Ancient Sites & Ruins

Exmoor’s landscape preserves a timeline of human history, from the prehistoric Withypool Stone Circle to Iron Age hillforts like Bat’s Castle and Elworthy Barrows. The collection features the well-preserved Cistercian ruins of Cleeve Abbey and the 15th-century Butter Cross in Dunster. These scheduled monuments include Norman earthworks at Holwell Castle and the 19th-century remains of the Wheal Eliza mine, offering a comprehensive look at Somerset’s defensive and industrial heritage.

Cleeve Abbey

Cleeve Abbey is a medieval monastery located near the village of Washford, in Somerset, England.

Butter Cross

The Butter Cross in Dunster within the English county of Somerset is a Grade II* listed building and scheduled monument.

Withypool Stone Circle

Withypool Stone Circle, also known as Withypool Hill Stone Circle, is a stone circle located on the Exmoor moorland, near the village of…

Elworthy Barrows

Elworthy Barrows is an unfinished Iron Age hill fort, rather than Bronze Age barrows, which is designated a scheduled ancient monument.

Bat's Castle

Bats Castle is an Iron Age hillfort at the top of a 213 metres high hill in the parish of Carhampton south south west of Dunster in…

Bury Castle

Bury Castle is an Iron Age hillfort near Selworthy, Somerset, England. It has been designated as a scheduled monument.

Holwell Castle Motte and Bailey

An 11th or 12th-century Norman motte-and-bailey fortification. The earthworks include a significant mound and an associated bailey, strategically positioned to overlook the junction of three valleys near Parracombe.

Wheal Eliza

Wheal Eliza Mine was an unsuccessful copper and iron mine on the River Barle near Simonsbath on Exmoor in the English county of Somerset.

Beacon Castle (Settlement)

Beacon Castle is an Iron Age hill fort close to Parracombe in Devon, England.

Oldberry Castle, Somerset

Oldberry Castle is an Iron Age hill fort north west of Dulverton, Somerset, England.