Introduction
A historic and attractive stone-built country Market Town in the South Somerset Hills, Crewkerne has its origins in Saxon times. The name derives from cruc – a hill, and aern – a house or storehouse.
Local Attractions
Crewkerne Market Town and Antiques Centre has a compact shopping centre with both independent Retailers and national stores. Community Spirit is strong and there is the Aquacentre indoor swimming pool, the Heritage Centre Museum and a Sports Club all run by volunteers.
The area is noted for the number of green lanes and footpaths and overlooking the town is Shady Bincombe with walks and abundant wildlife. After a short climb you can rest on a bench and look over the whole town with its fifteenth century church and many hamstone buildings.
Crewkerne is noted for its listed buildings including the Victorian Station but there is an industrial heritage which has persisted from the days when it was a centre of the web and rope making industry. The sails for the Victory are reputed to have been made here and you can still see the mill buildings where glove making and Bonsoir shirts were made although they are now living apartments.
Opening Hours:
Booking Hall: Mon – Sat: 05:50 – 12:20, Sun CLOSED
MJs Café – Mon – Fri: 08:00 – 14.30, Sat 08:00 – 13:30 Sun CLOSED
Bincombe Beeches
The green lanes leading up to and around Bincombe Beeches are tranquil and a way to view the whole of Crewkerne. The view from the Beeches overlooks the whole town and away to Winyards Gap in the south. There is a changing background of wild flowers and plants and evidence of badgers and rabbits.
There have also been sightings of deer. There is a well-made path up from behind the Town Hall to the Bincombe Beeches and you can then wander the many pathways along the top of the ridge. All of it close enough to the town to break off for a coffee or lunch.
