Castle Neroche
Explore the ancient Iron Age fort remains and scenic woodland trails of Castle Neroche, offering panoramic views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Bluebells and fresh greenery
Castle Neroche
Best Time
Bluebells and fresh greenery
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the ancient Iron Age fort remains and scenic woodland trails of Castle Neroche, offering panoramic views.
"Beautiful place to go for a walk, the views are stunning."
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Trails can be steep and slippery, especially after rain. Wear good walking boots for safety and comfort.
🗺️ Navigate with Care
Trail signage can be minimal. Consider a map or GPS app to fully explore the historical site.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iron Age Fort Remains
Hilltop
Explore the earthworks and ditches of this ancient Iron Age hill fort, offering a glimpse into the past.
Expansive Hiking Trails
Woodlands
Wander through lush woodlands with trails suitable for walking and equestrian pursuits.
Panoramic Valley Views
Various viewpoints
Discover breathtaking vistas over the surrounding valleys, especially rewarding after a climb.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Trails, Mind the Weather
Historical Insights & Trail Navigation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Trails can be steep and slippery, especially after rain. Wear good walking boots for safety and comfort.
🗺️ Navigate with Care
Trail signage can be minimal. Consider a map or GPS app to fully explore the historical site.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Exploration
A great spot for dogs, with plenty of space to roam. Keep them on a lead where necessary.
📸 Capture the Views
The expansive valley views are a photographer's dream, especially with dramatic skies.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Trails can be steep and slippery, especially after rain. Wear good walking boots for safety and comfort.
🗺️ Navigate with Care
Trail signage can be minimal. Consider a map or GPS app to fully explore the historical site.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Exploration
A great spot for dogs, with plenty of space to roam. Keep them on a lead where necessary.
📸 Capture the Views
The expansive valley views are a photographer's dream, especially with dramatic skies.
🚗 Be Mindful of Parking
While a popular spot, be aware of your surroundings, especially if staying late.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Castle Neroche for its beautiful views and lovely woodland walks, making it a great spot for dog owners and hikers. However, some find the historical interpretation lacking and caution about trail conditions after rain, recommending sturdy footwear. There are also occasional reports of unusual activity in the car park after dark.
"Beautiful place to go for a walk, the views are stunning.
Caution, dont stay there too late, sat in a car, there's some very strange men who walk around the cars looking for something, which had to be politely told him to do one...
Definitely dogging site after midnight 🤮"
Guy Chilcott
"Beautiful views and old trees, with big dog friendly area."
Julieta Azevedo
"Before you enter, there is a very large board that has an outline map that states You are here. Just inside, is another large board with a depiction of what it would have looked like in neolithic and Norman times. But it doesn't show you where you should walk. I saw no evidence of a plateau where the settlement may have been and therefore could not even think where to look for foundations of a Norman keep. As a historical monuments, rather disappointed. As a Sunday afternoon walk through a beautiful Forest, it was a lovely, healthy walk. It said to follow the signs. In over an hour, I found one with three arrows. Two in the direction of car parks, the other in the direction of Timbuktu or somewhere equally vague. I wandered off the path not long after the start, and found some steps down into what must have been an original ditch. And, steps up the other side that led to nowhere. However, there was a view over the most stunning, beautiful valley I have ever seen. I will go back just for that."
Geoff Wakelam
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Castle Neroche is accessible by car, with a dedicated car park. The nearest towns are Taunton and Ilminster. Public transport options are limited, so driving is generally recommended.
Yes, there is a car park available for visitors. It can get busy during peak times, so arriving early is advisable.
Yes, cycling is a popular way to reach Castle Neroche, with several trails suitable for bikes.
Due to the natural terrain and steep slopes, Castle Neroche may not be fully accessible for wheelchairs. Some paths are uneven and can be challenging.
The nearest towns are Taunton and Ilminster, both offering amenities and further transport links.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Castle Neroche is a free-to-enter historical site and nature reserve. There are no admission fees.
Castle Neroche is open to the public year-round during daylight hours. There are no set opening or closing times.
The trails and the historical site are free to access for all visitors.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and potential for encountering undesirable activity.
There are no official guided tours. Visitors are encouraged to explore independently and use available information boards.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the remains of an Iron Age hill fort, including ditches and earthworks, and enjoy extensive woodland trails.
Trail marking can be inconsistent. It's advisable to have a map or use a navigation app to ensure you stay on track.
Yes, there's a grass picnic area near the car park, though seating is limited to a couple of benches.
The woodlands are home to various birds and small mammals. In spring, you might spot bluebells.
A typical visit for a walk and to see the fort remains can take 1-2 hours, but you can easily spend longer if you explore more extensively.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for elevated viewpoints offering panoramic valley views, the ancient earthworks, and the atmospheric woodland paths.
Absolutely, the rolling hills and expansive skies provide excellent opportunities for landscape photography, especially during golden hour.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local bylaws and any specific site restrictions before flying a drone.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, enhancing the photographic potential of the landscape.
The woodland can be dark, requiring higher ISO or a tripod. Trails can be uneven, so stable footing is important while composing shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, parents should be aware that some paths are steep and can be slippery, especially after rain.
🚶♀️ Solo Adventurers & Hikers
The panoramic views offer moments of reflection and a sense of accomplishment after a climb. While generally safe, it's always wise for solo hikers to inform someone of their plans and expected return time. Be prepared for the terrain, especially if venturing off the main paths, and carry a fully charged phone.
The historical remnants add an intriguing layer to the solo exploration, encouraging a deeper connection with the landscape. 🐶 Dog Owners
+1It's important to keep dogs under control, especially near other visitors or if they tend to chase wildlife.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the History of Castle Neroche
Later, during the Norman period, a motte-and-bailey castle was likely constructed on the site, though little physical evidence remains of this specific structure. The name 'Neroche' itself is thought to derive from the Norman 'Nogent'. Understanding this layered history adds depth to your visit, transforming a simple walk into a journey through time.
While the site offers a sense of ancient presence, some visitors note a lack of detailed interpretation on-site. To fully appreciate its historical significance, consider researching the Iron Age and Norman periods of Somerset before your visit. This will help you better identify and understand the subtle clues left by past inhabitants.
Navigating the Trails and Terrain
Many visitors recommend wearing sturdy hiking boots with good grip to navigate these conditions safely.
+1 However, if you prefer a gentler walk, sticking to the more established paths and visiting during drier periods is advisable. Navigation can also be a consideration. While there are signs, they are not always comprehensive, and some visitors have found themselves wandering off the main routes.
Photography Opportunities
The woodlands themselves provide a different kind of photographic appeal. In spring, the carpets of bluebells create a magical atmosphere, while in autumn, the changing foliage offers a vibrant palette.
Capturing the subtle earthworks of the Iron Age fort can also be rewarding, requiring a keen eye for landscape and texture. When shooting in the woods, be mindful of the lighting conditions, as the dense canopy can create deep shadows. A tripod might be useful for capturing detail in lower light.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit