal font and notable 19th-century stained glass. The tower, rebuilding and features can thus be considered in terms of their different dates.

Seasons, traditions and landscape

The mound at Nether Stowey Castle provides grassland habitat for primroses, bluebells, pignut and early forget-me-not. Which of these plants can be seen may vary by season. In terms of landscape, Nether Stowey lies immediately beside the Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Each Easter, members of the St Mary’s Church community erect a large wooden cross that is visible from afar. Since 2010, Armistice or Memorial Day has been held every November at the Cross in the centre of Nether Stowey. If you are planning your trip around one of these dates, check announcements in advance; future event arrangements may change.

Discover more destinations: Otterhampton, West Camel, Tolland, East Brent, Ilchester, Wincanton, Wedmore, Bagborough

For the main travel overview: Somerset.