Castle Cary
one of the most attractive
of Somerset's market towns
Tucked away in a secluded spot a few miles off the A303, the golden stone of Castle Cary and Ansford exudes a warm glow complemented by its glorious setting in the South Somerset countryside and its friendly inhabitants.
Castle Cary and Ansford is known by its two parishes. But folk who know the town simply call it "Cary". The 12th Century castle of the name no longer exists, although you can still see some of its stone in the buildings of the town centre. And the town is the source of the River Cary which rises from Park Pond, part of the original castle moat.
The 19th Century Market House dominates the centre of the town, across the HIgh Street from the thatched George Hotel - one of Cary's oldest buildings. Fore Street, stretching down to the Horse Pond, is full of individual, high quality shops, delicatessens, cafes and restaurants. Tuesday is Market Day, when fish and organic vegetables are sold in the front of the Market House, with a Farmers Market every third Tuesday in the month.
Behind the Market House stands Cary's historic Roundhouse lock-up. Constructed in 1779, it is one of only four such buildings remaining in the country today. The celebrated diarist Parson James Woodforde (1740 - 1803) lived in Ansford; more recently Douglas Macmillan, founder of Macmillan Cancer Support, lived in Cary.
If you're walking, rambling or simply looking for a quiet time in the countryside, Cary can provide it. The Monarch's Way, the Macmillan Way and Leland Trail all pass near the town, as does the route to Glastonbury for many festival-goers.
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"The website featuring Castle Cary and Ansford was very informative with its insiders guide."
" ... I thought Castle Cary was a delightful town to visit ....."
"We were offered keys to the round 'lock up' (held by the Pie Butcher) and allowed to look for ourselves, which was most interesting and
appreciated". "Although I have been to Castle Cary before, I found it so much more interesting this time – like visiting for the first time."
"I enjoyed Castle Cary very much. It is nice to see a variety of small businesses still open."
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A group of hard-working locals have also produced some walks of our own that you might like to download here: - |
No matter when you visit, you'll find something special: Cary is a town for all seasons. Not to be missed is the renowed illuminated carnival which takes place in October. If you want to get away for the weekend, there is plenty of great hotel or Bed and Breakfast accommodation too and many award-winning attractions around the Cary area - both indoors, and out-and-about.
GETTING HERE...
by train ......... Bristol to Weymouth "Heart of Wessex" Line trains call at Castle Cary up to 8 times a day each way, from stations including Bristol Temple Meads, Bath Spa, Bradford-on-Avon, Trowbridge, Westbury, Frome, Bruton, Yeovil Pen Mill, Dorchester and Weymouth. For more information about this scenic rail line see www.heartof wessex.org.uk and for train times call 08457 484 950
or...... this really useful website Friends of Bruton Railway Station for trains at Bruton and Castle Cary on the Heart of Wessex Line, Bristol to Weymouth, also main line services at Castle Cary and buses serving Bruton
For other means of getting here.... see our Contact page
USEFUL CONTACTS....
Local Churches
All Saints www.castlecaryallsaints.org.uk
St Andrews www.ansford.church.co.uk
Methodist Church www.somersetmethodist.org
National Trust Houses and Gardens
Lytes Cary (TA11 7HU - Tel: 01458 224 471)
Montacute (TA15 6XP - Tel: 01935 823 289)
Stourhead (BA12 6QD - Tel: 01747 841 152)
Tintinhull (BA22 8PZ - Tel: 01935 823 289)
more info at www.national trust.org.uk
Heritage Sites
Glastonbury Abbey www.glastonburyabbey.com
Glastonbury Tor www.glastonburytor.org.uk
For info about the Medieval Room in Castle Cary's oldest House click HERE
Muchelney Abbey www.english-heritage.org.uk/muchelney
Wells Cathedral www.wellscathedral.org.uk
Other Attractions
Clarks Village www.clarksvillage.co.uk
East Somerset Railway www.eastsomersetrailway.com
Fleet Air Arm Museum www.fleetairarm.com
Gants Mill & Gardens www.gantsmill.co.uk
Haynes Motor Museum www.haynesmotormuseum.co.uk
Walks
The Macmillan Way www.macmillanway.org
The Monarchs Way www.monarchsway.50megs.com
The Leland Trail www.walkingpages.co.uk/trails_paths
Cycle rides
South Somerset www.southsomerset.com
Other
More attractions www.visitsouthsomerset.com
www.hiddensomerset.com
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TOURISM LEAFLET |
