In the heart of Somerset, Ilminster might not be the first town that pops to mind when you think of a day out or a staycation, but it’s full of surprises! Whether after a peaceful family day, a quirky experience, or a local pub to unwind in, this charming town has something for everyone. Let’s dive into some of the best things to do in Ilminster.
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Things to Do in Ilminster for Families
Ilminster is a perfect spot for a family outing, offering various outdoor activities and exploring fun places.
Ilminster Recreation Ground
Start with a visit to the local park – it’s ideal for kids to run around and enjoy some fresh air. It’s also one of the free things to do in Ilminster. At the Ilminster Recreation Ground – known as The Rec – you’ll find a play park with an accessible swing, a skate park, and plenty of space for a family picnic. There are also football and cricket pitches, tennis courts and public toilets. It’s a beautiful walk with fantastic views.
📍 Ilminster TA19 0EY
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🐾 Dog-friendly
Visit St Mary’s Church
St Mary’s Church is one of Ilminster’s most striking landmarks, with its impressive 15th-century architecture and soaring tower. This beautiful Grade I-listed church is a must-visit for history lovers, offering stunning stained-glass windows, intricate stonework, and a peaceful atmosphere. The Minster is a key part of Ilminster’s heritage and a lovely spot for quiet reflection.
📍 Court Barton, Ilminster TA19 0DU
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🐾 Dog-friendly in the café
Barrington Court
Barrington Court is a beautifully restored Tudor manor house managed by the National Trust. Unlike many historic houses, Barrington Court is unfurnished, allowing visitors to fully appreciate its stunning Elizabethan architecture and craftsmanship. The real highlight is the garden – designed in the 1920s by Gertrude Jekyll; it features lush flower borders, orchards, and a walled kitchen garden bursting with seasonal produce. The surrounding parkland offers lovely walks, making it a great day for history lovers and nature enthusiasts.
📍 Barrington, Ilminster TA19 0NQ
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🐾 Dog-friendly – dogs can’t access the house, formal and walled gardens.
National Trust Members get FREE entry. With your membership, you can visit over 500 houses, gardens, parks and castles in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Plus, free parking at the majority of car parks, and at National Trust beaches and countryside walks.
Ferne Animal Sanctuary
If your family loves animals, visiting the nearby farm is a must! Ferne Animal Sanctuary is on 72 acres and home to over 300 animals. They often offer hands-on experiences where the kids can feed the animals, explore the fields, and even try out a little farmyard adventure.
📍 Wambrook, Chard TA20 3DH
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🐾 Dog-friendly – they must be kept on a lead
Don’t Forget a Drink!
Water-to-Go bottles are a game-changer for travellers, hikers, and dog owners who love the great outdoors. These reusable bottles come with advanced 3-in-1 filtration technology, removing up to 99.9999% of contaminants from any non-saltwater source. That means whether you’re exploring Ilminster’s countryside or simply out on a long dog walk, you’ll always have access to clean, safe drinking water.
Things to Do in Ilminster for Adults
Looking for a more grown-up adventure? Ilminster has plenty to offer adults who are looking for something a little more relaxing or cultural.
Ilminster Arts Centre
The town is known for its local arts scene. The Meeting House Arts Centre in Ilminster is a vibrant cultural hub, offering various performances, art exhibitions, and workshops. It’s the perfect spot to experience local creativity and enjoy everything from live theatre to community events in a welcoming, intimate setting.
📍 East Street, Ilminster TA19 0AN
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🐾 Dog-friendly café
Warehouse Theatre
The Warehouse Theatre is a must-visit for theatre lovers. This small yet brilliant venue hosts a variety of performances, from classic plays to contemporary productions. With a cosy atmosphere and regular shows, it’s a fantastic place to catch a night of entertainment in Ilminster.
📍 Brewery Lane, Ilminster TA19 9AD
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🐾 Not dog-friendly
Perry’s Cider Mill
Perry’s Cider Mill is a staple of the Somerset cider scene. Located just outside Ilminster, this family-run mill has produced traditional cider for generations. As one of the unusual things to do in Ilminster, visitors can tour the cider-making process, sample some of the finest ciders, and even shop for bottles to take home. It’s a great way to experience an authentic taste of Somerset.
📍 The Cider Mills, Dowlish Wake, Ilminster TA19 0NY
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🐾 Dog-friendly – well-behaved dogs are permitted in the café and on the grounds. Dogs can’t enter the farm shop.
