The Somerset market town with cider, vintage shopping, and a glorious landscape
Mention Langport to most people, and you’re likely to get a slightly confused look and a shrug of the shoulders. Little do they realise that as they whizz south on the M5, likely bound for Devon or Cornwall, they’ve just missed one of the highlights of the Somerset Levels.
Langport is no metropolis – with a population of about 1,000 residents, it is one of the UK’s smallest towns. There is a gentle, soporific quality to this part of the world, a feeling that the little high street and the patchwork pastures surrounding the town have changed very little over the centuries. Civilisation is within reach – Taunton and the M5 are 15 miles to the west, Yeovil is 13 miles to the south-east – but keeping just enough distance to preserve the tranquillity.
It hasn’t always been like this. Langport was once a flourishing port on the River Parrett, which hugs the town’s southern edge and was an important conduit for shipping and trade. But as the river silted up, the industry died. Now, on a sunny day, you will see families picnicking on the grassy riverbanks and adventurous types kayaking or paddleboarding on the water rather than any large ships.
As you explore, you may notice an abundance of wildlife. This area of Somerset lies within Britain’s largest remaining region of low-lying wet grassland and is a crucial habitat and breeding ground for many species. Herons, swans, swifts, buzzards, kingfishers and otters are regularly spotted. If you’re lucky, you may catch the dazzling blue flash of a kingfisher flying low along the river.
That said, even if your only encounter is a contented cow chewing the cud, it is hard not to be drawn into the serenity of this unique landscape.
How to get there and around
The easiest way to reach Langport is by car (there is a large free car park at the town’s riverside area of Cocklemoor), or else Taunton train station is closest. Operated by Great Western Rail and Cross Country trains, there are services running from London Paddington, Bristol and Exeter. First Bus route 54 from Taunton station stops on Bow Street in the centre of Langport.
The Devonshire Arms Hotel in Long Sutton (Photo: Supplied)
Where to stay
Accommodation is limited in the town itself. The Langport Arms offers a good budget option, if a little dated. Doubles from £75. Wheelchair accessible rooms are available; pets allowed on request.
For something more luxurious, The Devonshire Arms Hotel in Long Sutton, four miles east of Langport, offers fantastic value, with cosy doubles starting at £125 B&B.
Four miles north, near High Ham, The Nancy Blackett is a rustic but glamorous shepherd’s hut on its own private island, with a rowing boat and hot tub. It’s self-catering with a two-night minimum stay; from £280 in spring/summer.
Where to shop
Burrow Mump in Somerset (Photo: James Whitrow/Getty/iStockphoto)
Bow Street is Langport’s high street, with a handful of independent shops, including a traditional clock shop, cafés and delis. The jewel in the crown is the Vintage Market, which takes place on the second Saturday of every month during spring and summer. It is based in the 18th-century town hall, but spreads far beyond and has a buzzy vibe.
Where to go for lunch
The Bridge Bakery and Canteen, towards the town’s western edge, has a riverbank setting and offers a delicious menu of local, organic and seasonal food – plus great cakes. Sit in the little garden and you may be joined by inquisitive, friendly sparrows with their eyes set firmly on your crumbs. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
What to see and do
The Strode house and ornamental garden at Barrington court in Somerset (Photo: Tom Meaker/Getty/iStock Editorial)
A slice of Somerset history, Coates English Willow Centre, seven miles west of Langport, offers guided tours around its willow beds and historic workshop. Willow has been grown and woven here since 1819, and in many ways, little has changed since then. There is also a willow sculpture trail.
At National Trust property Barrington Court, eight miles south of town, you can learn about the history of the estate and enjoy its beautiful gardens and orchards.
Where to go for a drink
The Halfway House in Pitney, two miles east of Langport, is a traditional Somerset pub with flagstone floors, a cosy fireplace nook, and a friendly welcome. A large selection of ales are served straight from the cask.
Where to go for dinner
The Firehouse Somerset in neighbouring Curry Rivel, two miles west of Langport, is quirky and fun with an eclectic range of wallpaper. They serve a varied menu of stone-fired pizzas.
Alternatively, stop in at the fantastic Brown & Forrest smokehouse, four miles south-west of Langport near Hambridge, to pick up supplies for a sunset picnic to enjoy on the riverbank area of Cocklemoor, on the southern edge of Langport.
The best summer walks
The orchard of Burrow Hill Cider Farm (Photo: Supplied)
In summer, there is no better place to be than amid the apple trees of a Somerset cider orchard. Head to Burrow Hill Cider Farm, six miles south of Langport, to enjoy their orchard walk, admire views over the Somerset Levels from the top of Burrow Hill, and of course, have a taste of their homemade cider and brandy.
To the west of town, Burrow Mump is an alternative to neighbouring Glastonbury Tor that is just as beautiful, but far less well-known. Here, the ruins of a medieval church perch atop a conical hill that rises dramatically from the level landscape around it. Fantastic at sunset.
From Langport, you can follow the River Parrett Trail south to the village of Muchelney, with ancient abbey ruins to explore, as well as the Church of St Peter & St Paul, which has an intricately painted 17th-century ceiling.
Three things you might not know about Langport…
1) In 1880, a £10 ticket on a ship departing from Langport would have taken you all the way to America.
2) Between 2010 and 2014, nearly 100 common cranes – Britain’s tallest birds – were reintroduced to the Somerset Levels after an absence of more than 400 years. Once a common sight, they became extinct here due to hunting and the draining of their wetland home.
3) Langport was once famous in the banking world. Established in the 18th century, Stuckey’s Bank of Langport grew to be one of the biggest banking groups in the country. Its banknotes were said to have a circulation second only to that of the Bank of England.
