Attractions and Places To See around Mells - Top 20

Mells is rich in history. You can explore St Andrew's Church, a Grade I listed building with 15th-century origins, notable stained-glass windows, and memorials to figures like Siegfried Sassoon. Don't miss the Mells War Memorial, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, or the medieval Mells Tithe Barn. While Mells Manor is not publicly accessible, its historic presence adds to the village's charm. Further afield, Longleat House is an impressive Elizabethan prodigy house set in 1,000 acres of parkland.

Yes, the area offers beautiful natural scenery. You can find public footpaths winding through woodlands on the Mells Estate, where you'll hear the Mells River and might spot a small waterfall. The Mells River also flows through the Wadbury Valley, known for its geology. For a unique approach to a grand estate, the Longleat House Drive offers an amazing view as you head towards Longleat House, often with glimpses of animals like giraffes and kangaroos.

Mells is a great base for outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling or walking along Colliers Way, a path that links Midsomer Norton and Radstock through Mells, utilizing disused railway lines. For more specific routes, explore the Cycling around Mells guide, which includes routes like 'The Two Tunnels Greenway – Radstock Cycleway loop'. If you prefer mountain biking, check out the MTB Trails around Mells guide, featuring routes such as 'Honeypot Lane Trailhead – Heaven's Gate Viewpoint loop'.

Absolutely. Longleat House, with its safari park, is a fantastic family day out. The Colliers Way cycle path is also suitable for families, offering a safe and scenic route through the countryside. The Mells Estate offers public footpaths through woodlands, which can be a pleasant family stroll. Additionally, the Wellow Ford Stone Bridge is a pretty spot in the village of Wellow that families might enjoy exploring.

Public footpaths on the Mells Estate offer peaceful walks through woodlands, following the Mells River and passing a small waterfall. For dedicated running routes, the Running Trails around Mells guide features options like the 'Mells River Path – Mells Village loop' and 'Colliers Way (East) loop'.

The village offers a couple of charming spots. The Walled Garden at Mells is a popular cafe, shop, and plant nursery, known for wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches, and salads. The Mells Cafe, opened by Mary Berry, also has a strong reputation for fresh, home-cooked food. For a more traditional experience, The Talbot Inn is a historic pub within the village.

While Mells is a rural village, public transport options exist, though they may be less frequent. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for services connecting Mells to nearby towns like Frome or Radstock. For detailed planning, local transport websites would be the best resource.

Beyond the main attractions, Mells holds several unique points. The ruins of Fussell's old iron works can be found along the public footpaths on the Mells Estate, offering a glimpse into industrial history. Poyntz House on Gay Street is where author Evelyn Waugh began writing 'Scoop'. The Mells River Sink in Wadbury Valley is also a unique geological feature.

Mells is charming year-round, but spring and summer offer the best weather for exploring the village's historical sites and enjoying outdoor activities like walking and cycling. The woodlands and gardens are particularly vibrant during these seasons. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, while winter can offer a peaceful, picturesque experience, though some paths might be muddy.

Many of the public footpaths and trails around Mells, including those on the Mells Estate and sections of Colliers Way, are suitable for dog walking. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock, and to follow local signage regarding pet access. Always ensure you clean up after your dog to preserve the natural beauty of the area.

Sir Edwin Lutyens, a renowned architect, left a significant mark on Mells. He designed the Mells War Memorial, featuring a sculpture of St. George. His influence can also be seen in the gates to Mells Manor and even a bus shelter. He also designed Park House within Mells Park and collaborated with Gertrude Jekyll on its gardens.