Somerset Rural Life Museum
Explore Somerset's rural heritage in a 14th-century abbey barn and recreated 19th-century farmhouse. Engaging exhibits and family events await!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Engaging family events
Somerset Rural Life Museum
Best Time
Engaging family events
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Somerset's rural heritage in a 14th-century abbey barn and recreated 19th-century farmhouse. Engaging exhibits and family events await!
"Far more interesting than I had thought... a place for all ages and abilities at a very reasonable price."
🎯 Annual Pass Value
Consider an annual pass for great value if you plan to visit multiple times within a year.
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun Guaranteed
Look out for special events like WW2 heroines activities; kids love the interactive elements.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Abbey Barn
Glastonbury
Step back in time in this magnificent 14th-century abbey barn, a stunning example of medieval architecture.
19th-Century Farmhouse
Museum grounds
Explore a recreated farmhouse, complete with demonstrations of traditional crafts and daily life.
Special Exhibitions & Events
Museum galleries and barn
Discover rotating exhibits on local history, art, and rural traditions, often with family-friendly activities.
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Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to Somerset Rural Life Museum
Getting Around and What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Annual Pass Value
Consider an annual pass for great value if you plan to visit multiple times within a year.
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun Guaranteed
Look out for special events like WW2 heroines activities; kids love the interactive elements.
☕ Cafe Delights
Enjoy tea, cake, or light meals at the cafe; it's a pleasant spot, though can get noisy.
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Don't miss the orchard and outdoor areas, especially when donkeys are present for petting.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Annual Pass Value
Consider an annual pass for great value if you plan to visit multiple times within a year.
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun Guaranteed
Look out for special events like WW2 heroines activities; kids love the interactive elements.
☕ Cafe Delights
Enjoy tea, cake, or light meals at the cafe; it's a pleasant spot, though can get noisy.
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Don't miss the orchard and outdoor areas, especially when donkeys are present for petting.
🎨 Art & Local Crafts
The museum shop features local producers, artists, and crafters, with free entry.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Somerset Rural Life Museum for its engaging exhibits, particularly the impressive 14th-century Abbey Barn and the immersive 19th-century farmhouse. The friendly and informative staff, along with well-organized special events for families, are frequently highlighted as positives. While the cafe is generally appreciated, some find the room can be noisy.
"Lovely house and gardens. Friendly staff, particularly the guide in the house who was very informative.
We had tea and cake in the cafe which was ok but we did find the room quite noisy"
Kevin Ellis
"Can I congratulate the Rural Life Museum on its brilliantly creative event at half term on WW2 heroines. The careful thought that went into planning the wide range of activities was wonderful. I took my 7, 5 and 3 year old grandchildren, and the older 2 learnt so much and had such fun - cipher wheel decoding messages, rationing, land girl work, and the trail quiz. The 3 year old was obsessed with flying his 'spitfire' on the incredible lit up runway in the barn.
Hats off to you - imaginative, absorbing, educational. Great work!"
Jan Styan
"Far more interesting than I had thought.....and I like museums! As well as historical artifacts there were pictures, films, photos and galleries. Beautiful barn. Covered space for youngsters to relax for a while, with chairs and tables and quiet activities. There was a trail which a wide range of children seemed to enjoy. A cafe with nice drinks, cakes and light meals. Plenty of seating in and out, would be squashed inside in wet weather. Lovely orchard and small outdoor area ... there were donkeys to stroke today. Very pleasant helpful staff. A demonstration of spinning and knitting in the farmhouse kitchen. Good facilities for disabled ..... toilet, lift, ramps, but not sure about car park. Close by but didn't notice disabled spaces. In all, a place for all ages and abilities at a very reasonable price."
Ian Richardson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Glastonbury, Somerset. While public transport is an option, many visitors find driving to be the most convenient method. Check local bus routes if relying on public transport.
Yes, there is parking available. However, if you have specific accessibility needs, it's advisable to confirm the availability of disabled parking spaces beforehand.
The museum is generally accessible for disabled visitors, offering ramps, a lift, and accessible toilets.
Yes, the museum is located in Glastonbury, and the iconic Glastonbury Tor is a nearby landmark, often visited in conjunction with the museum.
The nearest train stations are Castle Cary and Yeovil Pen Mill, both requiring onward travel by bus or taxi to reach Glastonbury.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Somerset Rural Life Museum website for the most up-to-date information on opening times and any special closures.