Ilminster Shops
For a more laid-back experience, immerse yourself in the unique shopping experiences that Ilminster has to offer. From handcrafted jewellery to antique books, the town’s character and charm are reflected in its independent shops. Take a leisurely stroll through the cobbled streets and discover a variety of local produce and quirky antiques.
Charity Shops Ilminster
If you’re a fan of bargains or love to hunt for hidden treasures, Ilminster’s charity shops are the place to be. These little shops are a treasure trove of unique finds, from secondhand books to vintage clothes, and you can easily spend a few hours browsing through them. Plus, it’s all for a good cause, as the proceeds from these shops go towards supporting local charities and community initiatives!
Ilminster Pubs
After a day of exploring, you’ll want to find a cosy pub to relax and reflect on your adventures. Ilminster has some of the best pubs in the region, each offering a warm welcome, local produce and a great selection of local ales. Whether looking for a hearty meal or a quiet pint, the town’s pubs have something for every taste.
Don’t forget to check out the reviews online before heading to your favourite spot, and keep an eye out for live music or special events, which are a regular feature in some local pubs. There’s no better way to end your day in Ilminster than with a traditional pint and a friendly chat.
Dog Friendly Pubs in Ilminster
Ilminster and its surrounding villages boast a fantastic selection of dog-friendly pubs. From the historic The Bell on Broadway to the refined Barrington Boar, these pubs offer great drinks, delicious meals, and a relaxed atmosphere where dogs are treated like part of the family. So, grab a pint, settle in, and enjoy the best dog-friendly pubs Ilminster offers!
Restaurants in Ilminster
If you love food and drink, do you have a Tastecard? It’s a membership card that offers 25% off the food bill or 2-for-1 meals at over six thousand participating restaurants across the UK. It’s a great way to save money and enjoy a variety of dining experiences. Get a 60-day free trial here:
Events in Ilminster
Discover things to do and local events in Ilminster:
Ilminster Midsummer Experience (IMEx)
IMEx is an annual event on the second weekend of June. There are over 20 activities and attractions, including concerts, exhibitions, the Classic Vehicle Show with 300 cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles, the Food & Craft Market on Silver Street with over 30 stalls offering delicious food and crafts, the Family Dog Show on The Rec, and the renowned Flag Festival, which adorns the town centre with over 100 flags.
Christmas Lights and Victorian Evening
Ilminster’s Christmas Lights and Victorian Evening is a magical festive season highlight. The town comes alive with twinkling lights, creating a warm and festive atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a charming Victorian-themed evening with period costumes, traditional music, and stalls selling festive treats and gifts. It’s a fantastic event that brings the community together to celebrate the holiday season in style.
Things to Do Near Ilminster Somerset
If you’ve exhausted everything Ilminster itself has to offer, you’re in luck! There are plenty of exciting things to do in the surrounding areas of Somerset. Just a short drive away!
Stoke-sub-Hamdon Priory
This medieval gem, dating back to the 14th century, was once a priest’s residence and is now cared for by English Heritage. The surviving buildings include a grand hall with beautiful stone carvings and an impressive timber roof. Despite its name, it was never a traditional monastic priory but housed clergymen serving the local church.
If you’re fascinated by medieval history and architecture, it’s worth a visit. Plus, the village of Stoke-sub-Hamdon itself is charming, with traditional hamstone cottages and lovely countryside walks.
📍 North St, Stoke-sub-Hamdon, TA14 6QP
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🐾 Dog-friendly, with assistance dogs only being welcomed inside.
Treasurer’s House, Martock
This little-known treasure in Martock is a rare surviving example of a 13th-century house. It was originally built for the treasurer of Wells Cathedral and has been beautifully preserved. Inside, you’ll find period furnishings and a fascinating glimpse into medieval domestic life.
The architecture alone at Treasurer’s House is worth admiring, with its grand stone windows and atmospheric rooms. The house isn’t as widely visited as some of the grander National Trust properties, making it a peaceful place to explore.
📍 Church Street, Martock TA12 6JL
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🐾 Dog-friendly, with assistance dogs only being welcomed inside.
Tintinhull Garden
If you love beautifully designed gardens, Tintinhull is a must-visit. This intimate National Trust garden surrounds a charming 17th-century house and is a wonderful example of Arts and Crafts garden design. Its formal layout, pretty water features, and secluded corners make it a lovely place to escape for a quiet afternoon.
The small manor house is not always open to the public, but the garden itself is the real attraction. It’s a great spot for keen gardeners looking for inspiration or anyone who enjoys a peaceful outdoor setting.
National Trust Members get FREE entry. With your membership, you can visit over 500 houses, gardens, parks and castles nationwide. Not sure if it is for you? I’ve done the legwork for you in National Trust Vs English Heritage.
