Burledge Hill combines species-rich grassland with a view of Chew Valley Lake. In Bishop Sutton, the church, historic houses and the history of coal mining provide further specific points of interest to help you plan your trip.
Burledge Hill: Meadows and Wildlife Watching
The meadow lies on the northeastern edge of the Mendip Hills. A public footpath runs through the nature reserve; three fields at Burledge Hill are designated as a Site of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI). Burledge Hill is also within the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
The grassland is home to cowslips, lady’s mantle, saw-wort and devil’s-bit scabious. There are many butterflies in summer. Willow warblers, garden warblers and whitethroats can be heard singing in the scrub. The meadow, scrub and views of Chew Valley Lake give the area a variety of natural features; fishing is also popular at the nearby lake.
If travelling to Burledge Hill by bus, the X91 between Bristol and Ubley, which stops at the Post Office in Bishop Sutton, is an option to check. From there, the route follows Sutton Hill Road. Check the current timetable before travelling.
Folly Farm: Grassland, Woodland and Wildflowers
At Folly Farm, various walking routes pass through grassland and woodland; public footpaths provide access throughout the nature reserve. A large badger sett can be seen from a woodland path accessible to all. The wildflower meadows are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
The natural features described at these two sites are distinct: Burledge Hill is noted for its species-rich meadow, summer butterflies and birds singing in the scrub. Folly Farm offers paths through two types of landscape and a view of the badger sett. What you choose to include in your plans depends on whether you are more interested in plants and birdsong or woodland paths and the badger sett.
Buildings and Local History
Holy Trinity in Bishop Sutton is a Grade II listed building. A plaque from the Incorporated Church Building Society dates the church to 1848. It is built of squared and coursed Lias with dressed stone details. The building comprises a nave, chancel, western bell tower, north aisle and south porch. Visitors are welcome to attend services.
The Elms has an early 18th-century core. Sutton Court originated as a fortified manor house in the early 14th century. Its north façade features a central three-storey 14th-century pele tower. These details make the history of the buildings tangible without requiring a visit or access outside of service times.
Coal mining is also part of the local history: it was Bishop Sutton’s most important industry, and the mines had been operating since the 18th century. The “old pit” ceased operating in the 19th century. The “new pit”, which followed it, closed in 1929. Sutton Hill Quarry has since been filled in and is a closed landfill site.
John Strachey (1671–1743), who lived at nearby Sutton Court in Bishop Sutton, is associated with the geological history of Sutton Hill Quarry. In 1719, he produced the first cross-section of sedimentary strata ever published.
More Things to See and Do
Lyde Acres is a small market garden where seasonal vegetables are grown using no-dig methods. Farm tours are offered throughout the season; visitor activities may vary by season. If you would like to plan a tour, check the specific date in advance.
At Dormers, at least one route is accessible to wheelchair users. This applies to one or more routes, not necessarily the entire site.
Discover more destinations: Bathampton, Saltford, Ubley, Wellow, Pensford, Farrington Gurney, Kelston, Keynsham.
For the broader travel guide: Bath And North East Somerset.
