Lytes Cary

Lytes Cary is a two-storey manor house built from blue lias stone with hamstone dressings, featuring a great hall and an oriel room as its main sections. The building contains furnished interior rooms and sits within gardens maintained by the National Trust.

The chapel at Lytes Cary was built in 1343, followed by the great hall added in the 15th century and the oriel room in the 16th century. These building phases show how the estate developed and expanded over several centuries.

The great hall displays a collection of oak furniture from the 17th and 18th centuries, along with tapestries and historical paintings selected by Sir Walter Jenner. This collection reflects how a wealthy family once furnished their home and the taste of people from that era.

The house and gardens are open to visitors throughout the year and offer opportunities to explore both interior and outdoor spaces. Comfortable shoes are recommended, as the garden paths can be uneven in places.

The gardens are divided by hedges into distinct areas and feature topiary, ornamental ponds, and pathways in an Arts and Crafts style. This design creates multiple smaller spaces to discover rather than one large garden.

Location: The Charltons

Operator: National_Trust

Address: Charlton Mackrell, Somerton TA11 7HU

Website: https://nationaltrust.org.uk/lytes-cary-manor

GPS coordinates: 51.03646,-2.66717

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:04