Bruton Dovecote

There's a squat stone tower standing in a field near Castle Cary that doesn't look like much at first - until you realise you're staring at one of England's oldest dovecotes. Built in the 15th century, this Bruton landmark is the real deal: a working pigeon house that's survived five centuries of Somerset weather and neglect.

The dovecote itself is small, compact, built from local stone with that slightly wonky charm of medieval construction. You can see the nesting holes dotted across the inside walls where pigeons once roosted - they weren't kept for sentiment, mind you, but for meat and fertiliser. These days it's quieter, though you'll still spot the occasional resident.

It's worth the short diversion if you're walking around the village, but honestly, you won't need more than twenty minutes here. The real appeal is the sense of age - you're touching something that's been standing since Henry V was on the throne. History buffs will get more from it than families with restless kids, though older children interested in medieval life will find it genuinely interesting.

Access is free and open, though there's no visitor facilities. If you're based at Hadspen Glamping just up the road or Sunnyhill Campsite, it's a pleasant walk to take on a lazy afternoon. Bruton itself is worth exploring too - proper little market town with good pubs and a decent walk along the High Street. Go mid-week if you can; weekends pull more visitors through the village.