If you’re a fan of Elizabethan grandeur, stunning countryside views, and a touch of period drama, then Montacute House in Somerset should be right at the top of your must-visit list. In the heart of the West Country, near Ilminster, this golden beauty is one of the National Trust’s most iconic properties – and with good reason!
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Montacute House National Trust
Managed by the National Trust, Montacute House is a shining example of Elizabethan Renaissance architecture, beautifully preserved with all the grandeur one’d expect from a 16th-century mansion. It’s got it all – history, gardens, portraits, and that unmistakable charm that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a period drama.
The estate was one of the first major houses acquired by the National Trust, marking a pivotal moment in the organisation’s early efforts to protect historic buildings. Montacute helped set the tone for how stately homes would be preserved for future generations.
Currently, you can only visit the ground floor. The upper floors are closed for conservation work on the staircases. One of the volunteers told me it’s due to the structural integrity of the historic stone steps and health and safety concerns associated with them.
Montacute House History
Montacute House was built around 1598 by Sir Edward Phelips, a well-to-do lawyer who also happened to prosecute Guy Fawkes. Fancy that! Designed by William Arnold, this skilled craftsman using local ham stone to create a masterpiece of the era. The house remained in the Phelips family for over 300 years, witnessing all the comings and goings of English history, from the 18th century right through to the 19th century.
After Sir Edward, the Phelips family continued to play an active role in local and national life. Various generations served as Members of Parliament, Sheriffs of Somerset, and in the military. One member even married into the influential Portman family, linking Montacute to broader aristocratic networks.
Montacute House Events
Throughout the year, Montacute House hosts a calendar of events that bring the estate to life, featuring everything from garden tours and exhibitions to family-friendly trails and walks.
- Montacute House Half Term – Half term at Montacute House is a lifesaver for parents. Think crafting workshops, scavenger hunts, and storytelling sessions that’ll keep the little ones happily entertained (and out in the fresh air!).
- Montacute House Easter Trail – We’ve been to the Montacute House Easter Trail, and it’s egg-stra special! Kids can follow clues through the gardens, hunting for signs of spring and chocolate rewards. The perfect way to run off the sugar high.
- Summer of Play – Every summer holiday, Montacute hosts a programme of inclusive garden games, drop-in wood-crafting workshops, trails, and fun activities for all ages across the gardens.
- Montacute House Halloween – The spooky season sees the house take on a gothic turn. With ghostly walks, pumpkin carving, and perhaps a whisper or two about Montacute House being haunted? October is full of frightful fun.
- Montacute House at Christmas – At Christmas, Montacute is like something out of a festive fairytale. The towering walls are adorned with twinkling lights, and the Montacute House cafe menu features mince pies and mulled wine. Magical!
- Montacute House Farmers Market – A seasonal Montacute House Farmers Market brings the best of Somerset to your basket – from artisan cheeses to homemade jams. A lovely excuse to support local.
- Montacute House Weddings – Yes, you can get married here! With its picture-perfect setting, lush gardens, and breathtaking rooms, Montacute House weddings are the stuff of dreams (and Instagram).
- Garden Tours & Talks – Join knowledgeable volunteers for special tours highlighting seasonal blooms, planting schemes, or the history of the formal gardens. Sometimes, guest horticulturists also give talks.
- Exhibitions from the National Portrait Gallery – Regularly changing displays in the Long Gallery feature Tudor and Elizabethan portraits on loan from the National Portrait Gallery, often themed around notable figures in British history
Montacute House Walks
If you love a scenic stroll, you’re in luck. The estate offers several Montacute House walks, with views across South Somerset and routes past medieval farm buildings, orchards, and wildflower meadows.
The estate offers three way‑marked trails through its historic parkland, woodland, and Ladies’ Walk up to St Michael’s Hill Tower, ranging from gentle 1.8 km circuits to more moderate 3.3 km options with some slopes.
Boots recommended for the longer routes as there may be some muddy patches expected near Ham Hill or field crossings.
Footwear That Keeps Up with Your Travel Plans
Legend Footwear is a go-to destination for quality footwear, offering a huge range of brands, from hiking boots to stylish everyday shoes. Whether you’re heading out on a countryside walk with your dog or exploring a new city on your travels, they have durable and comfortable options to suit all terrains.
Montacute House Gardens
The Montacute House gardens are beautifully manicured and incredibly peaceful – with formal lawns, hedged corridors, and a few surprises like the last remaining thatched windmill in the area!
From early spring, the gardens bloom with around 100,000 daffodils planted across all twelve divisions of daffodil varieties. As tulips emerge, they deliver a dramatic burst of colour in the formal borders, especially around the Orangery and visitor reception area.
