Staple Fitzpaine is a tiny hamlet in the English county of Somerset. It lies some five miles south of Taunton in the district of Taunton Deane. It is set in a beautiful rural location, yet within easy reach of junction 25 of the M5. The village has a very small population of about 150 and is situated in The Blackdown Hills, which has been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The village is thought to take its name from the 'devil stone' to be found near the local church. 'Stapol' in old English means pillar or post. The devil stones are to be found in various locations around this area and legend says that they were thrown by the devil from Castle Neroche. The legend also states that if you prick the stones with a pin they will bleed! The local church of St Peter is Norman in origin, dating partially from the 14th century, and is a Grade 1 Listed Building. The almshouses were donated by Sir William Portman and date from 1643, having been restored in 1970. Whilst in the area you can take refreshment at the Greyhound Inn, a beautiful stone 16th century coaching inn with interconnecting flagstone bars.
Church
Inn
Places to Stay near Staple Fitzpaine
Greyhound Inn (0.04 miles)
A 16th century Coaching Inn nestled under the Blackdown Hills,an area of outstanding natural beauty,offering a superb rural setting,yet centrally located just 4 miles south of Taunton and the M5 ... More
The Farmers Inn (0.98 miles)
The Farmers Inn, just 4 miles outside Taunton, nestles in the glorious Somerset countryside with breathtaking views over the Blackdown and Polden hills. The inn boasts a fine dining 70 seater ... More
Octon Lodge (2.60 miles)
Octon Lodge is a beautiful former 17thCentury coaching Inn set in over an acre of delightful gardens,situated in the vale of Taunton and only 1 mile to Taunton town centre. Wi-Fi internet access is available ... More | visit website
Farthings Hotel (2.67 miles)
This elegant 18th century country house is situated amid the quiet of the Somerset countryside, yet within reach of the M5, just 8 km (5 miles) from Taunton and Ilminster. Farthings overlooks ... More
Mount Somerset (2.91 miles)
The Mount Somerset Hotel & Spa is privately owned by the Eden Hotel Collection, winners of the ‘AA Small Hotel Group of the Year’ 2014-2015.
The Mount Somerset is cradled by hills on all sides, giving ... More | visit website
Frog Street Farmhouse (3.07 miles)
Frog Street drives its name from a medieval meeting place. It is tucked away in the depths of Somerset and surrounded by beautiful gardens and open farmland, yet on 6.5 ... More
Square & Compass (3.10 miles)
New to the Square and Compass; eight large double rooms in the style of a stable block, featuring traditional timber cladding and very high quality furnishings, which are in keeping with the traditional style of ... More | visit website
The Square and Compass Stables (3.10 miles)
The Stables, Square and Compass Inn has eight very high quality rooms featuring traditional timber cladding and in the style of a stable block, located in the grounds of a ... More
Falcon Hotel (3.49 miles)
Ideal for long weekends exploring this delightful part of the West Country. Enjoy walking in the Quantock and Blackdown Hills, visiting the superb Hestercombe Gardens or maybe shopping in the ... More
Culmhead House (3.50 miles)
Culmhead House was built around 1850, and having been modernised over the years is now the home of the Rodgers family. The family live in the main house and are able to offer wonderful accommodation within ... More | visit website
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