Henry Lyte dedicated his botanical work 'A Niewe Herball' to Queen Elizabeth I.
The estate is named after the Lyte family, who held the manor from the 13th to the 18th century.
Sir Walter Jenner, who purchased the house in 1907, was responsible for the extensive restoration of the gardens and interior.
The 14th-century chapel features a hammerbeam roof that survived significant structural changes over the centuries.
The garden design incorporates the 'yew walk', a structure created to frame views of the manor house.
The manor contains a collection of furniture and paintings curated by the Jenner family in the early 20th century.
Lytes Cary Manor is a medieval and Tudor manor house once owned by the Lyte family for over 500 years. The property is known for its Arts and Crafts-style gardens, which feature outdoor rooms, topiary, and herbaceous borders. The oldest surviving part of the house is the 14th-century chapel, which retains its original timber roof. Sir Henry Lyte, a 16th-century botanist, famously authored 'A Niewe Herball' while residing at the estate. The current house architecture reflects a blend of medieval origins and 20th-century restoration by Sir Walter Jenner. Visitors can explore the Great Hall, which features a prominent 16th-century oriel window. The estate is set within the rural landscape of Somerset near the River Cary. It currently operates under the stewardship of the National Trust.
The view from the edge of the large lawn looking back toward the Tudor south front of the manor house.
Walk the full perimeter of the orchard to see the best views of the house and garden combined.
Check the visitor reception for seasonal trail maps if you are visiting with children.
Bring comfortable walking shoes suitable for gravel paths and potentially uneven garden terrain.
Attempting to access private residential sections of the estate or ignoring roped-off garden areas.
The house interior and gardens have varying seasonal schedules; typically closed or restricted during mid-winter months.
Maintain quiet in the chapel; do not touch historical furniture or wall hangings.
