Somerset

Fyne Court pink trail

Take in some fascinating wildlife and glimpses of the historic landscape as you follow this trail around Fyne Court's lost garden, in the heart of Fyne Court Estate.

Near to

Fyne Court

Start point

Fyne Court courtyard, grid ref: ST223320

Address
Fyne Court, Broomfield, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA5 2EQ
Directions via Google Maps
By train
Taunton, 5 miles (8km); Bridgwater, 7 miles (11.2km).
By bus
Services 23/23A/23B, Taunton–Bridgwater bus station, alight Kingston St. Mary. From here it is a 3-mile (4.8km) walk up Lodes Lane (narrow lane next to bus stop).
Cycling
National Cycle Network Regional Route 33 passes about 5 miles (8km) from Fyne Court. From here, head towards Broomfield along quiet, occasionally hilly roads.
By road
Exit M5 at junction 24, follow A38 towards Taunton then take a right towards Broomfield. Fyne Court is very near the church, 5 miles (8km) north of Taunton, near Kingston St Mary.
Total stages: 9
Total stages: 9
Start point
Fyne Court courtyard, grid ref: ST223320
Stage 1
Cross the cobbled courtyard and climb the steps at the far end of the lawn.
A lost house and garden
The 18th and 19th century buildings (coach house, stable, library and music room) are all that survived the 1894 fire which destroyed the family home. The scientist, Andrew Crosse, created a fine landscape garden with varied views, trees and flowering shrubs, water features and buildings. His nephew, Richard, and son, Andrew, also developed the garden and wider landscape. In the 20th century, Fyne Court fell into decline. Look out for surviving elements of the historic lost garden: the serpentine lake, boathouse, round-towered folly and walled garden with ornamental trees and shrubs.
Stage 2
Follow the path across the lawn and cross over the driveway.
Natural or a garden?
Fyne Court may look natural but the rangers and volunteers work hard to maintain it and the gardens structure is still there. Thick undergrowth supports a variety of wildlife including bats, roe deer and dormice. Dormice like to climb amongst the branches of trees: their main food source is hazel which is coppiced on a longer rotation to ensure there's a good crop of nuts. Deadwood piles are purposefully left, providing a valuable habitat for invertebrates, fungi and mosses, as well as a food supply for birds. As the wood breaks down it also provides valuable nutrients for the soil.
Stage 3
Continue along the path to the boathouse and cross the stream. Look out for a folly to your right along the way.
Stage 4
Follow the path through the woodland, which is dominated by beech. In the spring, this area is carpeted with bluebells.
Stage 5
After the bridge, the path splits in two: take the right-hand path. As you walk along you'll notice small quarries: these provided building stone for the original house.
Stage 6
Continue along the path, turning right at the junction at the top of the hill. At the bottom of a flight of steps turn right.
Stage 7
On your left is the walled garden, with a small pond on your right. The garden would have been used to supply fruit and vegetables to the house and would have incorporated a large greenhouse.
Stage 8
Continue past the larger pond on your left and then take the steps down.
Stage 9
At the bottom of the steps turn right. This path will take you back to the courtyard.
End point
Fyne Court courtyard, grid ref: ST223320
Trail map
Map of Fyne Court | © National Trust/Simon Roulstone
You made it
Share your experience

Fyne Court is home to many species of fungi

Trail

Fyne Court wildlife walk

Discover a wealth of wildlife on this gentle walk around Fyne Court Estate, starting near the old buildings in the courtyard, then around broadleaved woodland and grazed meadows.

A wide earth track with overhanging beech trees and dappled sunlight shining through the branches

Trail

Drove Road, Great and Marrow Hills walk

A 3.5-mile walk around some of the quiet and scenic parts of Somerset's Quantock Hills, taking in ancient trackways used by humans for centuries.

View across fields from Beacon Hill at Staple Plan, Somerset

Trail

This wildlife-rich walk takes you through woodland, up Beacon Hill and back through lowland heathland. After taking in views across the Quantock Hills, look out for red deer, skylark and Dartford warbler.

Trail

Woodland Hill circular walk

A short walk through mixed woodland and nearby heathland that is a haven for native wildlife and has evidence of early human settlement.

Broomfield, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA5 2EQ

01823451587

fynecourt@nationaltrust.org.uk

We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.

Visit website

Walking

Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.

Article

Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner

Learn about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor. Find out how they help us care for precious places and the exclusive discount available for National Trust supporters.

A visitor carrying a backpack and walking along a footpath at Divis and the Black Mountain with stone walls either side, the countryside visible in the background.

Article

Follow the Countryside Code

Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.

Children walking on fallen tree at Fyne Court

Article

Things to do at Fyne Court

Fyne Court is a haven for wildlife with clues to its past life as an Arcadian garden. You can also explore the Quantock Hills, with enjoyable walks and captivating views.

Near to

Start point

Trail information

Difficulty*

Full trail

Getting here

Facilities

Accessibility

Terrain and elevation

Trail route

Total stages: 9

Total stages: 9

Start point

Stage 1

Point of interest

Stage 2

Point of interest

Stage 3

Stage 4

Stage 5

Stage 6

Stage 7

Stage 8

Stage 9

End point

Trail map

Sign up to hear more from the National Trust