Despite its small size, the former market town of Bruton in the south-east corner of Somerset has a vibrant reputation for both culture and beautiful countryside. Natalie Jones, founder of Caro Somerset, has lived in Bruton with her family for the past two and a half years, having relocated from London. She’s shared her selection of the best things to do in Bruton to show what makes it such a special place to live and work.

                    1. Caro Somerset

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Natalie developed Caro to coincide with her move to Bruton. The shop, which recently relocated to the High Street, is filled with beautifully-designed homewares and lifestyle objects, whilst Natalie’s home incorporates an exhibition and workshop space and a single-room B&B.

                    2. At The Chapel

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This hotel, restaurant and bakery sits at the heart of Bruton High Street in a Grade-II listed 17th-century former chapel. It opens every day for breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between. The main space is beautifully converted with soaring ceilings and original arched windows.

                    3. Hauser & Wirth Somerset

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With galleries in London, Zurich, New York, Los Angeles and Somerset, Hauser & Wirth brings internationally-renowned contemporary art to southwest England. As well as an acclaimed year-round exhibition series, the arts centre offers an array of talks, seminars, workshops and film screenings. The on-site restaurant, the Roth Bar & Grill, serves locally-sourced seasonal produce and has a site-specific bar designed by the son and grandson of artist Dieter Roth.

                    4. King Alfred’s Tower

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Designed by Henry Flitcroft in 1772 to commemorate the end of the Seven Years War, this 49m-high folly is believed to mark the site where King Alfred the Great rallied his troops in 878. The tower was built as a monument, rather than a functional dwelling, and has become an icon of the Somerset landscape. Visitors are able to climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

                    5. Westcombe Dairy

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The artisan dairy at Lower Westcombe Farm specialises in producing traditional West Country cheeses, including their award-winning Westcombe Unpasteurised Cheddar which is perfected in their dedicated ageing room.

                    6. Nearby, and also worth a visit …

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A contemporary gallery and arts centre in a striking 14th-century monastic barn.

An 18th-century walled garden with an acclaimed restaurant and exquisite surroundings to explore.

A picturesque village centred around The Fonthill Park estate and lake.