Admission prices are very reasonable, and the museum offers an annual pass system which can be excellent value for repeat visits.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance, especially for special events or during peak times like school holidays, is recommended to guarantee entry and avoid queues.
The museum offers good value for money, and an annual pass is a great way to save if you plan multiple visits. Check their website for any specific concessionary rates.
Yes, the museum shop, which supports local producers and artists, has free entry, allowing you to browse and purchase unique items.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore a 14th-century abbey barn, a recreated 19th-century farmhouse with craft demonstrations, and engaging exhibitions on rural life, art, and local history.
Absolutely! Children often enjoy the interactive exhibits, dress-up sections, trails, and special events like the WW2 heroines activities.
The museum frequently hosts special events and exhibitions, particularly during school holidays. Check their website or social media for the latest announcements.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on flash photography or for particular exhibits.
The museum offers a cafe, accessible toilets, a lift, ramps, and seating areas both inside and outside.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on-site serving drinks, cakes, and light meals. It's a pleasant place to relax, though it can get noisy.
While the cafe offers refreshments, there are also outdoor seating areas where you might be able to enjoy a picnic, especially during good weather.
The cafe typically offers a selection of drinks, cakes, and light meals. It's best to inquire directly with the cafe staff about specific dietary options.
The cafe serves drinks, cakes, and light meals, providing a convenient option for visitors during their visit.
The cafe has plenty of seating, but it can get busy, especially during peak times or events. For larger groups, it might be advisable to call ahead.
📸 📸 Photography
The 14th-century Abbey Barn offers stunning architectural shots, while the farmhouse and orchard provide charming rural scenes. Don't forget the unique exhibits!
Tripod usage policies can vary. It's best to check with museum staff upon arrival to ensure you comply with their photography guidelines.
Drone photography is generally not permitted within museum grounds to ensure the safety and comfort of all visitors and to protect the heritage site.
The museum sometimes hosts art exhibitions that may include photography, showcasing local artists and themes related to Somerset's rural life.
Yes, the museum's exhibits, including the farmhouse and demonstrations, offer ample opportunities to capture the essence of Somerset's rural heritage.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Special events, like the WW2 heroines activities, are highly praised for their imaginative and educational approach, keeping kids entertained and learning. Look out for interactive trails and hands-on activities that make history come alive. The museum's accessible facilities and the presence of friendly animals like donkeys add to the appeal for younger visitors.
🎨 Art & Culture Enthusiasts
These exhibitions provide a wonderful opportunity to discover new talent and appreciate diverse artistic perspectives. The museum shop is also a treasure trove, showcasing local artisans and crafters. You can find unique handmade items, from preserves to artwork, supporting the vibrant creative community of Somerset.
The museum's connection to organizations like Somerset Art Works further solidifies its role as a hub for artistic expression and cultural engagement. 🚶♀️ History Buffs & Curious Explorers
Don't miss the opportunity to explore the grounds and orchard, which add to the historical ambiance. The museum's commitment to presenting history in an engaging and accessible manner, often with community-backed insights, makes it a rewarding visit for anyone keen to uncover the stories of Somerset's past.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Abbey Barn
When visiting, take time to appreciate the timber framing and the grandeur of the space. It's a popular spot for photographers and history enthusiasts alike. The barn's enduring presence provides a powerful connection to the region's rich ecclesiastical and agricultural history.
+1Consider how this barn would have functioned centuries ago, supporting the abbey's agricultural needs. Its survival is remarkable, and its current role as a venue for cultural events ensures its continued relevance and appreciation by the public.
Experiencing Rural Life Through Exhibits
Beyond the farmhouse, the museum showcases a wide array of artifacts, including tools, machinery, and personal items that tell stories of agricultural labor, domestic life, and community traditions. The presentation is often enhanced with pictures, films, and photographs, providing a multi-sensory approach to learning.
Special events, such as the WW2 heroines activities, are particularly praised for their educational and engaging nature, making the museum a fantastic destination for families. These events often involve hands-on activities like cipher wheel decoding and learning about rationing, ensuring that history is not just observed but actively experienced.
Art and Local Producers
The museum also hosts art exhibitions, often showcasing artists inspired by the Somerset landscape and its rural heritage. These exhibitions provide a platform for both established and emerging artists, adding a vibrant cultural dimension to the museum experience.
+1Collaborations with organizations like Somerset Art Works highlight the museum's commitment to the arts. For instance, the 'Spinning a Yarn' exhibition explored the heritage of British wool through film and art, demonstrating how the museum connects historical themes with creative expression.
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