Abbot's Kitchen

The medieval kitchens at Abbot's Kitchen in Street are exactly what you'd hope to find when you stumble upon a 14th-century monastic building - all stone arches, vast fireplaces, and the ghost of centuries of cooking. This isn't a museum with glass cases and velvet ropes; it's a proper chance to walk through the actual space where monks prepared meals for the abbey.

What strikes you first is the sheer scale of the place. Two enormous fireplaces dominate the room, blackened from centuries of roasting meat and heating water for washing up. The stone vaulting overhead is impressive but doesn't shout about itself. There's something quietly powerful about standing in a room that's essentially unchanged since the 1300s.

It works best if you're already in Street - the Somerset town centre, not a major destination in itself - or making a broader sweep through Somerset's monastic heritage. History enthusiasts will spend a solid hour here; families with young kids might manage 30-40 minutes before boredom creeps in, unless they've got a real interest in medieval life.

The nearest decent base is Orchard Farm, just four miles away, which offers glamping and camping spots. Combine this with a walk around Street itself - the town has Quaker roots and some decent architecture - and you've got a morning sorted. Check opening hours before you travel; independent historic sites can be patchy with their schedules.