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
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
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.
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.
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.
A delightful contemporary self catering cottage positioned by the side of the river on the fringes of the Somerset village of Coleford. Leat Cottage is ideal for walking, cycling, relaxing or visiting the many attractions this area has to offer.
Gorgeous cottage with hot tub in the historic village South Cadbury! Bring your pets, we love well behaved pets and want them to have a holiday too. Please let us know before booking as there will be an additional charge for this. It's a fantastic leaping off point to start your south west adventures. This delightful cottage sleeps 10 comfortably
Rose Cottage, on the three-acre grounds of Woodcombe Lodges, is an excellent choice for couples or solo travellers looking for a quiet spot. This one-bedroom cottage features a well-equipped bedroom and a living area offering excellent views over Exmoor. It’s a practical base for exploring Minehead, with easy access to the local beach, historical train rides on the West Somerset Railway, and walking routes like the South West Coast Path. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Yew Tree Lodge in Woodcombe, Somerset, offers a 4-star, child and dog-friendly retreat perfect for families. This single-storey holiday home boasts a king-size bedroom, twin bedroom, and an extra bed-chair in the L-shaped living area that opens to a veranda with panoramic views across Exmoor. Located just five minutes from Minehead by car or 20 minutes on foot, guests can easily access local attractions while enjoying the tranquillity of rural Somerset. On-site, there’s plenty for families to enjoy, including a play area, games room, and putting green. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Holly Lodge at Woodcombe Lodges offers a spacious seaside retreat for up to ten guests, perfect for family or group getaways. This accessible, pet-friendly lodge features four bedrooms and on-site amenities like a games room, children's play area, and a putting green. Located just a short walk or drive from Minehead, guests can easily enjoy local beaches, shops, and attractions like the West Somerset Railway and Exmoor National Park. Nearby, Dunster Castle and the medieval village of Porlock offer additional historical and scenic pleasures, making Holly Lodge an ideal base for both relaxation and exploration. 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 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.
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.
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.
Kingsley Lake View has sweeping views over two acres of landscaped gardens to Chew Valley Lake. The big holiday house in Somerset sleeps 16 people in four bedrooms with a games room, indoor and outdoor self-catering facilities, a hot tub, and lots of luxurious touches to make you and your guests feel welcome and relaxed. You're close to Bristol, Bath and the Cotswolds, with miles of country lanes and footpaths for cycling and walking. The nearby Mendip Hills promise adventure, and there is a fantastic array of local attractions for all ages and interests.
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.
Popular towns in and around Somerset:
AxbridgeBathBridgwaterBristolBuckland St MaryCastle CaryChardCheddarChiselboroughCrewkerneCullomptonDulvertonDunsterExtonFiddingtonFromeGlastonburyHighbridgeIlminsterKingsbury EpiscopiLangford BudvilleLangportLopenLuxboroughMineheadMonksilverMontacuteNorth MoltonPorlockRoadwaterShepton MalletSherborneSimonsbathTauntonTemplecombeWatchetWellingtonWellsWest LuccombeWeston-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!
