Bruton, Somerset
It’s fair to say that there’s more to Bruton than meets the eye and in recent years it’s become a draw to people relocating from cities for a slice of a quieter life in the countryside. Bruton is a very small town in Somerset, with narrow streets of old houses and little cottages tucked away down alleyways (known as Twittens) that slope gently down to the River Brue; there’s a community allotment effusive with colourful blooms and in the autumn, enormous pumpkins. Follow the town trail and you'll find several points of fascination, like the almshouse chapel which still uses mostly the original candle lighting, the relief sculpture of the Green Man on Priory House, and the stepping stones across the ford to Silver Street.
The town has an undeniable chunk of cool, with art galleries, upmarket boutiques and interiors shops, and quirky places to eat. A must is a trip to Hauser & Wirth to check out the latest contemporary art exhibitions and for lunch at Roth Bar & Grill; then walk it off with a stroll around the landscaped Piet Oudolf garden, or if you’re feeling up to it, a climb up the hill to the Dovecote to enjoy the views of the rolling countryside. In town is the bright and airy At the Chapel, a converted 17th century chapel where you can go for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and Matt's Kitchen.
All information correct at the time of writing