The pretty UK market town every bit worth the visit

The towns and villages dotted around Glastonbury in Somerset are well-known tourist spots for those seeking an alternative take on a staycation.

However, one town is often overlooked – Castle Cary. Despite being a little less cool than neighbouring Glastonbury or Bruton, the market town boasts a castle dating back to the Norman conquest and even topped Muddy Stiletto’s list of the best 260 places to live in the UK in 2024.

The town is defined by its off-yellow stone properties and cobbled streets, picture-perfect pubs and quaint cafes.

Less than two hours on the train from London, and just over three from Birmingham, Castle Cary is well within reach for plenty of Brits.

Despite its rural charm Castle Cary is often overlooked compared to its neighbours. For example, Bruton, a nearby town, has become so popular with celebrities its be branded “the new Notting Hill”.

Theatre legend Sir Cameron Mackintosh, best known for his work on the musicals Cats, Les Miserables, and The Phantom of the Opera, lives in Bruton. So too does the celebrated director of Nowhere Boy, Sam Taylor-Johnson.

Bruton isn’t just a go-to location for directors – it’s also attracted A-grade fashion designers like Stella McCartney, Phoebe Philo and Alice Temperley.

Castle Cary may not have many famous residents, but those living there rave about it nevertheless.

One resident wrote on Reddit: “Castle Cary is fabulous. More down to earth and cheaper than Bruton. Cary’s high street is far more attractive and more diverse in nature.”

Another said: “I’ll second Castle Cary. Just hoping it won’t be turned into another Bruton and lose its charme [sic]”.

A third wrote: “Castle Cary is a very nice village and is only 5-10 mins drive from Bruton. It has a nice range of independent shops. Houses are still expensive there but I suspect not as bad as Bruton.”