Buzzards is a charming holiday cottage in the peaceful countryside of Somerset within Exmoor's beautiful national park. With a log burner for cosy breaks, plenty of character and stunning rural scenery, Buzzards offers the opportunity to relax and unwind with an abundance of attractions for day trips out throughout Somerset and also Devon. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
This charming replica train carriage has been built to high standards using modern eco-friendly touches to provide a unique holiday home beside the heritage West Somerset Railway line. The two bedrooms sleep four people who enjoy luxurious features like an outdoor hot tub, underfloor heating and TVs in the bedroom. Dunster Castle, Exmoor National Park, the Quantock Hills and Taunton are all nearby, while Bristol is also within easy reach. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
This country bolthole is ideal for couples looking for an easy escape. The luxurious period holiday cottage has loads of charm together with lots of extras like an outdoor hot tub which have earned it a 5-Star Gold rating from Visit Britain. Two comfortable double bedrooms make it perfect for one or two couples, and there is also space for an extra bed to sleep a child or baby. Exmoor National Park, beautiful beaches and the Quantock Hills are all within easy reach. Tourist board rating: 5 Star Gold
Little Hanger is a comfy first floor holiday apartment in a coastal position within Exmoor's spectacular National Park. Affording beautiful views over Porlock Bay, this is a peaceful haven to relax and unwind with the only sounds of birds and waves breaking on the beach below to disturb the tranquility.
Finding somewhere that sleeps 12 people with a flexible layout, is close to beaches but also near countryside walks and good mountain bike routes, offers the luxury adults crave (including a hot tub and swimming pool for guests exclusive use!) with the space kids need, and which is suitable for family and friends is a walk in the park once you have discovered Lavender Barn. The 200-year old holiday home ticks all of the boxes, offering 5-Star Gold accommodation close to Exmoor National Park, The Quantock Hills AONB and beautiful beaches. There is a friendly pub within walking distance and plenty more places to eat, drink, shop and explore in the surrounding towns and villages. Tourist board rating: 5 Star Gold
Sitting in half an acre of private grounds on the edge of the pretty Somerset village of Spaxton, Dobbie's Barn is perfect for couples, friends or families who want to explore this understated part of Britain. The Quantock and Mendip Hills are visible from the Barn, and Bridgwater and the North Somerset Coast are a short drive away. The region is renowned for its excellent walking and attractive countryside. With a footpath directly outside, Dobbie's Barn is also dog-friendly (maximum two dogs). Newly added for 2024 is a spacious attached Annex providing additional accommodation, so that Dobbie's Barn can now sleep up to six guests. This property is ideal for three couples or extended families when grandparents might prefer to be a little more self-contained! Please note that the Annex can only be used by the same party of guests and cannot be booked separately. No dogs or children in the Annex please.
Cossington Park House is a stunning medieval holiday home sitting in 22 acres of beautiful gardens and grounds in the pretty Somerset village of Cossington. Dating back 400 years, the combination of period features and antique furniture with cosy living spaces and modern conveniences makes this a majestic, yet comfortable, self-catering holiday house at any time of the year. Child and dog friendly, and with a huge variety of on-site activities for all ages on offer, it is perfect for a tranquil weekend break, active family holiday or to celebrate a special occasion. Cossington Park House sleeps 12 guests in 6 beautiful bedrooms, or book Cossington Park Cottage too if you want to bring 6 extra guests to make 18 in total; Park Cottage has a ground-floor bedroom and wheelchair-accessible bathroom. Hot tub can be rented. EV charger available.
Cossington Park Cottage is a charming Victorian holiday cottage located in a pretty village just outside the historic market town of Bridgwater in Somerset. The contemporary open plan living area is a beautiful light and airy space for friends and families to relax on holiday. On a sunny day, throw open the French doors that lead onto the decking area and listen to the birds singing in this otherwise peaceful and secluded spot. Cossington Park Cottage sleeps six guests in three bedrooms. One of the bedrooms is on the ground floor and there is also a wheel-chair accessible wet room. Hot tub can be rented. EV charger.
Dairy Cottage provides the perfect place to escape to the Exmoor National Park. Sitting in a tranquil position and one of just a few holiday homes which were formerly farm buildings, this charming self-catering cottage nestles amongst pasture land where you will see an abundance of wildlife including hares, red deer and the famous Exmoor ponies grazing freely. With easy access out onto Exmoor's dramatic moorland just by walking up the hill, and the vibrant riverside town of Dulverton just two miles away, Dairy Cottage is a great base for exploring this beautiful part of Devon with Tarr Steps, Dunkery Beacon, Dunster with its medieval castle and Wimbleball Lake all close by.
