Nettlecombe Court

Field Studies Council Nettlecombe Court lies in a secluded valley at the eastern edge of Exmoor National Park. The house is a striking example of a Tudor and Georgian country mansion set within its own grounds. The grounds are made up of heritage parkland, ancient woodland containing many veteran oak trees as well as a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of its lichen communities. Nettlecombe Court has excellent access to the Somerset coast as well as Exmoor National Park and The Quantocks National Landscape.

Please contact us if you would like to discuss your day teaching requirements, either at the centre, your school or local fieldwork sites. We would also welcome any enquires about using Nettlecombe Court as filming location – find out more here.

Facilities

Bar: We have a licensed bar stocked with local ales and spirits, wines, soft drinks and snacks
Capacity: All of our accommodation is in one building and altogether we are able to accommodate approximately 120 people. This is spread across two single bedrooms, three twin rooms and 18 dormitory rooms which vary in size from 4-12 beds. 11 of the 23 rooms are en-suite and there are four other designated bathrooms.
Car Parking: There is car parking at the centre with space for around 40 cars.
Children's Facilities: We have games and activities on-site for children aged 8+; however, younger children are welcome.
Common Room: There is a student common room at Nettlecombe Court, with facilities for watching television, use of a pool table, football table and some video games machines.
Disabled Access: The location has disabled access.
Disabled Facilities: We have one accessible en-suite bedroom on the first floor.
Hot and Cold Drinks: We have hot and cold drinks making facilities accessible around the centre.
Kitchen: Fully catered services for most dietary needs are available, as well as packed lunch-making services.
Linen: All bedding is provided, but you will be required to bring your own towels.
Lounge: We have an adult lounge area with comfy sofas.
Outdoor Clothing: You can hire wellingtons, waterproof trousers and coats
Outdoor Facilities: Extensive range of on-site and off-site activities.
Shop: Our shop sells drinks, snacks and souvenirs of your stay as well as a selection of Field Studies Council publications.
Wi-Fi: Free guest Wi-Fi is available throughout the centre.
Workrooms: There are 5 workrooms at Nettlecombe Court. Seating from 14 - 32 students. We encourage students to bring their own laptops and tablet computers for educational courses.

Accommodation

We want your stay to be as comfortable as possible. Our residential centres offer a range of room sizes and layouts from single and twin up to larger dormitories. Note: not all centres have single/twin rooms. All rooms are subject to availability. Some rooms are en suite and others have shower and toilet facilities close by. Please contact us if you want to discuss your room requirements.

Each centre also has places to relax during any free time such as a lounge, games room and outdoor space.

Food

For one day visits you are usually asked to bring a packed lunch unless it is specified otherwise.

Residential visits include freshly prepared seasonal meals, with a hot breakfast, packed lunch and choice of evening meal. Food is sourced locally wherever possible and we can cater for most dietary requirements. All of our residential centres have been awarded the Soil Association’s Food for Life Served Here Bronze Award which recognises organisations which go the extra mile to make sure visitors are receiving healthy, nutritious and sustainable meals.

To get a better idea on what food we offer at our centres, please see our sample meals

Local area

Virtual tour Video tour of the area

Travel to Nettlecombe Court

Navigate with:

As part of our environmental commitment, we encourage all visitors to travel by coach, train or public transport.

By train/bus – The nearest station is Taunton (15 miles). Taunton is on the mainline rail link, direct trains will get you from London to Taunton in under 2 hours. A station pickup and drop-off from the train station to the centre can be arranged, at an additional cost prior to the course. Please get in touch to discuss further.
There are regular buses from the station to Williton, but you will need to get a taxi for the final section to the centre.

By road – From the M5: Follow the A358 (from Taunton) or the A39 (from Bridgewater) to Williton and then the A39 towards Minehead. After approximately 1 mile at Washford Cross roundabout (beside the radio masts/Tropiquaria) take the 1st exit onto the B3190 (signposted towards Wiveliscombe/
Monksilver).
After approximately ¾ mile turn left onto the B3188 (signposted Wiveliscombe/Monksilver/Combe Sydenham). Follow the B3188 into the hamlet of Woodford (approximately 1 mile) and turn right onto Nettlecombe Park Road. After a short while there is a turning to the right signposted to Nettlecombe Court.
From Minehead: follow the A39 towards Williton. At Washford Cross roundabout (beside the radio masts/Tropiquaria) take the 3rd exit onto the B3188 (signposted Wiveliscombe/Monksilver). After approximately ¾ mile turn left onto the B3188 (signposted Wiveliscombe/Monksilver/Combe Sydenham).
Follow the B3188 into the hamlet of Woodford (approximately 1 mile) and turn right onto Nettlecombe Park Road. After a short while there is a turning to the right signposted to Nettlecombe Court.
Coaches – Please note that it is not advisable to approach the centre on the B3188 from the south as directed by Sat Nav (via Monksilver/Elworthy)
For those using a Sat Nav, Nettlecombe Court’s postcode is TA4 4HT.