A monumental gateway with two round towers defines Redlynch’s architectural character, alongside a church with detailed interior features and two routes that follow different paths. This gives you two specific focuses for planning your trip: architectural history and exploring the landscape on foot. Which you prioritise can guide your search for a holiday rental in Redlynch.
The Towers: a Gothic Revival gateway with coats of arms
The Towers is a monumental Gothic Revival gateway with two round towers, pointed-arch openings with Y-tracery, and shields bearing the Ilchester coat of arms. In Y-tracery, the lines within the openings branch into a Y shape, so finer details contribute to the design alongside its silhouette. Lord Ilchester had The Towers built as the main entrance to Redlynch Park, presumably to impress George III. This presumed intention should be distinguished from its documented function as the park entrance.
St Peter: design and interior
The Church of St Peter in Redlynch is a Grade II* listed church dating from around 1750. It was designed by Nathaniel Ireson of Wincanton. The interior includes a large cove moulding on a plaster ceiling with moulded details, as well as an altarpiece with Ionic columns, a cornice and a central pediment. A cove moulding is a concave profile; an altarpiece is the structure behind the altar. At St Peter, the columns, cornice and pediment articulate this structure. While the gateway architecture takes centre stage at The Towers, St Peter also offers specific interior details.
The park and historic houses
Redlynch Park is listed as a Grade II park and garden. Redlynch Farm House is a Grade II listed farmhouse, probably dating from the early 19th century. Redlynch Home Farm House is also a Grade II listed building; it is a farmhouse dating from the 18th century or earlier. The Orangery at Redlynch Park House is an 18th-century building, probably designed by Nathaniel Ireson of Wincanton. The two references to Ireson can be distinguished: St Peter dates from around 1750 and was designed by him, while his authorship of the Orangery remains probable. The West Block of Redlynch Park House includes stables, a coach house and a servants’ wing; the interior of the West Block is not accessible.
Two walks, different landmarks
The Redlynch Walk climbs gently through fields to the hamlet of Redlynch and St Peter’s Church. The Moorwood Walk follows the route of the carriage road from Stourhead to Redlynch. It leads to a lay-by on the B3081, directly opposite the entrance to Redlynch Park. The Redlynch Walk is characterised by fields, a gentle climb and the church along the route; the Moorwood Walk’s defining landmarks are the carriage road and the lay-by on the B3081. Route and road conditions can change; check them before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Queen Camel, Bruton, Tolland, Street, Catcott, West Huntspill, Hatch Beauchamp, Beckington
For the broader travel overview: Somerset.
