The Brush & Broom

The Brush & Broom is an old coaching inn that sits right on the main road through Warminster, and it's one of those places where you can actually feel the weight of history just by walking past the frontage. The building itself is the main draw - a proper timber-framed structure that dates back centuries, though the interior has been modernised over the years as pubs tend to do. It's the kind of place locals still use, which is refreshing.

You're not coming here for attractions in the traditional sense. What you get is a slice of rural Somerset life, a pint, and the knowledge that you're sitting in a building that's seen centuries of travellers pass through. The name itself - Brush & Broom - speaks to its coaching inn heritage, when such places offered shelter and refreshment to those moving through the region. If you're staying at Sunnyhill Campsite just down the road, it's a nice evening walk into town and worth the detour for a meal.

It works best for anyone who appreciates old buildings and pub culture rather than families after activities. History enthusiasts will get more from it than most. There's nothing flashy about The Brush & Broom, which is precisely why it's worth seeking out. Allow an hour or so if you're planning to eat, and call ahead if you want to know about food service. It's the kind of place that rewards curiosity but won't entertain you if you're after theme park thrills.