Discover Midsomer Norton

Midsomer Norton combines distinctive buildings, local history and a variety of experiences with a Town Park featuring a riverside walking trail. Those planning a trip can choose between culture, an audio walk through the High Street, leisure activities and historic railway traces. Whether you are travelling with children, enjoy being active outdoors or would like to get to know a place through its buildings, you can shape your stay in different ways.

Historic buildings and special stories

One of the defining sights is the Parish Church of St John the Baptist. The church is listed as a Grade II* building. Midsomer Norton Town Hall is also a listed building, with Grade II status. Its appearance is additionally characterised by the Italianate style in which it was built in 1860. Both buildings offer historical points of interest without requiring you to focus your visit on a single theme.

An unusual perspective on Midsomer Norton is provided by the audio walk “The Myths and Memories of Midsomer Norton High Street”. This entertaining, immersive tour leads to 12 notable locations along the High Street. Its route extends from St John’s Church in the south-west to Town Park in the north-east. This allows you to discover the town’s history in a narrative form while also linking different parts of the town. In addition, the Midsomer Norton Knight focuses on a rare tomb effigy that was apparently made in Bristol in the 14th century.

Park, riverside trail and active experiences

Midsomer Norton Town Park offers several different points of interest for a stay. A riverside walking trail complements the park as a peaceful outdoor experience. The park is also connected to the Five Arches Greenway. Those who enjoy walking or cycling will therefore find a practical starting point here for planning their day, without limiting their visit to a sightseeing tour alone.

The park contains an amphitheatre made of Purbeck stone. It provides seating for 300 people around the stage and creates a distinctive architectural feature. For more active leisure, the town also offers a large concrete skatepark with bowl and plaza areas, as well as Dynamite Adventure Golf. The adventure golf experience comprises 18 holes and is themed around a coal mine. This contrast between history, exercise and playful activity can be especially enriching for families planning their day.

Railway history and local places

An Anderson shelter from the Second World War is located on the grounds of the Somerset & Dorset Railway. Historically, the Somerset & Dorset Railway ran from Midsomer Norton South station along more than a mile of the former Somerset & Dorset main line. Those interested in transport history and the development of the town can plan this area as a focus of its own.

Smaller cultural destinations also contribute to the townscape. The Church of the Holy Ghost is a Roman Catholic parish church housed in a converted tithe barn. The Garden of Friendship was also made accessible at the old tithe barn as part of the improvement of the public realm. Such varied places make Midsomer Norton particularly interesting for visitors who want to discover less usual details alongside well-known buildings.

The right accommodation for planning your trip

When looking for a holiday apartment in Midsomer Norton, it is worth first deciding on the pace you want for your trip. If culture and local history are the focus, you can combine the listed buildings, audio walk and railway heritage into a themed stay. For a more active day, options include the riverside trail in Town Park, the connection to the Five Arches Greenway, the skatepark or adventure golf. Families can alternate between these activities instead of planning every day in the same way.

Midsomer Norton offers several clearly distinct areas of interest, allowing you to choose your holiday apartment to suit your personal travel plans.

More places for planning your trip

If you would like to compare Midsomer Norton with other destinations in the surrounding area, you can find Pensford, Wellow, Keynsham, Farrington Gurney, Radstock, Bathampton, Saltford and Farmborough here.

For the broader travel overview: Bath And North East Somerset.