Minehead is a fantastic seaside resort with something to offer everyone at any time of the year. Located at the quiet end of the beach, close to the Old Ship Aground Pub, Harbour Cottage was built 300 years ago to house the Harbour Master and his family and has fantastic waterfront views. There is lots of space for up to six people to stay in three bedrooms, and the holiday home retains its original warmth and features like an inglenook fireplace and exposed beams. All of Minehead's beach and other attractions are within walking distance, and you can easily reach Exmoor, Porlock Weir, Watchet Harbour and many other Somerset attractions.
After you have spent the day exploring Somerset and Dorset's many attractions, tuck yourself away in this gorgeous petite retreat for 2. The Little Stable is a fabulous choice for couples on a small private country estate in Somerset, a stone's throw from the Dorset border. Spend your days exploring the Mendips, the Quantock Hills, Cranborne Chase AONB, the rolling Blackdown Hills or head to the Jurassic Coast for some sea air. There are miles of fun for cyclists and walkers and an abundance of attractions, or simply stay put and enjoy the indoor swimming pool and tranquility of the Somerset countryside.
A luxurious countryside break in the heart of Somerset? Why not! The Cottage is ideal for couples or small families who love spending time outside. There is breathtaking scenery nearby in the Mendips, Quantocks, Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Blackdown Hills, with miles of footpaths and cycle routes on which to explore. The Jurassic Coast beaches and fossils are also within easy reach, as are beaches like Burnham-on-Sea. With a fantastic heated indoor pool and 4-Star Gold quality accommodation, this delightful holiday cottage is somewhere you will want to return to. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
Toads Breech is one of two delightful holiday cottages in a lovely rural position nestling in the River Exe Valley within the Exmoor National Park in Somerset. With lots of original character, a log burning stove and fine surrounding scenery, the holiday cottages are an ideal peaceful retreat at any time of the year and being on the Somerset/Devon Border, they are within easy reach of the areas many attractions. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Smokeham Farm is a stunning example of large group accommodation done right. 9 en-suite bedrooms accommodating 18-20 people, large dining and socialising spaces, stunning views, and a 10 seater hot tub to round things off.
Look no further for stunning views, chocolate box curb appeal, and one of the cosiest and comfortable properties you will find. Sleeping 16 in 7 bedrooms, complete with hot tub and games room, Rock Farm is the perfect countryside getaway.
Stunning barn conversion with open plan living, private garden, hot tub, and pool facilities on site. Sleeps 6 - 8 people in 3 bedrooms, log fire, bi-fold doors, and a fantastic rural location.
Sleeping 15 as standard, or 17 with 2 extra beds, Higher Burrow Farm is perfect for hen weekends, family gatherings, or couples breaks away...and everything in between. With tons of character, 2 hot tubs, an indoor jacuzzi, and absolutely stunning grounds, it is the perfect weekend retreat.
Little Cheriton House is anything but little. Comprising of 7 bedrooms and plenty of living accommodation set over 3 storeys, this property will take your breath away whilst accommodating 16-18 people. Add in open fires, underfloor heating, an Aga, and a kitchen to die for and properties don't come much better than this.
Portman House sleep 12 -14 in 6 bedrooms and is located in the heart of the Somerset countryside. With views from the hot tub across the surrounding farmland, you can relax in comfort at this beautifully renovated Georgian farmhouse. With both a log burner and open fire, a kitchen and breakfasting room to die for, and roll top baths and raindrop showers, Portman House really does have it all for a great weekend getaway.
Cute, charming, quiet. 3 words that sum up Apple Cottage. Sleeping 4 in 2 bedrooms, this is the perfect family or couples getaway retreat. Enjoy a dip in the hot tub, and simply sit and enjoy the log burner on a winters evening.
Popular towns in and around Somerset:
AxbridgeBathBridgwaterBristolDulvertonDunsterGlastonburyKingsbury EpiscopiLangportMineheadMonksilverPorlockShepton MalletSherborneSimonsbathTauntonTemplecombeWellsWheddon CrossWiveliscombeYeovilSome local suggestions:
Dog friendly Somerset cottagesOr search further afield:
Search within South West England
From the pretty city of Bath to the beautiful town of Minehead, there are several incredible places to stay in Somerset. Whatever your holiday itinerary, you will find an array of things to do and see when visiting here.
If you want to spend your time in Somerset away from the hustle and bustle, a trip to the pretty village of Porlock will do the trick. Being near the Exmoor National Park means that Porlock is favoured among visitors looking to explore the great outdoors.
For those seeking the chance to wander the historical sights, visiting Taunton is a great choice. Its stunning architecture and Tudor buildings make it the ideal place to stay for anyone who enjoys marvelling over ancient structures.
There are many more great towns and villages in Somerset, all of which have something unique to offer. No matter where you choose, you will find a stunning county full of natural beauty.
