What to Do in Bruton, Somerset

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Hauser & Wirth

Bruton , United Kingdom

Transforming the sleepy Somerset Village of Bruton with a futuristic gallery set in a Piet Oudolf-designed garden, Hauser & Wirth’s latest creation (it follows Zurich, New York and London) comprises of a farmhouse, gallery, restaurant and garden in the West Country. Replacing traditional farmhouse decor with contemporary art and brightly coloured furnishings, the interior celebrates the antiquity of the 18th-century building by combining expose-brick walls with finds from local vintage shops and salvage yards. Catering to foodies as much as design junkies, a focus on sustainably sourcing sees much of the food sourced from their working farm, Durslade. Look out for monthly events including “uncut” butchery and “unhooked” fishing courses.

Address

Durslade Farm, BA10 0NL

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Bruton Art Factory

Heading to Bean Shot Coffee? Swing in next door where curator Suzanne Bisset’s Bruton Art Factory supports local and visiting artists. It’s a friendly, unpretentious place, where past exhibits include installations from Banksy’s Dismaland and an adjoining room recalls the Soho’s hedonistic Colony Room Club, frequented by the likes of Tracey Emin and Damien Hirst in the 90s.

Address

7, Old Mill Business Estate, Station Road, BA10 0EH

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Explore the countryside

The great thing about Bruton is that, beyond all the art and food and cider, the sprawling Somerset countryside is prime territory for a gander. The Macmillan Way and Leland Trail are popular among hikers, but if you fancy something shorter, stomp up to the 16th-century dovecot, cross the Packhorse Bridge or aim for the Stourhead Estate where King Alfred’s Tower has stood since 1772 – the views from the top are great. Bruton sits on the National Cycle Route too, so bring a set of wheels if you fancy a spin.

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Day trips and events

With Bruton as your base, many of Somerset’s chocolate-box villages are within a 20-minute drive. Take an excursion to on-trend Frome, the pretty market towns of Castle Cary and Shepton Mallet or Wincanton, home of Messums Wiltshire Art Gallery. Do check out Bruton’s events calendar, too – the annual Bruton Festival of Arts pulls in a lot of visitors.