📍 Farm Street, Yeovil BA22 8PZ
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🐾 Dog-friendly – can go in most gardens. Unable to access the Kitchen Garden and Arboretum.
Montacute House
Montacute House is one of England’s grandest Elizabethan houses, a true architectural masterpiece. Built in the late 16th century from the honey-coloured hamstone that characterises Somerset’s historic buildings, it has a striking façade and beautifully preserved interiors.
The highlight is the Long Gallery, the longest of its kind in England, which now houses a collection of Tudor and Elizabethan portraits from the National Portrait Gallery. The gardens are just as impressive, with formal lawns, walled gardens, and scenic parkland. Montacute House is a must-see if you enjoy history, art, and architecture.
National Trust Members get FREE entry. Our joint membership costs £13.40 a month. We use it when on a staycation to stop and stretch our legs, or for places to visit when staying in a new area. I’ve had more than my money’s worth from it, especially parking at our local beach.
📍 Montacute TA15 6XP
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🐾 Dog-friendly in the garden, parkland and courtyard outside the café.
Lytes Cary Manor
This romantic medieval manor house offers a glimpse into the past with its cosy, lived-in feel. The interiors of Lytes Cary Manor are filled with period furniture, tapestries, and historical artefacts. At the same time, the gardens are a particular highlight. Designed in a series of “rooms,” they include a topiary, vibrant flower beds, and a tranquil orchard.
The surrounding countryside is perfect for a scenic walk, and there’s a café on-site for a relaxing cup of tea. It’s a lovely, lesser-known National Trust property ideal for a peaceful day out.
National Trust Members get FREE entry. With your membership, you can visit over 500 houses, gardens, parks and castles in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Plus, free parking at the majority of car parks, and at National Trust beaches and countryside walks.
📍 Charlton Mackrell, Somerton TA11 7HU
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🐾 Dog-friendly in most garden areas and three walks. Can’t go inside the chapel, house and tearoom.
Muchelney Abbey
Found in the Somerset Levels, Muchelney Abbey is a stunning medieval ruin with a rich and turbulent history. Originally founded in the 7th century, it grew into a powerful Benedictine monastery before being dissolved by Henry VIII in the 16th century. Today, visitors can explore the impressive remains, including the cloister, refectory, and abbot’s house, which still has rare medieval wall paintings and an ornate fireplace.
The site also offers lovely views over the surrounding countryside, making it a peaceful spot to soak up history. Run by English Heritage, the abbey has a small museum with artefacts and displays about monastic life.
📍 Law Lane, Muchelney, Langport TA10 0DQ
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🐾 Dog-friendly in the outdoor areas
English Heritage Members get FREE entry. You get unlimited free entry to all English Heritage historic sites, free parking and access to a members’ rewards scheme. Now that I’m in my second year of membership, I get free access to CADW sites in Wales, too! Our joint membership is £12 per month (2025) and individual memberships start from £5.75 per month.
Not sure if it is for you? I’ve done the leg work for you in National Trust Vs English Heritage.
Use Top Cash Back when Purchasing your Membership
I’ve been a member of TopCashBack UK for several years and, to date, have earned over £1000 from it. Trust me, it’s a no-brainer, and you can make extra money by shopping online. Currently, you can get 10% back on your English Heritage membership.
Places to Stay in Ilminster
If you know when you’d like to travel, try to book as soon as possible. Prices rise the closer you get to the travel date and are usually displayed per room rather than per person. However, there is a vast array to accommodate all budgets.
National Trust Holidays
You can stay in cottages, converted farmhouses and campsites in Devon with National Trust Holidays. With countryside views, you’ll have all the facilities and home comforts to hand, including patio areas or gardens and BBQs to enjoy in warmer weather.
Sykes Cottages
Sykes Cottages has over 17,500 holiday cottages to rent across the UK, including in Devon and the surrounding areas. There are pet-friendly cottages, large holiday homes and even houses with hot tubs. They’ve been operating for over 30 years, so you know you’re booking is in good hands.
What to do in Ilminster
Ilminster might be small, but it packs a punch when it comes to charm and variety. Whether you’re seeking family fun, quirky experiences, or a relaxing afternoon at a pub, there’s always something new to discover. So, next time you’re wondering about things to do in Ilminster, you’ll know exactly where to start.
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This is such a charming and inviting look at Ilminster. You’ve captured both the history and the hidden gems that make it worth a visit. It’s the kind of post that makes me want to plan a weekend getaway immediately!