Read our blog on the ultimate guide to Brent Knoll and the surrounding areas that you can see while on holiday. Whether you want to see the beautiful views from the top of the hill or experience life in the village, Brent Knoll and the surrounding places in Somerset have a lot to offer, and you shouldn’t miss out.
If you would like to experience other parts of Somerset, why not read our guides on fabulous locations such as Glastonbury, or the Museum of Somerset? There are also historic houses and museums to visit, like Dunster Castle. Montacute House, or Barrington Court? Stop by attractions or explore the great outdoors to find unlimited things to do in this picturesque county.
About Brent Knoll
Brent Knoll is a 137 (450 ft) metre-high hill on the Somerset Levels, in Somerset, England. Located between Weston-super-Mare and Bridgwater, this beautiful location is less than four miles away from Burnham-on-Sea and the captivating Bristol Channel.
While not large, the isolation of Brent Knoll means that it dominates the landscape and is visible for miles, drawing in visitors and hikers who wish to see the view from the top. For those who have had their fill of the hill, the villages of East Brent and Brent Knoll lie near the base, where travellers can enjoy drinks and a hot meal at places like The Red Crow or The Cider House at West Croft Cider, among others.
How to Get There
You can get to Brent Knoll via the M5 motorway, which takes you north of Bridgewater. There are different car park options, with the favourites being in the field opposite Manor Farm, or you can start your journey from St. Michael’s Parish Church – which is another must-see location in the area.
The Ultimate Guide to Brent Knoll
If you find yourself in the beautiful Somerset countryside and feel like doing a bit of walking, there is no better place to go than Brent Knoll. The hike isn’t too challenging, with the only notably steep parks near the top of the hill, so you don’t need to get kitted out for something dramatic.
Its location means that you can get fantastic views of the area and appreciate pieces of history the whole way – from the beautiful St. Michael’s Parish Church to remnants of the past like the Iron Age hill fort that once stood there.
But – how exactly do you get up Brent Knoll, and which route should you take? We will let you know.
Brent Knoll Hike
There are two different routes that you can take to scale Brent Knoll, with one starting at Manor Farm and the other at St Michael’s Church. Both options reward you with beautiful views and a moment to take in the Somerset surroundings – something that you should definitely appreciate.
The walk up the hill is not too taxing, but there are steep areas as you reach the summit where stairs are used. In muddy conditions, this walk can be twice as difficult, but all in all, you should only need around 30 minutes each way.
If you start your walk from the church, you will need to pass through the “Public Footpath” marked gate on the right of the church entrance steps, then go through a rusty gate that takes you north-east where you should be able to see Ball Copse Hall. From there, just walk ahead and ignore the left path, which is where you will return from.
Don’t touch the electric fence – there are cows and horses in the fields that you might be lucky enough to meet on your way. Climb over the stile and go right, then continue following the path that follows the hedge, and go over a short hill to the National Trust sign you will find on the stile.
From there, all you need to do is follow the rest of the path and take the steps up to the summit of the hill. At the top, you can catch your breath and admire the view, as well as the grassy remains of a fort from the Iron Age, the Queen’s Golden Jubilee markers, and the Ordnance Survey.
When you are ready to descend, go back down the way you came and go over the two stiles. When you reach the gate, you can either retrace your steps, or go down the path to the right, which will take you down to Manor Farm, where you can respectfully pass through the farmer’s fields until you reach the gate.
Remember to close the gate as you pass through, and keep walking down the farm’s driveway until you reach Hill Lane, where the car park is. Turn left, and you will pass the Woodlands Hotel and the old church, where you can turn left again and go up Church Lane.
St. Michael’s Parish Church
Constructed in the Norman times, St Michael’s Parish Church is a must-see in Brent Knoll Village. The majority of the building was done between the 12th and 15th centuries, and it is classed as an English Heritage Grade 1 listed building.
In 2018, it was decided that the leaking and damaged roof would be renewed to protect the structure from additional damage. One of the most important features of the building being the 96 beautiful and unique wooden carved ceiling panels and ornate wooden bosses that were created around 1490.
This beautiful church is an unmissable location if you find yourself in the area.
Address: Church Ln, Brent Knoll, Highbridge TA9 4DG
Phone number: 01278 769082
Things to do Around Brent Knoll
If you want to see more in the surrounding area, why not visit the following locations and treat yourself to something new and exciting?
- We the Curious – suitable for all ages, you can explore the interactive, intergalactic, science centre. Here, you can see live shows and explore captivating exhibits – the perfect place for science-curious families.
- Burnham Beach – if you want to relax and enjoy the seafront, Burnham Beach is the perfect place to go. Here, you have stunning views of the Bristol Channel and west to the great beyond. This location is perfect for watching the sunset paint the tranquil waters.
- Brean Theme Park – located in Burnham-on-Sea, experience family restaurants, golf courses, fairground rides, and the water park for a fun day out in the sun. Prices start at £10 and go up to £32 depending on the age and day you visit the park.
- Animal Farm Adventure Park – visit foxes, llama, rabbits, reptiles, and over 250 animals at this adventure park. Perfect for all ages, you can learn about different animals or enjoy a range of outdoor activities like agility courses, zip-lines, and even go-karts.
- Apex Leisure and Wildlife Park – if you are looking for peace and tranquillity, this leisure park is the perfect place. Enjoy the skate park, BMX area, fishing, and walks, and go bird spotting while your kids play in the adventure play area.
Spend the Night at Apple Tree Hotel
After a day of exploring Brent Knoll and the surrounding area, the Apple Tree Hotel awaits with a warm welcome. Spend the night with us and wake up refreshed and ready for a new day of adventures.
For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us, or read more about the Apple Tree Hotel in our news section. If you would like to relax or dine with us, find out what you need to know about our meeting rooms and available bedrooms – including four-poster, single, double, twin, and family room options.
We hope the ultimate guide to Brent Knoll has helped you, and you can now start planning your next trip.