The North Garden features a sunken Jacobean-style parterre dating from 1894, ringed by clipped Irish yews and centred around a fountain pond stocked with koi fish. Raised paths and hedges offer elevated views over the house and broader parkland
Cedar Lawn is a sprawling green spot bordered by two majestic cedar trees and flanked by the famous ‘wibbly-wobbly’ yew hedges – shaped after heavy snowfall in 1947 and carefully restored in recent conservation work.
Montacute House Play Area
Tucked beside the orchard is a small but mighty play area, ideal for kids to burn off some energy.. There’s a slide, stepping logs and a stepping beam — all crafted from wood from trees on the estate.
The “50 Things to Do Before You’re 11¾” is a fun, free National Trust initiative designed to help children enjoy the outdoors, connect with nature, and develop new skills — all before their twelfth birthday! It’s like a bucket list for kids, encouraging families to get outside and explore the world. Activities are suitable for all weather conditions and seasons, and many can be enjoyed at National Trust places like Montacute House. There’s a checklist online, or for a small fee, you can purchase an activity book in the gift shop.
Montacute House Cafe
The cafe, located in the old stables, serves all the classics – cream teas, hearty soups, and a wide selection of cakes. There’s also Fairtrade coffee, tea (TripAdvisor reviewers love the hot chocolate!) and soft drinks.
Treat yourself to a Montacute House afternoon tea. Although there isn’t a formal service with three-tier stands, all the essentials are still available. Order a scone or two, which comes with clotted cream and jam, pair with a pot of tea, and choose a sandwich and cake. The courtyard is the perfect place to enjoy this.
Take a Picnic
Devon Hampers, send the best of the South West to your front door. The cream tea and afternoon tea hampers include scones, clotted cream and jam. There are also cheese hampers, chocolate, cider and BBQ hampers.
Devon Hampers Promo Code
Get 5% off hampers or create your own. Order anything from a clotted cream tea for two or a large hamper full of goodies. There is no minimum order amount. Use DEVON5 at the checkout.
Montacute House Gift Shop
You can’t leave without a peek in the gift shop. It’s filled with heritage goodies, local crafts, and plant cuttings from the gardens. Perfect for a souvenir (or ten).
You’ll find a lovely selection of household items and fashion accessories; everything from mugs and scarves to eco-friendly bags and gardening tools. Stock up on foodie favourites like local jams, chutneys, preserves and other gourmet treats inspired by Somerset’s countryside. Find beautifully illustrated cards, notebooks, and calendars.
There’s also the Second-Hand Book Barn, located in an old stable block, which offers a range of pre-loved books, from history and gardening to fiction and children’s titles.
Montacute House Dogs
Is Montacute House dog friendly? Yes! Well-behaved pooches are welcome on leads in the gardens and grounds – just not inside the house itself. There are water bowls available outside the shop and in the Courtyard Cafe, along with shady spots. Dog bins are located on West Drive, at the parkland entrance, and at Odcombe Lodge.
Dogs are welcome in the formal gardens where you’re asked to stick to the paths, plus the parkland and estate walks. In the formal gardens and in parkland on the Ladies’ Walk and St Michael’s Hill, dogs must be on a short lead. The Courtyard Cafe has dog-friendly tables outside. Please note that dogs are not allowed in the cafe, including the order point area.
Don’t Get Caught Short
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Montacute House Entry Fee
Entry is free for National Trust Members. For non-members, the standard admission charges apply from £11 for adults and £5.50 for children. Family tickets are also available.
Are you unsure if membership is right for you? I’ve done the research on National Trust vs. English Heritage for you.
With your National Trust Membership, you can visit over 500 houses, gardens, parks and castles in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. You can also use your card in 14 other countries with the International National Trusts Organisation, including Italy, Canada, Netherlands, New Zealand, Jersey, Guernsey and Australia. Membership includes:
- Unlimited free entry to all of the properties.
- Essential companion card where you can bring up to two carers if you have a disability. These can be different people; the card is in your name.
- Free parking is available in most car parks. Some National Trust car parks are located in other natural areas, such as beaches and countryside walks. You can save money just by using their car parks.
- You’ll be sent a handbook full of information about the properties annually. However, the website is easy to navigate, and you can find places to visit by area or postcode.
- Regular members’ magazine, sent three times a year.
- Regular e-newsletters.
- Join by direct debit and get a £10 gift card to spend in the National Trust shops or cafe.
2025 Membership Prices
- Adult Membership (age 26 plus) = £96 a year (£8 per month)
- Joint Membership (2 adults) = £160.80 a year (£13.40 per month)
- Young Person Membership (age 18-25) = £48 a year (£4 per month)
- Junior Membership (age 6-17, under 5’s are free) = £12 a year
- Family Membership (f2 adults) = £168.60 a year (£14.05 per month)
- Family Membership (1 adult) = £103.80 a year (£8.65 per month)
- Senior Membership (1 adult) = £72 a year (£6 per month)
- Joint Senior Membership (2 adults) = £102.60 a year (£10.05 per month)
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 3% back on your National Trust membership.
