Countryside & Nature

Visitor Account of a day out to The Newt, Castle Cary.

https://thenewtinsomerset.com/

We had decided on a trip to The Newt after reading about it last year in the Guardian.

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/oct/04/exploring-somersets-garden-of-earthly-delights

When we found Compton Castle & it’s Cottages we were so pleased, as so many things we wanted to do & places we wanted to visit were nearby.

I had my heart set on visiting the gardens at The Newt in Somerset. My parents came with us to stay at Windsor Lodge & they agreed to look after our dog there, so we could visit The Newt, as they do not accept dogs.

We purchased tickets on line & planned a whole day there. On arrival we followed the wooden decking pathway from the carpark to the amazing barn housing vintage farm equipment & museum pieces all related to agriculture. We confirmed our bee safari with the concierge lady on the desk.

I loved the planting, so many flying insects & the fresh smells were amazing. The textures and thoughts that had gone into the designing of different areas was amazing. Especially the walled garden, which was huge.

Palladian house

One of the first grand Palladian-style villas to be built in England, with a carriage entrance leading to the piano nobile, or main floor.

Landscape garden

World-famous landscape garden with a lake set among lawns and classical temples, surrounded by trees and with sweeping views.

Garden temples

Buildings include the Temple of Flora, the Temple of Apollo and the Pantheon, which was inspired by the Pantheon in Rome.

Countryside

2,560 acres of countryside, with walks through chalk downs, ancient woods, Iron Age hillforts and farmland.

Eating

National Trust restaurant and take-away kiosk available daily, local amenities such as a historic inn, an ice cream parlour and a farm shop