Wrington offers two distinctive themes for a discovery trip: the history of the Church of All Saints and the garden and apple culture of Barley Wood. There is also a far-reaching panoramic view across the Vale of Wrington to the northern escarpment of the Mendips, and the route of the Two Rivers Way south of and beyond the Conservation Area. Architecture, designed landscapes and garden produce offer different starting points for planning a trip.

Church of All Saints and historical figures

The Church of All Saints in Wrington dates back to a 13th-century foundation; its west tower was added around 1450. The two dates mark different stages in the church’s history: the medieval foundation was followed by the tower at a later date. Stone busts of John Locke and Hannah More from the early 19th century stand beside the door. The building’s history and its sculptures offer different starting points for understanding the church in its historical context.

Barley Wood: several phases of garden design

The pleasure gardens and small park at Barley Wood were laid out to complement the cottage orné built for Hannah More in 1801. Formal gardens designed by Thomas H Mawson were added in 1911. The dates show that the garden landscape did not originate in a single phase: the cottage and its additions belong to an earlier phase, and the formal gardens to a later one. Hannah More also links this garden history with the church, where her bust stands beside the door.

The kitchen garden was laid out in 1901 for Henry Herbert Wills, a director of the Imperial Tobacco Company. It therefore falls chronologically between the cottage orné and the formal gardens added in 1911. Barley Wood also offers a far-reaching panoramic view across the Vale of Wrington and towards the northern escarpment of the Mendips. Alongside the gardens’ design, the view of the surrounding landscape is part of this theme.

Apples, refreshments and seasonal offerings

The Barley Wood Walled Garden is planted with vegetables, fruit trained against the walls and apple orchards. More than 60 apple varieties grow in the unsprayed Barley Wood Orchard; the composition of the collection may change over time. The two garden areas have different emphases: the Walled Garden is characterised by its varied plantings, while the orchard stands out especially for the diversity of its apples.

At the roundhouse in the Barley Wood Walled Garden, pure apple juice and traditional ciders are made from apples grown in Barley Wood Orchard. Visitor access is conditional on the “Cider Barn Open” sign being displayed: when it is, visitors can see the presses, taste juice and cider, enjoy a pint on the benches or take products away. Plan around this condition when considering these offerings.

Barley Wood Cafe serves homemade sweet treats and a small, weekly changing lunch menu featuring sourdough toasties. The menu is based on produce from the kitchen garden. The food offering and seasonal opening arrangements may change.

The Two Rivers Way

The Two Rivers Way runs south of and beyond Wrington’s Conservation Area. This adds a specific route to the cultural and garden themes. Its location offers a distinct point of reference for travellers who wish to take a route into account alongside building history and designed landscapes when planning their trip.

Discover more destinations: Wraxall, Weston-Super-Mare, Portishead, Easton-In-Gordano, Blagdon, Nailsea, Churchill, Winscombe

For the broader travel overview: North Somerset.