Montacute House
Somerset, England
Key facts
- Operator
- National Trust
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- National Trust Explorer Pass
Pinpoint
House, Montacute TA15 6XP
Telephone 01935 823289
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
Montacute House is an Elizabethan prodigy house in Somerset built of golden Ham stone, with a long gallery hung with Tudor portraits and set among ornamental gardens overlooking a deer park. Recent reviews consistently flag that the staircases are under repair, limiting access to the ground floor only - reviewers still find the house impressive on a sunny day but are honest that it leaves you wanting to see more. The gardens and cafe are rated well regardless.
Worth the trip
The long gallery hung with Tudor portraits, one of the house's signature features when the upper floors are accessible.
Before you go
Check before visiting - ongoing staircase repairs mean only the ground floor is open to non-members at present, which significantly shortens the house visit.
Reviewers consistently note that Montacute House's staircases were under repair at the time of their visits, limiting access to the ground floor only, with reduced ticket prices applied as a result; most describe this as disappointing but understand the necessity given the soft Ham stone. Despite the restrictions, the Elizabethan house, ornamental gardens, fountains, and topiary are praised as beautiful, along with the distinctive porters' lodges and the Prospect Tower reachable via a 30-minute walk. The cafe is generally well liked, though one reviewer found its one-way system confusing. Visitors are advised to check on the staircase restoration progress before planning a full house tour.
Elizabethan prodigy house built of golden Ham stone, with a long gallery hung with Tudor portraits
“Wonderful house; the stairs are being renovated so you can only see one part of the house.”- Bernice Hepworth-Lloyd, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “Onsite facilities are good, with plenty of parking, a café, gift shop and toilets.” - Andrew Thomas
- Facilities
- “The cafe is good but its one way system is a little confusing, a nice indoor space to eat if it's rainy.” - Marcus Tiddy
Common questions about Montacute House
Where is Montacute House?
Montacute House is in Somerset, England, at House, Montacute TA15 6XP.
Do you need a ticket to visit Montacute House?
Yes - Montacute House is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by National Trust. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Montacute House?
The long gallery hung with Tudor portraits, one of the house's signature features when the upper floors are accessible.
Is Montacute House a ruin or still intact?
Montacute House is largely intact - Elizabethan prodigy house built of golden Ham stone, with a long gallery hung with Tudor portraits.
