Shute Barton National Trust
Explore a 14th-century manor house with England's largest fireplace, offering a unique historical stay or visit.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Limited opening days, book ahead!
Shute Barton National Trust
Best Time
Limited opening days, book ahead!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a 14th-century manor house with England's largest fireplace, offering a unique historical stay or visit.
"Imagine living in a castle... you don't have to! If you visit Shute Barton, you will be staying in what is left of a castle with over 400 years of history."
🎯 Pre-book Your Visit
Visits are ticketed and require advance booking online or by phone.
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby Walks
Enjoy lovely walks in the surrounding woods and visit the church next door.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Great Kitchen Fireplace
Great Kitchen
Marvel at the largest fireplace in England, a testament to medieval grandeur and a cozy spot for a bat to hide!
Elizabethan Gatehouse
Entrance
Admire the impressive Elizabethan gatehouse, a later addition that speaks to the estate's evolving history.
Historic Manor House Structure
Main House
Explore the surviving 14th-century manor house, which once served as a farmhouse, offering a unique historical experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Visit in Advance
Understand Its Unique Nature
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Pre-book Your Visit
Visits are ticketed and require advance booking online or by phone.
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby Walks
Enjoy lovely walks in the surrounding woods and visit the church next door.
🦇 Look for the Bat!
Keep an eye out for the resident bat rumored to hide in the hearth.
🚗 Be Mindful of Neighbors
Respect private property and avoid drone usage near the house.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Pre-book Your Visit
Visits are ticketed and require advance booking online or by phone.
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby Walks
Enjoy lovely walks in the surrounding woods and visit the church next door.
🦇 Look for the Bat!
Keep an eye out for the resident bat rumored to hide in the hearth.
🚗 Be Mindful of Neighbors
Respect private property and avoid drone usage near the house.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Shute Barton for its unique historical significance and the impressive scale of its medieval features, particularly the enormous fireplace. The opportunity to stay in the house as a holiday let is highlighted as a luxurious and memorable experience, though some note the lack of formal gardens. A rare negative point mentioned was an unpleasant encounter with a neighbor regarding drone usage.
"A wonderful tour of Shute Barton (pre booked with National Trust as it is only open to the public on a few days a year). Our guide was a NT volunteer named Angela who not only had all the salient information at her fingertips but conducted the tour with real warmth and a fun sense of humour. It made for a very interesting hour learning about the history of this splendid building. A visit is highly recommended."
Ros Wallace
"Visits to Shute Barton have to be pre-booked with the NT and are only available on certain days during the year. It is however available for hire as a holiday let and can be booked via the NT website.
Old Shute Manor House was built c.1380 by Sir William Bonville I, Sheriff of Somerset, Dorset and Devon. Its great kitchen has the largest fireplace in all England! Additions were made to the house in the 16thC when the Pole family purchased the estate and also added the Elizabethan gatehouse. Many of the extensions to the house were demolished in 1785, when a grander Palladian Mansion was built about half a mile to the East and became New Shute House. The original 14thC house survived and was used as a farmhouse to the estate, hence its current name Shute Barton.
Interestingly Sir William Pole's 3rd daughter Elizabeth (b.1588) emigrated to America and played a prominent role in the foundation and incorporation of Taunton, Massachusetts in 1639!"
Chris Kinnersley
"There is no garden but the structure is beautiful and so photogenic and there are lovely walks in the woods and to the church next door."
terike
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Shute Barton is located in East Devon. Specific directions will be provided upon booking your visit or holiday let. The surrounding countryside is stunning and offers beautiful drives.
Parking details are typically provided upon booking. Given its historical nature, parking arrangements are usually managed to preserve the site.
Yes, day visits are possible but must be pre-booked through the National Trust. Check their website for available dates.
Driving is generally the most convenient way to reach Shute Barton, allowing you to explore the scenic Devon countryside.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Absolutely! Visits to Shute Barton must be pre-booked online or by calling the National Trust.
Opening hours are limited and vary as the property is often used as a holiday let. Always check the National Trust website for specific visit dates and times.
Ticket prices for visits are available on the National Trust website. Holiday let rates will differ.
No, pre-booking is essential for all visits to Shute Barton.
National Trust members may have free entry for visits, but booking is still required. Check the NT website for details.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the historic manor house, including its impressive Great Kitchen fireplace, and the Elizabethan gatehouse. There are also lovely surrounding walks.
While children can visit, it's more of a historical exploration than a play area. The history and unique features like the fireplace can be engaging.
No, Shute Barton does not have a formal garden, but there are beautiful woodland walks nearby.
Photography for personal use is generally allowed, but be mindful of other visitors and the property's historical significance. Avoid drone usage near the house due to neighbor concerns.
Originally built around 1380, it was later expanded by the Pole family and then partially demolished when New Shute House was built. It survived as a farmhouse.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no catering facilities on-site at Shute Barton. Visitors should plan to bring their own refreshments or dine in nearby towns.
While there are no designated picnic areas, you might be able to find a suitable spot for a picnic in the surrounding woodland walks, weather permitting.
Yes, the nearby towns and villages offer various dining options, from traditional pubs to cafes.
📸 📸 Photography
The Elizabethan gatehouse and the exterior of the manor house are very photogenic. The Great Kitchen fireplace is also a unique subject.
Drone usage is strongly discouraged due to potential issues with neighbors. It's best to avoid it to ensure a peaceful visit.
Architectural and historical photography works well, capturing the medieval and Tudor elements of the house.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the house, the woodland walks provide space for kids to explore and burn off energy. Visiting the church next door can also add an element of discovery. Remember to pre-book your visit, and consider packing a picnic to enjoy amidst the natural surroundings.
🏰 History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
Pay close attention to the Great Kitchen fireplace, a monumental feature that speaks volumes about the scale of life and hospitality in its time. The house's history, including its connection to the Pole family and Elizabeth Pole's emigration to America, adds rich narrative layers to your visit.
🏡 Holiday Let Guests
The location is ideal for exploring the Jurassic Coast and nearby attractions. However, be mindful of the surrounding neighbors and avoid activities like drone usage that could cause conflict. Enjoy the impeccable hospitality and unforgettable stay.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Medieval Life
The house's story is intertwined with prominent families, including the Poles, who added the striking Elizabethan gatehouse in the 16th century. This blend of architectural styles tells a story of changing fortunes and tastes over centuries. While it may not have the sprawling gardens of other National Trust properties, its historical integrity and the sheer scale of its original features make it a compelling visit for history enthusiasts.
For those interested in heritage and architecture, Shute Barton provides a tangible connection to the past. Its current role as a holiday let by the National Trust also means it's maintained with care, allowing visitors to appreciate its historical significance.
Beyond the House: Surrounding Area
The property's location in East Devon also places it within reach of other attractions. The Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a popular destination for its stunning geological formations and coastal paths. The Beer Quarry Caves offer a unique underground experience, and the charming coastal village of Beer itself is worth exploring.
For those staying at Shute Barton as a holiday let, its proximity to these attractions makes it an excellent base for exploring the wider region. Whether you're interested in history, natural beauty, or coastal adventures, the area around Shute Barton has something to offer.
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