Food
NearbyThe Best Local Pubs
The Drayton Crown, a lovely light and airy modern pub with a good selection of traditional pub grub.
Granary Barn Bed and Breakfast is a modern rebuild of an old stone farm building. The original barn is believed to have been built in the 17th century with a part thatched, part tiled roof. It was part of a larger collection of barns and outbuildings owned by the adjacent Gothic style manor. The main barn was later converted into a house in the 1980’s but after a devastating fire in 2013 it was restored and reimagined as it is today.
In 2017 we opened Granary Barn as a Bed and Breakfast. My husband continued to work in the aircraft industry, that brought us to Somerset some fifteen years ago, whilst I developed the house to offer three elegant rooms individually designed as a place of comfort and relaxation.
Here at Granary Barn, we like to celebrate our love of Somerset and all that is special about the countryside. This is a spectacular county that my family and I are fortunate enough to live in. It is our mission to try and share as much of this as possible with our guests, so expect to find yourself looking out of your window to see our chickens, geese and ducks living a totally free-range life. They, in turn, supply us with fresh eggs in a range of beautiful colours.
Don’t be surprised to see rare breed cattle, pigs, bees and the odd sheep, to add to that mix, all grazing on the 6-acre smallholding surrounding our property. What can’t be grown or produced here we buy locally from small independent shops.
We are part of a movement called ‘TotallylocallyLangport’, which helps to keep our high street and surrounding small businesses thriving, if we can’t source it locally then we endeavour to get the best quality available.
Granary Barn can be found nestled quietly on the edge of the historic village of Muchelney which is known as the location of one of the largest and oldest abbeys in Somerset, unfortunately the Abbey is now a ruin, after its destruction was ordered by King Henry Vlll in 1538, what remains is now cared for by English Heritage. Muchelney can also boast being the location of the only thatched monk’s toilet in England!
Set in the heart of the Somerset Levels and moors this marshy flat landscape intersected by ‘Rhynes’ and ancient irrigation channels has much to offer for anyone who enjoys walking or cycling. We are on part of the National Cycle Route and have even had people using Granary Barn Bed and Breakfast as a stop off point on their LEJOG adventure.
The name Muchelney stands for Great Island because during the winter months in ancient times, the surrounding land became flooded and it is thought to be how the county of Somerset got its name. It was known as the land of the summer settlers, where people would live for the summer months and then move to higher ground at the onset of the winter rains.
Step out of the door, turn left and you will find Thorney Lakes where keen fishermen can relax with a spot of course fishing. Or just enjoy an abundance of flora and fauna to delight the senses. If you are lucky you will see one of the cranes from the ‘Great Crane Project’. They can often be seen flying overhead. Crane safaris can be booked to see how this valuable project is progressing.
Turn right and you will come to Muchelney Pottery where you can see ceramics and kitchenware made by the world-famous John Leach and his team. You will also find exhibitions of sculptures and paintings by local artists.
Somerset has long attracted creative and artistic people, it is fast becoming somewhere to see unique handmade items of exceptional quality. Whilst here, why not try your hand at a new skill?
Courses can be found locally in Langport, such as Bookbinding at Spiral Path Book Studio or lino cutting and felting at Cloud Nine. Or try your hand with pottery at Barrington Court, or near-by local willow-weaving, where withies have been cut and harvested in the county for centuries. Shakespeare Glass is another fantastic place to visit, as seen on TV with Kirstie Allsopp. Pick the right day and you can see the master at work creating glorious Art Glass or enquire about taking a lesson.
How about a cookery class or demonstration at Frogmary Green Farm? Enjoy food you've prepared from scratch, or sit back and watch the wonderful Santa (add links for both) demonstrate her sumptuous recipes and then enjoy the efforts of her labour, plus take home a recipe booklet for everything you have seen and tasted during the day.
Combining your stay with a special celebration couldn’t be simpler here at Granary Barn. We offer add on packages of Floral arrangements or a sumptuous picnic basket packed with local specialities or afternoon tea on the lawn. We can also help you to book additional packages such as cider tours at Harry's cider or have bikes delivered to the door from Parrett Trail Bikes. If that sounds too energetic, they can supply electric bicycles to help you master those hills.