Did you know that sleepy old Somerset is home to the tallest tree in England?
No? Well, you’re not alone.
This record holding tree is part of the serene ‘Tall Trees Trail’, which you’ll find nestled in the beautiful Exmoor National Park. The entire woodland is somewhat of a hidden gem, which seems to go mostly unknown by tourists and unused by a good deal of locals too. Making it a quiet place to wander through nature and listen to the birds chirping high up in the trees… one tree in particular!
So, after feasting our eyes on this absolute skyscraper of a tree. Here’s what we thought of Nutcombe Bottom, plus everything you need to know to help plan your own trip here this year.
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Where is the tallest tree in England?
Different places all across the country claim to have the tallest tree. But a place called Nutcombe Bottom holds the current record, and claims to be home to the tallest Douglas fir tree in all of England!- It even has an official road sign stating ‘Tallest tree in England’.
If you’ve never heard of Nutcombe Bottom, it’s a charming woodland area in Exmoor. Which is found just a short drive from the beautiful medieval village of Dunster in Somerset.
Carpark for the Tall Trees Trail in Exmoor
Expect a short, but enchanting drive through the forest to reach the Tall Trees Trail carpark. To get here, pop this address into your google maps:
Broadwood Road, Dunster, Minehead TA24 6TA
The Tall Tree’s carpark is fairly compact, and probably only has enough room for a max of 10 cars. We visited around 11am on a Saturday, and had the entire place to ourselves!
How tall is the tallest tree in England?
This colossal tree measured in at in at an impressive 60.05 metres (197 feet) when it was last measured back in 2009 – I’d love to know how tall it is now!
This Douglas Fir tree with its rough scaly bark is absolutely towering! So much so, that when you crane your neck back you cant really see the top. Leaving you feeling like a minuscule ant down on the ground.
Where is the tallest tree in the UK?
Nutcombe Bottom may be home to the tallest tree in England, but it doesn’t hold the trophy for tallest tree in all of the UK.
That record is held by another Douglas fir tree, which is situated near Inverness in Scotland. However, that tree stands at a whopping 66.4 metres.
Thats almost 6 meters taller than the one in Exmoor!
When was the tallest tree in England planted?
England’s tallest tree was planted in the peaceful grove at Nutcombe Bottom during the 1870’s. Making it over 150 years old…. if only trees could talk!
How hard is the Tall Tree Trail walk?
The Tall Tree Trail is extremely easy, making it a great option for toddlers to elderly people to come along. The flat dirt track weaves its way through the forest, where multiple wooden bridges criss-cross over the peaceful trickling stream.
From the carpark it’s only 600 meters in total, which will take you less then 15 minutes to complete the entire loop.
Because it’s so short, you are probably going to want to combine the Tall Tree Trail with a wander around the woodland, or possibly do another walk nearby. I’ll suggest some of my favourite options later!
How long does it take to find the tallest tree?
You will quickly track down England’s tallest tree as its only a brief walk from the carpark. Theres an abundance of other tall trees about, but the tree you’re after is protected by a low wooden fence, and marked with a rustic wooden sign which reads ‘Englands Tallest Tree’.
Are there any toilets or a cafe at the Tall Tree Trail?
There is literally nothing else here apart from the walking trail. So remember to pack some drinks and find a toilet before you get here (Dunster beach has public toilets or there are supermarkets nearby). As the walk is so short though, you could certainly manage without refreshments if you did forget to bring any!
Other walks and things to do in Exmoor
Exmoor is bursting with quaint villages, unique coastlines and impressive landscapes, so there’s plenty of nearby places for you to explore. Here’s some of my favourite local suggestions for you to extend your day out!
1. Dunster Village & Castle
If you’re looking for a bit of olde-worlde Britain, you could head back into the postcard perfect village of Dunster. A place that was once famous for the thick wool (called Dunster) that they used to make and sell at market here. This medieval village is so pretty and has some lovely independent shops for you to enjoy. Or perhaps you could explore the exceptionally well preserved Dunster Castle whilst you’re in the area? This impressive castle is perched on the hillside and run by The National Trust.
2. St.Audries Bay Waterfall
Another recommendation that’s high up on my list would be St. Audries Bay, which is roughly a 30 minute drive away from Nutcombe Bottom. Once there you’ll discover a beautiful waterfall that crashes onto the pebbled beach below. Plus it just looks super unique with it’s vibrant red rock!
It’s worth a visit.
3. The Valley of Rocks
There’s also the super impressive Valley of The Rocks; an ancient rocky valley that was created during the ice age. This walk provides epic coastal views and a rather unique rocky landscape which reminds me a bit of Iceland!
This option is the furthest away, as it’s around a 45 minute drive. It’s a lovely place though if you have time to go!
4. Dunkery Beacon
Or, if you want to hike up the tallest peak in Somerset, you could head over to Dunkery Beacon in Exmoor National Park. A great grassy mound which at certain times of the year is covered in a thick blanket of purple heather. It offers expansive views across Exmoor, but stretches all the way to Wales too (well, on a clear day anyway)
Dunkery Beacon is about a 20 minute drive from Nutcombe Bottom, and it will take you roughly the same amount of time to walk up. It’s not quite the same challenge as walking up Snowdon!
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