Discover Langport: A historic & friendly market town at the heart of the Somerset Levels
Langport, South Somerset. A market town of full of pretty views and local history set on the banks of the River Parret, surrounded by the ancient landscape of the Somerset Levels.
This is the perfect Somerset weekend break destination with something for everyone, from history lovers to outdoor enthusiasts. It’s also home to a very unique place to stay, more on that in a minute.
Come and discover what makes little-but-lovely Langport such a special place to visit.
The High Street & Antiques Market
Langport is home to a thriving high street, full of independents and unique businesses. The browsing isn’t just for the goods on offer inside the shops, this town is full of historic shop fronts and pretty street views. Keep your camera to hand for those Insta-worthy views.
If a vintage rummage is more your style, head to The Vintage Market. Housed in the undercroft space of the old Town Hall, it’s a treasure trove with a French brocante feel.
While you’re there you might want to see one Langport treasure that is not for sale…
The Langport Flaming Star
Possibly the most unique piece of lighting I’ve ever come across: 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 last used to celebrate the end of WW2.
Sadly, it ran off coal gas from the long gone Langport Gasworks and is now redundant. What a wonderful sight it would b if someone got it up and blazing again though?
Find the Flaming Star at the Town Hall ( A listed building built in the 1700’s, formerly used as County Court & Cells). There’s a walk through space and the lamp is quite discreetly wall mounted to the left.
Walking In & Around Langport
Langport is a great place for a relaxed wander, full of pretty views and photogenic corners. The short circular town route takes in the main sights of the place alongside including some pretty riverside walking alongside the River Parrett.
For a bit more of an adventure, there’s a longer circular walk across to neighbouring Mulchelney Abbey. The route across the Somerset Levels countryside is beautiful and takes you to the abbey ruins and historic Priests House.
Find details of all the recommended Langport walks here.
A Unique Place to Stay: Champing at All Saints
Langport is a lovely daytrip option, but if you want to make a short break of it and stay overnight, there is a really unique option. You can stay the night by camping in the 15th Century All Saints Church- yes, really!
If you don’t know about Champing, you can read my guide here. In a nutshell, it’s the practice of camping overnight in historic churches. All equipment is provided and you have sole occupancy for a unique slow travel experience.
Perched on a hilltop with views across town, Champing church All Saints is a local landmark, with a beautiful interior and famous tower Gargoyles known locally as ‘Hunky Punks’. A beautiful and unique place to spend a night.
The Little Bakery, Langport
Every adventure needs coffee and cake, right? The Little Bakery is your go-to spot in Langport for gorgeous coffee, pastries and cakes. It’s a family owned, family run bakery that prides itself on supporting local suppliers and the results are delicious.
I’m personally recommending the caramel shortcake, the best I’ve had in a while.
It’s easy to spot The Little Bakery; it enjoys a central location and is the prettiest shade of pink.
The Hanging Chapel, Langport
The Hanging Chapel: a historic archway with an old building mounted up on top of it. Having been used in various ways over the years, the listed building is currently a Masonic Hall.
Like All Saints Church- and located close to it- the Hanging Chapel is a Langport landmark in a pretty part of town.
Langport might be a small town, but it has a lot to offer. Whether you’re after riverside walks, a local history hit or just a pretty place for coffee and cake, I think this place should be on any Somerset travel plans.
If you’re looking for more Somerset travel inspiration, you might also enjoy these posts. Both of the destinations linked below are within an hours drive of Langport.
Need car hire to get the most out of Somerset travels? Search here for dates and rates.
A Post Card from Clevedon Pier, Somerset
Vicars Close & The Swans of Wells
The Old Asylum Graveyard: Mendip Cemetery, Wells
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
Seems like a lovely village to visit. Champing sounds like fun. Cheers, Mark
Thank you, Champing is a grand experience!
Lovely, England at its best!
Thanks for coming along Sandra, I agree- a lovely corner of England!
Langport sounds like a hidden gem, I love the mix of local history, riverside walks, and that quirky Champing stay. Definitely adding this delightful town to my Somerset list!
Thanks for coming along 😊