Museums

Visitors to Somerset Rural Life Museum can explore rural life from the 1800s onwards and discover more about the county’s heritage including its landscape, food and farming, working life and rural crafts.

Visitors to Somerset Rural Life Museum can explore rural life from the 1800s onwards and discover more about the county’s heritage including its landscape, food and farming, working life and rural crafts.

The museum tells the story of Somerset’s rich rural and social history. Visitors can enjoy the five Farmhouse Galleries which explore the themes of ‘Creating’, ‘Learning’, ‘Believing’, ‘Celebrating’ and ‘Remembering.’ In the large Farmyard Gallery the major themes are ‘Working Village’ and ‘Working the Land’.

The magnificent 14th-century Abbey Barn remains the centrepiece of the site, providing a unique and remarkable setting for exhibitions and events.

Outside spaces, including the Farmyard and the Orchard, contain sculpture and family trails that interpret the history of the site and its buildings.

The Farmyard Café will be open all year round at this family-friendly destination, offering high-quality locally-sourced food and drink.

A programme of seasonal events take place throughout the year.

Somerset Rural Life Museum reopened in June 2017 following a major £2.4 million redevelopment, led by the South West Heritage Trust.