Downside School

The impressive Gothic revival chapel at Downside School dominates the Somerset landscape near Mells like something out of a Victorian fever dream. Built in the 1870s, it's the centrepiece of a Benedictine monastery and Catholic school that feels properly removed from the modern world, even though you're only a few miles from civilisation.

What strikes you first is the sheer scale of the thing. The chapel soars upwards with genuine architectural ambition - ornate enough to feel significant, but not so over the top that it becomes ridiculous. Inside, the proportions are even more impressive, with light streaming through stained glass and a sense of genuine calm that's increasingly rare. The stonework and interior detailing repay closer inspection if you're into that sort of thing.

You'll want a decent camera or patience for sketching if you're after more than just a quick look from the road. History enthusiasts and architecture buffs get far more from a visit than casual passers-through. The school itself remains active, so access and viewing times aren't always straightforward - worth ringing ahead or checking online before making the journey.

If you're staying at Glamping on the Hill just down the road, this makes an easy morning detour on foot or by car. The surrounding countryside around Mells is genuinely worth exploring beyond just this one building, though the chapel remains the standout reason to pause here.