Yeovils History & Places to visit

Yeovil is a busy market town with a history that can be traced back as far as the Bronze Age. Plenty of Roman remains have certainly been discovered in the area, including coins and pottery, especially around the site the old Roman road.

However, more is known about its later history, including its thriving time during the 14th century, when it was an important producer of leather gloves and had many tanneries. Later it became best known for its flax that was then spun and woven into fabric for making sails.

The area now boasts great modern leisure facilities including the Octagon and Swan theatres and the popular Goldenstones Pool and Leisure Centre. There’s also a dry ski slope, an arts centre and a multi-screen cinema, making Yeovil a great place to live and work. Whilst in contrast the surrounding area, especially to the south of the region, is mainly made up of scenic farmland and orchards, much of which are dedicated to the growing of apples that are then made into locally brewed cider.

A site not to be missed in Yeovil is the town’s stunning St John’s church that is a very early example of Perpendicular Gothic architecture. The church has many interesting features including a copper lectern and depictions of African masks dating to the Crusades.
Set in an 18th century coach house, The Museum of South Somerset enables you to research the history of the area including information on local industries and an interesting collection of archaeological finds. There’s also a reconstruction of a Roman kitchen and a varied collection of costumes and glassware. Please note the centre is only open Tuesday to Saturday.

Haynes Motor Museum houses a fine collection of over 250 vehicles, from the rare to the bizarre, giving visitors a clear insight into the rapid technological advances made to the motorcar over the past hundred years. The variety is quite outstanding from Stirling Moss’ beloved Lotus 23 B to the notorious Sinclair C5

Fleet Air Arm Museum outlines the story of how the Royal Naval Air Service and its successor, the Fleet Air Arm, were among the most technically advanced service at the start of the 20th century. The many exhibits run from World War one and two right through to modern day conflicts. The museum gives a clear understanding of how aircraft developed from wooden bi-planes to the creations such as Concorde and the Sea Harrier.

Montacute House (01935 823289) is a glorious stately home that dates back to the 16th century. Visitors can, not only tour the house, but also take time to enjoy the formal gardens with its historic rose borders and orangery. While highlights of the house include its collection of Elizabethan and Jacobean portraits from the National Portrait Gallery.

Shopping in Yeovil is based around the Quedam shopping centre whose many shops include the long established department store, Denners. There’s also a twice-weekly street market every Tuesday and Friday selling a wide range of merchandise.

For a taste of the countryside take a trip to Ninespings Park with its 40 acres of wooded valleys and open parkland where you’ll find springs, streams and even waterfalls and little grottos just waiting to be discovered.

Places to visit in and around Yeovil

Listed below are a selection of images of places to visit in and around Yeovil.

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