Before booking your holiday cottage in Somerset, you can find all the information you need for your trip here. For more tips, check out our complete South West England Guide.
Somerset displays a stunning landscape comprising ancient sights, deep caves, rolling hills and countryside in abundance. Having all of this on your doorstep means that this is the ideal place for all types of adventurers.
As Somerset is located in the south of the UK, it typically displays a more temperate climate. Summers here offer longer days and more sunshine, with temperature highs averaging around 22°C and lows of 11°C. For those seeking to explore Somerset, summer is the perfect time to visit as you can generally expect dry weather and blue skies.
Spring in Somerset is utterly breathtaking, with flowers blooming throughout the countryside, the whole region comes to life during this season. The climate during this time is typically mild, making it ideal for those hoping to get active whilst visiting. With high temperatures averaging around 14.5°C and lows of 6°C, you will find pleasant weather to enjoy hiking, cycling plus much more in the region.
Winter is a beautiful time to visit Somerset, with landscapes shimmering beneath the frost alongside a chance of snowfall - a trip here during this time is truly magical. Temperatures start to get much cooler during winter with average highs of 8°C and lows that can drop below 0°C. Wander through idyllic towns, browse the Christmas markets and enjoy all that this season brings to Somerset.
Known for its impressive rolling hills, namely the Blackdown Hills (on the Devon border), the Quantock Hills and the Mendip Hills, Somerset is a superb destination for some of the most relaxing walks in the UK. It is a pleasure to be able to choose from such a variety of scenic backdrops and routes as you explore the area at whatever pace you choose.
Somerset is steeped in history, with plenty of beautifully preserved sites to explore, like the dramatic Glastonbury Abbey, a ruin that was once a Christian sanctuary and is believed to be the site of the oldest church in Britain. The county is also famed for being the home to the Glastonbury Festival and England's smallest city – the medieval city of Wells with its beautiful cathedral.
No trip to Somerset is complete without a visit to a brewery to sample some of the best ciders in the UK and gain an insight into how they are produced. Cheddar Gorge is also a must-visit and one of the most iconic and impressive sites in England.
There's no shortage of good food in this heavily agricultural county, with plenty of lively farmer's markets to explore. Take time to sample the best in locally produced food, including the cheddar cheeses that the county is known for.
If you are travelling from one of the major cities in the UK below shows an average distance to Somerset, so you know what to expect when choosing to visit by car.
London: 157 miles
Birmingham: 131 miles
Glasgow: 405 miles
Liverpool: 215 miles
Bristol: 41 miles
Manchester: 202 miles
Leeds: 242 miles
Edinburgh: 409 miles
Newcastle: 329 miles
There are multiple ways to travel to Somerset. Its excellent public transport links in many of its towns and villages mean you can journey by train or bus from numerous major UK cities. If you travel by car, there are some great service stations to stop off and rest up whilst on your trip, as well as alternative routes depending on what roads you prefer to drive on.
Somerset is mainly famous for its cheddar cheese and cider. The region has a plethora of apple orchards plus the renowned Cheddar Gorge that is still used to mature cheese today.
Alongside its food and drink offering, Somerset also boasts multiple art galleries, beautiful towns and outstanding natural beauty. There is so much to see and do here, you will find yourself needing more time when visiting.
Its network of caves and sightseeing spots make Somerset a favoured holiday destination for many. Whether you’re looking to explore the great outdoors, spend some time with family or visit the ancient monuments, you will find it all in this beautiful part of the country.
Being home to Cheddar Gorge means that Somerset is mainly known for maturing cheddar cheese. The gorge is still used today and welcomes visitors year-round to explore its incredible natural beauty.
Alongside its cheese offering, Somerset is also home to a plethora of apple orchards, meaning they produce a significant amount of cider. So, if you’re looking for somewhere with great food and drink, amazing scenery and fantastic tourist attractions, Somerset is where you want to go!
There are several great towns and cities scattered throughout Somerset, however, the city of Bath is one of the most visited in the region. Its impressive architecture, great shopping and quintessential aura makes Bath a must-see for all visiting Somerset.
After you have spent some time wandering around Bath and taking in all the ancient sights, check out other popular towns such as Weston-super-Mare and Taunton. These are great places for the whole family to enjoy a typical southern town brimming with things to do and see.
Somerset is the perfect location for a family holiday. Its never-ending landscape, ancient caves, stately homes and lively towns and cities, make it the ideal place for the whole clan. There is so much to do in Somerset that you will always find something to keep everyone entertained.
There are also some great adventure activities like hiking, biking and much more across Somerset. This provides the perfect opportunity to tire the kids out before heading back to your rental property for a relaxing evening!