Famous for its wonderful ciders and cheeses, Somerset is a popular ceremonial county in the South West of England. With a backdrop of rolling hills and large open expanses of land, this is a beautiful place for a peaceful getaway.
Somerset boasts the perfect balance of iconic English countryside and pretty seaside scenes. You will also find historically significant areas including Bath's impressive Roman city and the rugged wilderness of Exmoor National Park. Read more
Beautifully presented yet comfy throughout, Fern Cottage is a superb choice for those who enjoy the great outdoors with fantastic opportunities for walking and cycling on the doorstep. Nestling amongst the beauty of the Exmoor National Park the cottage is one of five holiday retreats sitting on the Devon/Somerset borders with an abundance of attractions within easy reach as well as country pubs. Simonsbath is just three miles away.
The Bramleys offers self-catering for four guests in two bedrooms and sits on the edge of the Somerset village of Old Cleeve, close to the popular seaside resort of Minehead on the coast. Perfect for families or friends looking for a seaside holiday and base for exploring the many attractions of the area, including Exmoor National Park close by and the West Somerset Steam Railway. Relax, walk, cycle or explore - the area offers something for everyone. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
The Pippins is a detached Bungalow, nicely presented throughout and provides the perfect self-catering retreat for couples looking to enjoy everything the Exmoor National Park and Somerset coastline has to offer. Nestling in the grounds of Cedar House on the edge of the Somerset village of Old Cleeve close to Minehead, the cottage has been awarded 4 Star Gold status by EnjoyEngland and provides a home from home and base for exploring the surrounding stunning countryside. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
Pretty as a picture, this lovely self catering cottage used to be part of the old village forge and today provides romantic holiday accommodation in the tranquil rural village of Wootton Courtenay. A walkers paradise with direct access onto Exmoor's stunning National Park.
The coastal location and exceptional view from this well presented detached holiday home never fails to please. The light spacious accommodation set within large terraced gardens provides everything for a comfortable and relaxing holiday in a particularly beautiful and tranquil area of Exmoor. A great place for memorable stays with friends and family.
Somerset Manor is a big holiday home near Taunton. The owners have carefully restored original Georgian features, enhancing them with modern self-catering facilities over three kitchens, a games room, and a media room. It's a fantastic place to host your weekend house party, celebratory meal, family reunion, or residential workshop. Tucked behind electric gates with 28 private acres of gorgeous Somerset countryside, the grounds of the house feature a heated outdoor pool and terrace, a full-sized football pitch, an all-weather tennis court, an orchard, and ample off-street parking. Short bookings and extended stays are possible all year round.
6 Bedrooms in total. One bedroom is downstairs. Upstairs is divided into two each with its own staircase. One side has 3 ensuite twin/superking bedrooms. Option of extra single pullout bed in one of these bedrooms. The other side of the house has 2 further twin/superking bedrooms and two bathrooms (one of which has a bath.) All rooms are a good size and include wardrobe and chest of drawers.
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.
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 16-18 in 8 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.
Sleeping 12 in 5 bedrooms, Lower Hedge Farm is perfectly located for any group wanting to literally be surrounded by nature and simply get away from it all. With a private hot tub over looking the fields, a huge garden for relaxing in, and a games room for staying entertained, Lower Hedge Farm should be on your bucket list.
The Old Malt House exudes period charm. Tucked away in the quiet village of Exton, the self-catering holiday home has direct access to footpaths and bridleways, offering secure bike storage and dog-friendly accommodation for four people in two bedrooms. It's perfect for couples or families who want to explore Exmoor National Park fully. The Somerset coast, Dunster Castle and Minehead are within easy reach, you're only a few miles from Dulverton and Tiverton, and there's an excellent pub half a mile away - just long enough to work up a thirst for a pint of locally brewed Somerset cider.
Staying at Hunter's Moon almost feels as if you are stepping into your own fairy tale. The luxurious house dates back to the late 16th Century yet feels timeless with its superior furnishings and contemporary features that include a cinema room and an outdoor hot tub. It is peaceful and private, sitting in an acre of grounds and sleeping eight guests in four ensuite bedrooms, so it is ideal for families and friends wanting to spend time together or celebrate a milestone event somewhere very special. There is a welcoming pub a 30-minute walk from the door, while Glastonbury is just four miles away and Bath and Bristol are within easy reach.
Spacious home from home in the picturesque village of Porlock in the heart of Exmoor National Park (Somerset/Devon border) offering spectacular sea views and plenty of space to accommodate 1-8 guests in four bedrooms. The flexible layout makes this holiday home a favourite with extended or multi-generational families and groups of friends as it enables everyone to spend time together without sacrificing their personal space. We also host photography groups and welcome guests from abroad. The historic Ship Inn and Porlock village centre are just a couple of minutes walk, and there are wonderful footpaths and cycling trails from our doorstep. Lynton, Lynmouth and Dunster are all nearby, as are wonderful beaches and the vast expanse of the Exmoor National Park. With a large secure private garden and wonderful beach, moorland and woodland walks on our doorstep our property your dogs will throughly enjoy their holiday too. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Perfectly placed in the picturesque Somerset village of Porlock, Bracken is a one bedroom ground floor holiday apartment with garden and car parking which provides the ideal place for individuals and couples to enjoy a relaxing break and discover the many attractions of Somerset, Devon and Exmoor National Park including the South West Coastal Path and Coleridge Way. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
A perfect family and dog friendly holiday retreat in the heart of Exmoor's picturesque National Park with breathtaking sea views, where two to eight guests can enjoy a relaxing holiday in the picturesque coastal village of Porlock in West Somerset. A haven for wildlife, the local area offers fantastic opportunities for walkers as well as restaurants for a meal out and plenty of attractions. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Newton Farm is a large holiday cottage near Bicknoller on the edge of Exmoor National Park, sleeping twelve adults and two children in six bedrooms. This welcoming Somerset holiday rental has plenty of room for families and friends to spend time together, with two log burners, generous living areas and views across open farmland. A ground-floor bedroom with zip-link beds sits opposite a shower room, useful for guests who prefer to avoid stairs. The West Somerset Steam Railway runs just beyond the fields, and steam trains are often seen drifting through the landscape. With the coast around ten minutes away and Exmoor nearby, Newton Farm works well for group holidays exploring Somerset.
Gather your family and friends for a relaxed holiday at Hurstone House. This big holiday cottage is in Waterrow in Somerset, half an hour from the coast and close to Taunton and popular attractions like Sheppy's Cider Farm, Dunster Castle and Knightshays. The house, which is only half a mile from the river and village restaurant/pub, is dog friendly and accommodates 14 people in 7 bedrooms and has the potential to sleep two more in a separate annexe. Spacious and welcoming, guests have lots of space inside and out and enjoy amenities such as a games room with a pool table and an outdoor hot tub. Family celebrations, relaxed weekends with friends, retreats to clear your mind, soothe your soul and lift your spirits are what Hurstone is all about.
Popular towns in and around Somerset:
AxbridgeBathBridgwaterBristolBuckland St MaryBurnham-on-SeaCastle CaryChardCheddarChiselboroughCrewkerneCullomptonDulvertonDunsterExtonFiddingtonFromeGlastonburyHighbridgeIlminsterKingsbury EpiscopiLangford BudvilleLangportLopenLuxboroughMineheadMonksilverMontacuteNorth MoltonPorlockRoadwaterShepton MalletSherborneSimonsbathTauntonTemplecombeWatchetWellingtonWellsWest LuccombeWeston super MareWeston-super-MareWheddon CrossWincantonWithypoolWiveliscombeWootton CourtenayYeovilSome local suggestions:
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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!
