National Trust - Stembridge Tower Mill

You'll find this working tower mill just outside Langport, and it's one of those proper little surprises that justifies a morning's pootling about Somerset. The mill itself is a brick-built structure dating from the 1820s - still fully operational, which is the real draw here. Watching the machinery actually do its job beats standing in front of a static relic any day.

The National Trust maintains it well enough, though it's hardly a sprawling visitor experience. You can see the grinding mechanisms, the millstones, the lot. It takes a good hour if you're properly interested in how the thing works, maybe 20 minutes if you're just after a quick look and a photo. History enthusiasts will get the most from it - anyone interested in industrial heritage or milling mechanics should make the detour. Families with young kids might find it a bit narrow and steep on the internal stairs, so that's worth considering.

Being near Langport means you're well placed to explore the wider area. Thornhills Holiday Park sits just 3 miles away and makes a decent base for the region. The mill operates seasonally, so ring ahead before you go - opening hours and admission fees aren't always straightforward with National Trust properties in rural spots like this.

It's worth the visit if you're spending a few days in Somerset anyway. On its own, though, you'd need to pair it with other attractions nearby to make a proper day of it.