Attractions and Places To See around Castle Cary - Top 20

Castle Cary is rich in history. You can visit the iconic Market House, a 19th-century building that houses a museum detailing the town's past, including a prison cell and the Shambles. Another unique historical structure is The Roundhouse, an 18th-century cylindrical lock-up. While the original 12th-century Cary Castle no longer stands, you can still see the earthworks of its motte and bailey on Lodge Hill. For a deeper dive into local history, the Castle Cary & District Museum, located within the Market House, offers diverse collections.

Absolutely. A must-see is View from Cadbury Castle, an Iron Age hill fort often associated with King Arthur's Camelot. It offers spectacular panoramic views across the Dorset countryside. The ramparts were first raised by Stone Age people and later fortified in the Iron Age. You can also visit St Vincent's Church, Ashington, a petite 13th-century church with charming Hamstone accents and an uncommon 'lantern' bellcote.

The area around Castle Cary is perfect for nature lovers. You can enjoy numerous footpaths and trails through the beautiful countryside, with Lodge Hill offering excellent views of the town. The River Cary meanders through the area, and the nearby Carymoor Environmental Centre provides guided walks focused on sustainability. For a unique experience, consider a visit to Cary Alpacas just outside of town. If you're interested in walking, you can find various routes, including easy and moderate options, by exploring hiking around Castle Cary.

Yes, Castle Cary offers several family-friendly options. Exploring the historical sites like the Market House and The Roundhouse can be engaging for children. The surrounding countryside provides many easy walking paths suitable for families. For a unique animal encounter, Cary Alpacas allows visitors to meet and feed alpacas. Additionally, the Carymoor Environmental Centre offers educational activities focused on nature and conservation that can be fun for all ages.

Castle Cary is known for its high-quality independent shops, including grocers, outfitters, bookshops, and antique stores. The main street, leading down to the old Horse Pond, is particularly noted for its individual shops, delicatessens, cafes, and restaurants. For a stylish dining experience, At The Chapel in Bruton, a short distance away, offers a restaurant, wine bar, and cafe in a converted old chapel.

Yes, you can find a pleasant spot for a dip at River Brue Swimming Spot at West Lydford Bridge. This flower-lined section of the River Brue offers about 330 feet (100 meters) of water, ending with a weir and a bridge, perfect for a refreshing break.

The area around Castle Cary offers a variety of cycling routes for different skill levels. You can find moderate to difficult routes, such as the 'Cadbury Castle Hillfort – All Saints Church, Castle Cary loop' which is around 28 km. For more options, including mountain biking and touring routes, explore the cycling guides around Castle Cary.

Visitors particularly appreciate the breathtaking panoramic views from historical sites like View from Cadbury Castle. The picturesque paths, such as Path Along the River Brue into Bruton, are also highly valued for their scenic beauty and tranquility. The unique historical architecture of places like St Vincent's Church, Ashington, also receives positive feedback for its charm and historical significance.

Yes, just a short drive from Castle Cary, you can visit The Newt in Somerset, a luxury estate featuring stunning gardens and woodland walks. Another option is Hadspen House, a Grade II*-listed manor house with gardens restored by Penelope Hobhouse. Although a bit further, Stourhead Gardens is famous for its spectacular 18th-century landscape gardens.

For contemporary art enthusiasts, Hauser & Wirth Somerset is a renowned gallery located near Castle Cary, offering a unique cultural experience in a rural setting.

There are several easy walking routes around Castle Cary. For instance, 'The Round House – Castle Cary Market Hall loop' is an easy 5.5 km walk, and 'All Saints Church, Castle Cary – The Round House loop' is another easy option at just over 3 km. You can find more details and other beginner-friendly routes in the hiking guide for Castle Cary.