Where We Went…
Langport, South Somerset. A pretty little town set on the banks of the River Parret with views out across the Somerset Levels. For a small place, Langport has a lot going on with a thriving high street and plenty to see and do locally. Very friendly local community and some unique things to see.
Where We Stayed…
In a historic church. Yes, it was another Champing adventure for us. If you missed my last post about Champing, I’ll link it here but in a nutshell, Champing is the practice of staying over night in historic churches using camping equipment provided by the lovely folk at champing.co.uk.
Our church of choice this time was All Saints, a 15th Century church perched on a hill top on the edge of the town. Although champing in Spring was a bit chilly through the night ,waking up cosy in the camp bed with Spring sunshine streaming through the stained glass was a beautiful way to start the day.
Where We Ate…
Because hungry travellers don’t make happy travellers.
The Champing team have kitted out a kitchen area in the church with basic cups and cutlery, a kettle and supplies for hot drinks so we brought along breakfast. Porridge pots & pastries, in case you’re wondering.
We also enjoyed some great coffee and the best caramel shortcake I’ve ever had from The Little Bakery. This family run, Artisan bakery is not to be missed.
Where We Walked …
There’s plenty of scope for long distance walking in the area if you’re up for a challenge but if (like us) you want to keep it a bit more low key, there’s a nice little circular route that takes you round the town itself and/ or a well signed walk along the river to the neighbouring Muchelney Abbey.
The walk to the abbey takes you across land reminiscent of the Dutch countryside and brings you out at some beautiful historic houses, including the the Priests House, a stunning property saved by the good old National Trust.
What We Saw…
Everywhere you go: pretty views, photogenic streets, historic homes. Independent shops well worth a browse selling everything from locally produced food to antiques. Touches of local history that have been thoughtfully preserved, including an old water pump and an old petrol pump. You just come across them as you wander, it’s a pleasant way to get a feel for the place.
Possibly the most unique piece of lighting I’ve ever come across in the form of the Langport Flaming Star Gas Lamp. Made of small diameter gas pipes drilled with evenly spaced holes, the star could be hung via a large gas pipe upon the town hall. When the gas was lit, a blazing star of celebration would be created. It was used to celebrate the end of WW2.
Sadly, it ran off coal gas from the long gone Langport Gasworks and is now redundant. Imagine if someone could get it up and blazing again though?
Find the Flaming Star at the Town Hall ( Built in 1733,Grade 2 Listed, formerly used as County Court & Cells). There’s a walk through space and the lamp is quite discreetly wall mounted to the left.
The Hanging Chapel. Grim name, innocent explanation. The bulk of the building sits over the road with a tunnel to allow traffic to pass underneath. It’s tiny, quirky and has in its time served as a Chapel, an armoury, a school and home to a lodge of Freemasons. Found a little clue to that on the door. There’s not much to see at the Hanging Chapel itself, but the surrounding streets are pretty. Full of houses that would fit right in on ‘Escape to the Country’.
Would We Do It Again?
Yes! I’d go back to Langport in a heartbeat. Champing was, as ever, great fun but if I was wanting to stay a bit longer in the area the Old Pound Inn is a traditional, cosy looking inn with a quirky history. Langport has a thriving high street with plenty of independent businesses, a delicious little bakery, a friendly local community and lots to do. What’s not to love?
Can’t really give a place much higher praise than to say that I was plotting a return trip pretty much as soon as we got home. If you’d like to know a bit more about the place, Langport Life is a good place to start.
Have you been to Langport, or exploring in Somerset? Tell me about it, let’s chat in the comments.
If you enjoyed this post you might also like 7 Reasons to Visit Romsey
Helen x
I’d not heard of Langport but it looks very picturesque and I’m glad you found another church to stay overnight in making it quite an adventure! Thanks for sharing Helen and hope your weekend goes well.
Thank you, it felt really good to get away again!
How lovely! As I said last time, I looked up champing and there’s nothing near us, but maybe some day when visits further afield seem more feasible.
It’s a shame the Champing opportunities are few and far between in the North and Scotland. I hope it’s a movement that will grow, perhaps this year of staycations will help them branch out some.
The Priest’s House looks so quaint with the lovely flowering garden. I’d not heard of Champing before- wonder if there is any here.
It’s a gorgeous little place, isn’t it? Apparently the National Trust cares for it but a tenant lives in there. It must be a lovely place to call home. Definitely look up champing if you can, it’s such an amazing experience! Where abouts in the world are you?
It must be a lovely place to call home. In Australia, so churches are not so plentiful over here but you never know.
This definitely sounds an addition to the ‘must see’ list – increasingly we seek out lesser known places to visit – they’re often just as rewarding as their better-known rivals. You’ve yet to convince me to stay in a church though. It sounds just too chilly, too spartan, whatever the rewards of the aesthetics.
I agree, getting off the well trodden path is a good thing. Have to say I enjoy the champing but it was really cold in this one. Might try a different church in Summer. When/if
Summer decides to show up!
Sounds like a lovely little spot, Helen. I don’t know that bit of the country at all well. We plan to come over to the UK in August, but will probably do a couple of more local trips before then. I seem to have lost my get up and go during the last year and am more focused on getting to see family. 🙂 🙂
what a pretty place