A QUANTOCK Hills village heritage trail will again feature in the National Heritage Open Days’ Festival, which runs from Friday, September 8 to Sunday, September 17.

Following the success of the inaugural Goathurst village heritage trail in 2019, Halswell House and Park and St Edward’s Church, have again joined forces.

They will welcome visitors to explore the history and heritage which links the two together so closely on September 9 and 10, from 2 pm to 5.30 pm.

There will be a trail map available showing a suggested walking route of about two miles in total, although there is parking near the main sites.

Halswell House and parkland are undergoing extensive restoration, and the re-planted Mill Wood with its cascade of lakes, Bathstone Bridge, and the Temple of Harmony, will be open.

Guided tours of the main house, including a view from the roof, are also available.

Again this year, three of the follies of Halswell will be accessible - the Temple of Harmony and The Rotunda (Mrs Busby’s Temple), and the rarely seen Temple of Pan, which will be available for those who can manage a walk to the woods and across a field.

Guides will be on hand at the church to provide an insight into the history of its significant tombs and monuments and their links to the families who have lived in Halswell House, including the Halswell-Kemeys-Tynte families.

Refreshments will be available in the church and at the Temple of Pan, where visitors will be able to enjoy the beauty and peace of the surrounding countryside as well as tea and homemade cakes.

Further details of the free event can be found on the website https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting/advanced-search.