Orchard Wyndham
Home to the Wyndhams and their ancestors for 700 years, a house and history of complexities and intrigue.
Williton, Taunton, Somerset, TA4 4HH
Facilities
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Accessible loos
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Free parking
- Accessible toilets
Orchard Wyndham has been home to the Wyndhams and their ancestors for over 700 years.
Its history is as complex as its architecture, as tricky to unravel. We know that the house was already built in part by 1287, but the history of the place likely goes back much further.
The last major additions were by Sir William Wyndham, Lord Chancellor to Queen Anne, who found a place in Swift’s “Gulliver’s Travels”. Sir William, a Jacobite, after his arrest and a spell in The Tower, was required by the new King to remain on his estates. And here, in the words of John Gay, he amused himself “with some real improvements and a great many visionary castles”.
The house has gone through past periods of neglect and rediscovery, each generation leaving its mark; and this cycle is responsible for the fascinatingly diverse architectural styles presented to the visitor today.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
Orchard Wyndham is a historic house located on the edge of Exmoor in Somerset. It offers guided tours of the house and gardens, showcasing its rich history and beautiful surroundings. All visits are escorted, and tours are tailored to the interests of the visitors. The tours include access to the principal rooms and the gardens.
Opening Dates and Times for 2026
Guided tours start promptly at 2:00 pm on the following dates:
- April: Saturday 11th, Sunday 26th
- May: Saturday 9th, Wednesday 13th (FULL), Sunday 17th, Tuesday 19th, Monday 25th, Saturday 30th (FULL)
- June: Saturday 6th, Monday 22nd, Thursday 25th, Friday 26th, Monday 29th
- July: Friday 3rd, Monday 6th, Tuesday 7th, Wednesday 8th, Monday 13th, Tuesday 14th, Wednesday 15th, Tuesday 21st, Wednesday 22nd
- August: Tuesday 18th, Thursday 20th, Saturday 22nd, Sunday 23rd, Monday 31st (Bank Holiday)
- October: Monday 12th
Admission Fees
- Orchard Wyndham House and Gardens: Adults: £14.00, Children (under 14): £4.00, Children under 7: Free
- Groups larger than 6 people: £12.00 per person
- Kentsford House and Gardens: £10.00 per person (appointment only)
- Free entry for members of the Historic Houses Association
Booking is advisable, and larger groups or special groups should book in advance. Please note that the guided tour involves negotiating several staircases.
Additional Information
Orchard Wyndham is accessible by road and is also reachable via the West Somerset Railway, which stops at Williton Station. However, the station is approximately a 40-minute walk from the house.
Historic Houses members visit for free.
£12.50 for adults
£4 for children under 14 (children under 7 enter for free)
£10 per person for tours
We are delighted to accept larger groups, which should book in advance so we can plan accordingly. Special groups, small clubs and societies are also welcome at other times of the year, by prior arrangement.
Please contact us for details: 07771873777 or email [email protected]
- Accessible toilets
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