Redlynch: Architecture and Walking Routes

Redlynch combines a distinctive Gothic Revival gateway and listed architecture with two walking routes that have very different characters. This gives you a choice between architectural history and landscape when planning your stay: The Towers and the Church of St Peter represent different historical building styles, while Redlynch Walk and Moorwood Walk each follow a distinct route. If you are looking for hotels for a stay in Redlynch, these themes can help inform your travel plans. First, consider whether you would prefer to focus on historic buildings or a route through the landscape.

The Towers and its history

The Towers is a monumental gateway in the Gothic Revival style. The structure includes two round towers, pointed openings with Y-tracery, and heraldic shields bearing the Ilchester coat of arms. Y-tracery refers to the Y-shaped pattern within these openings and helps identify the Gothic Revival forms more precisely. Lord Ilchester had The Towers built as the main entrance to Redlynch Park, possibly to impress George III. Its historical role as the park entrance should be distinguished from the presumed motive: the idea that it was intended to impress George III remains a possible explanation.

Church of St Peter

The Church of St Peter dates from around 1750 and is listed at Grade II*. It was designed by Nathaniel Ireson of Wincanton. Notable interior details include a large cove in a moulded plaster ceiling and a reredos with Ionic columns, a cornice and a central pediment. A reredos is an architecturally designed altar screen; the columns and pediment give it structure. The two buildings are therefore clearly distinct: The Towers is a Gothic Revival gateway with a historic function as a park entrance, while the church is defined by its date, its designer and the design of its ceiling and altar screen.

The park, farmhouses and other architectural forms

Redlynch Park is listed as a Grade II park and garden. Redlynch Farm House is a Grade II farmhouse and probably dates from the early 19th century. Redlynch Home Farm House is also a Grade II building and a farmhouse dating from the 18th century or earlier. This comparison helps distinguish their architectural history by period: the early 19th-century date of Farm House remains probable, while Home Farm House dates from the 18th century or before.

The Orangery at Redlynch Park House is an 18th-century building, probably designed by Nathaniel Ireson of Wincanton. His name links the Orangery with the Church of St Peter: Ireson is named as the church’s designer, while the attribution for the Orangery is probable. The West Block of Redlynch Park House comprises stables, a coach house and a servants’ wing. Its interiors are not accessible. The architectural forms thus range from the farmhouse and orangery to the service and domestic staff areas of the West Block.

Walking routes and orientation

Redlynch Walk runs gently uphill through fields to the hamlet of Redlynch and the Church of St Peter. Moorwood Walk follows the route of the coach road from Stourhead to Redlynch and leads to a lay-by on the B3081, directly opposite the entrance to Redlynch Park. The routes differ in what they offer: on Redlynch Walk, fields, the gentle climb and the church are the main points of reference; Moorwood Walk focuses on the coach road and the lay-by opposite the park entrance. Route and road conditions may change; check the latest conditions before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Highbridge, Wellington, North Petherton, Henstridge, Burnham-On-Sea, Shepton Mallet, Dulverton, Lyng

For the broader travel overview: Somerset.