An easy wander or fun in the woods, Wellington Monument in Somerset has a lot to offer. Not only is it the world’s tallest, three-sided obelisk, but with beautiful views (unless you visit in the mist like we did!), this National Trust run area gives you different options dependent on the level of exploring you’re looking for. Go for a short, flat and pushchair friendly wander from the car park to the monument itself. Hop on a tour dependent on the season and climb the monument itself or head down into the woods for geocaching, rope swings and plenty of trees to hide in and out of.
Wellington Monument, Somerset
Wellington Monument is easy to find as it shows up on most map sites, including Google Maps. Situated not far from the M5 motorway and Taunton, for the car park, the postcode is TA21 9PB. Unfortunately it’s not easily accessible without a car or bike due to it’s location but trust us, the drive is worth the view!
From the car park, follow the clear, wide path out of the rear of the parking area to get toward the monument. It’s a flat, off-road walk that takes less than five minutes before you enter a clearing with the monument in – around this space you’ll find plenty of benches dotted around as well as lots of room for picnics. In the summer months, tours of the obelisk take place but these need to be booked; visit the National Trust website for more information. At the far side of the monument, you’ll find a cannon to explore (great for climbing kids) and steps down into the woodland. Be warned, the steps are quite steep but there’s a hand rail and signage suggests that the National Trust are in the process of creating a gentler zig-zag path for those who struggle with steps. This was being made at the start of 2022 when our visit took place. From here the path is fairly clear and marked with occasional way markers.
Alternatively, as you’re approaching the monument from the car park, you can find a path that enters the woodland in the left-hand corner of the open area. This path winds down over tree roots with lots of hedgerow to explore before slowly looping down hill and around and eventually joining back up with the steps. You’ll find the rope swings currently close to the bottom of the steps, although these do move as the rope breaks and they’re re-made! There are also lots of fallen and stripped tree trunks that are great for small children to climb over. It’s the same route but in reverse.
Look out for the tree stump with all of the coins bashed into it – don’t forget to take a coin along to add your own!
Is It Pushchair Friendly?
Elements of the site are pushchair friendly; from the car park you can get to and from the monument with a pushchair as well as explore the large flat area around the bottom of the monument. Accessing the countryside surrounding it isn’t due to hills, uneven ground and lots of tree roots. Not to mention plenty of mud in the wetter months – if you’re bringing kids, we’d recommend waterproof trousers, wellies and baby carriers unless you’re coming in the summer.
How Long Is The Walk?
Exploring in the woods can take as long as you want, National Trust way-markers lead a route that’s approximately a mile long so will take around 35 minutes. Leave extra for exploring if travelling with smaller children! Walking to and from the monument to the car park is around 500m of flat, off-road path complete with some interesting information boards and benches for rest.
Is there parking?
Parking is run by the National Trust so charges do apply for non-members.
Are There Facilities?
No, there are no toilets or other facilities at the site.
What Else Is There To Do Nearby?
Head into Wellington or slightly further into Taunton for activities such as bowling, cinema and high street shopping. We recommend a short 11 minute drive to the World’s End Pub on the outskirts of Wellington; a sprawling, family friendly pub that serves great food all year round.
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