Where is Montacute House in Somerset?
You’ll find it just outside the charming village of Montacute, about 3 miles west of Yeovil. We visited when we stayed in Ilminster.
The Montacute House address is:
Montacute House, Montacute, Somerset, TA15 6XP
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Montacute House Opening Times
The house typically opens from March to October, with the gardens and grounds open year-round. Always check the National Trust website for the most up-to-date information on Montacute House opening times and visitor information.
What National Trust Properties are Nearby?
If you plan a longer stay, you’re in luck — Somerset is full of beautiful National Trust (and English Heritage) sites. Here are a few within easy reach:
- Stoke-sub-Hamdon | Explore Stoke Priory (English Heritage) – 6-minute drive
- Tintinhull – 8-minute drive
- Treasurer’s House – 9-minute drive
- Lytes Cary Manor – 14-minute drive
- Barrington Court – 21-minute drive
- Muchelney Abbey (English Heritage) – 18-minute drive
Montacute House Reviews
Visitors rave about its charm, especially the Montacute House long gallery – the longest of its kind in England, now home to a collection from the National Portrait Gallery. The interior of Montacute House is just as impressive as the outside, featuring ornate ceilings, panelled rooms, and even an unusual wall painting or two.
With its cute tapestry wall, fascinating smaller properties, and rich history that spans 300 years, Montacute House is a truly magical place to visit. Whether you’re into history, gardens, architecture, or scones, there’s something for everyone.
As a proud National Trust Member, I’m always on the lookout for historic gems. If you love exploring heritage sites too, don’t miss my other National Trust reviews for more inspiration!
Montacute House Accommodation
Want to make a weekend of it? There’s a Montacute House holiday cottage available through the National Trust – cosy, character-filled, and right on the estate. Montacute South Lodge is a beautifully restored 16th-century Grade II-listed gate lodge that can sleep up to 6 guests in 3 bedrooms. It features a cosy sitting room with an open fire, a dining room, a kitchen, and a utility room. The private terrace and garden are ideal for relaxing. It is dog-friendly and has car parking close to the cottage.
Montacute House Facts and Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Montacute House?
It’s over 420 years old!
When was Montacute House built?
Construction began at Montacute House Somerset UK, around 1598.
Who built Montacute House?
It was built by Sir Edward Phelips, Speaker of the House of Commons and mastermind behind the Guy Fawkes prosecution.
How much is Montacute House worth?
Hard to say – it’s priceless as a piece of heritage!
Why is Montacute House closed?
It sometimes closes in winter for conservation or restoration work. Check online before visiting.
What was filmed at Montacute House?
Its striking appearance and authentic interiors make it a popular filming location for period dramas. TV and film fans may recognise it from Wolf Hall, The Libertine, Sense and Sensibility, and even a bit of Elizabeth!
Who owns Montacute House?
The National Trust has cared for it since 1931.
Who lived in Montacute House?
The Phelips family lived here for more than three centuries.
Is there a Montacute Castle?
Yes — but only in ruins and memory. What once stood atop the hill overlooking the village was a Norman motte-and-bailey fortress, now known as Montacute Castle. Earthworks remain, including a terraced motte and outer bailey visible on St Michael’s Hill.
Is there a Montacute Museum?
Montacute House itself does not operate a formal museum; instead, it’s a historic house open to visitors, featuring collections of tapestries, portraits, and furniture.
Is Montacute House haunted?
Some say yes. Reports include a ghostly figure seen in a Tudor portrait, unexplained noises like disembodied footsteps and bangs, and the opening and closing of curtains, attributed to a phantom gentleman.
Directions to Montacute House
It’s just a 10-minute drive from Yeovil. The postcode TA15 6XP gets you there via the A3088. Parking is free for NT members.
Was there a Montacute House burglary?
Yes, sadly. In 2000, there was a high-profile Montacute House break-in – a case involving stolen artefacts. Historic items were stolen, including a silver dining room table centrepiece, a pair of French Empire candelabra, and several porcelain items. Fortunately, much of the collection has been recovered.
Montacute House to Lyme Regis
24 miles – a 45-minute drive to fossil-hunting fun!
Montacute House to Lytes Cary Manor
Just 10 miles – another beautiful National Trust gem.
Montacute House to Wells
23 miles – explore England’s smallest city and stunning cathedral.
Things to Do in Ilminster
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. Discover the top things to do in Ilminster.
The Bell at Broadway
We absolutely loved our stay at The Bell at Broadway – a true dog-friendly gem tucked away in the peaceful village of Broadway (near Ilminster). From the moment we arrived, the warm welcome, characterful rooms, and thoughtful touches (like a towel for muddy paws and water bottles replenished daily) made us feel completely at home.
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