Train Challenge No 12

Amors Barton, Bruton - “These narrow, steep alleyways branch off the High Street and lead you down to the river Brue. Barton - according to the dictionary - means farmyard, one theory being that cattle and sheep were penned at the bottom of the bartons and led up to the market place to be sold.”


Very difficult start to the day but managed to get out and took a direct train from my local station to Bruton in Somerset, along with my BC friend who joined me on the train in Bath. Bruton is a small market town with a long and rich history, but is now known for being the home to a host of famous faces, including Benedict Cumberbatch, Stella McCartney, George Osborne and Sir Cameron Mackintosh to name but a few. British Vogue called it “the new Notting Hill”. To be honest, I’m not sure what the appeal is. 

The town museum was quite interesting, and there’s quite a mix of architecture along the High Street (extra 1), but the majority of the shops cater for the London set and The Chapel (extra 2) where we had pizza for lunch was definitely a cut above your average high street cafe.

From the high street we walked uphill to the Dovecote, a former 16th century watchtower with views over the town. Sadly there was just one lonely white dove cooing away, you can just about spot it in my (poor quality phone) collage, extra 3. Last stop on our circular walk was Hauser & Wirth Somerset, an arts centre in converted farm buildings, displaying contemporary conceptual art. The art left me cold but the building itself was far more impressive, extras 4 (my favourite pic from today) and 5.

Only had three hours in Bruton but we managed to cram in a lot. Just as we boarded the train home the sun came out!

Total train journey time = 2hr 2mins