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. A wonderful rural spot to get away from the rat race, Somerset boasts the perfect balance of iconic English countryside, pretty seaside scenes, historically significant areas including Bath's impressive Roman city and the rugged wilderness of Exmoor National Park. Read more
Penbridge Court Estate offers an ancient barn and three cottages to accommodate large groups of 20 to 28 guests (at a squeeze). Featuring a number of living areas for relaxing, a games room, big fireplaces, extensive gardens (plus hot tub), and a quiet location with no passing traffic, Penbridge Court Estate is perfect for a family Christmas, reunion with friends, or a group retreat, with guests enjoying easy access to fantastic footpaths, mountain bike trails, fishing, golf and horse riding. Close to the Quantock and Blackdown Hills and only a short drive from Exmoor National Park, Minehead and beautiful beaches, there are no shortage of great days out when you stay at Penbridge Court Estate.
A cosy dog-friendly holiday cottage located in the pretty village of Wrington. Sleeping six guests in two bedrooms, 23 The Cottages is ideal for families or friends looking for a relaxing self-catering holiday set in gorgeous Somerset countryside. With fantastic walks and bike rides on your doorstep, and Bristol City centre and the coast just half an hour away, you will be spoilt for choice with the huge number of activities on offer. From days out shopping to horse riding in the hills and building sandcastles on the beach, you will never tire of things to do whilst on holiday here.
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
Imagine yourself in this idyllic country cottage, spending your days walking through the beautiful Quantock Hills AONB before returning via the welcoming village pub for an evening settled in front of the original inglenook fireplace with its log burner. Sunrise Cottage is a dog-friendly property just a few miles from Taunton which can sleep up to four people in two bedrooms and is ideal for families and friends.
A farm holiday in the Somerset countryside is just what you need to recharge your batteries. The Stable Cottage is on Middle Stone Farm, three miles from the Exmoor National Park, 25-minutes from the coast and within easy reach of Taunton. It's on a small organic farm where the owners raise free-range chickens and ducks and sheep, goats and alpaca. The cottage is perfect for couples or young families as it sleeps four people in two bedrooms, with the twin room having small single beds ideal for children under 13. The cottage has a private garden with a wood-fired outdoor hot tub.
Set in 55 acres of stunning woodlands and meadows, this pretty cottage on Upper Vobster Farm has been lovingly restored to provide a luxury holiday cottage close to the small village of Mells in the gorgous Somerset countryside. With miles and miles of woodland walks to explore from the front door, an abundance of wildlife to spot and wild flowers to admire, it is easy to kick back, relax and unwind whilst staying at Lavender Cottage. Day trips include visiting the Roman City of Bath, Longleat Safari Park, Babington House and Stonehenge. Sleeping six guests in three bedrooms with an ensuite bedroom on the ground floor, a wood burning stove and large garden, it is ideal for families, friends or couples. Lavender Cottage is one of several self-catering holiday cottages on Upper Vobster Farm also making it perfect for family get togethers, special occasions and large gatherings of friends.
Cossington Park Cottage is a charming Victorian holiday cottage located in a pretty village just outside the historic market town of Brigwater 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.
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.
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.
The owners at Rosary Cottage have really thought of everything to ensure you have a happy and relaxing holiday in this beautiful spot on the Somerset Levels. Located in the rural village of Chilton Polden, this recently refurbished holiday cottage sleeps six guests in three bedrooms. Enjoy lazy summer evenings at 'the bar' in the summer house, or snuggle up in front of the log burner during the cooler winter months. With walks from the front door, days out at the beach and a variety of family friendly attractions and activities close by, there is plenty to keep big and little kids entertained whilst on holiday here.
A welcoming holiday cottage near the beautiful Blackdown Hills on the border between Somerset and Devon. Smithy End sleeps two people and is perfect for couples or individuals who crave rural views, the opportunity to walk for miles, and a decent pub less than a mile away. It is in Combe St Nicholas, half an hour from Lyme Regis and the Jurassic Coast.
Poppy is one of five superb self-catering cottages in Somerset. It sleeps seven people in three bedrooms and is perfect for families and friends. The pretty cottage is on the family-run Webbington Farm in the Mendip Hills AONB, with direct access to beautiful walks and bike rides from the door. The Somerset coast is less than half an hour's drive, and local attractions include Cheddar Gorge, Wookey Hole, and the pier at Weston-Super-Mare, as well as Glastonbury Tor and cathedral. Bristol, Bath, Stonehenge and Longleat are all within reach for a fun day out. Onsite amenities include a big enclosed garden and a children's play area, with guests can also book a session at the spa at the nearby Webbington Spa Hotel.
Tiarks sleeps 7 adults (plus a baby) and is a welcoming holiday home on a family-run farm in the Mendip Hills AONB. It's next to Crooks Peak and is within easy reach of Brean Sands and Cheddar Gorge. Local attractions include Glastonbury Tor and cathedral, Wells Cathedral, and Weston-Super-Mare pier. The farm offers easy access to the M5, so it is possible to go to Bristol, Bath, Stonehenge and Longleat for day trips.
Kitty is a pretty holiday cottage on a family-run farm in Somerset. The two-bedroom cottage sleeps up to four people with space for a cot, so it is ideal for couples, families or friends. Located in the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with easy reach to footpaths and cycling routes makes the location ideal at any time if the year. Brean, Burnham-on-Sea and Weston-super-Mare are all within half an hour's drive for a day at the seaside. Good road links also make it possible to visit places like Cheddar Gorge, Bristol, Bath, Wells, Glastonbury, and Stonehenge for day trips. The onsite amenities are excellent, and guests can also pay to use the spa facilities at a luxury hotel a short stroll from the farm.
Golightly is a very comfortable holiday cottage on a family-run farm in the Mendip Hills AONB. It's next to Crooks Peak and is within easy reach of Brean Sands and Cheddar Gorge. Local attractions include Glastonbury Tor and cathedral, Wells Cathedral, and Weston-Super-Mare pier. The cottage has good access to the M5, so it is possible to go to Bristol, Bath, Stonehenge and Longleat for day trips. Golightly sleeps up to seven people in three bedrooms. It is one of several superb properties on the estate which, when booked together, sleeps up to 30 people to make the perfect venue for family reunions, hen weekends, corporate events, and holidays with friends.
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
You don't have to be a steam train buff to appreciate the high standard of accommodation of Railway Cottage, which sits beside the historic train line and has far-reaching views of the Quantock Hills. The Victorian cottage was built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel during the construction of the West Somerset Railway and sleeps six people in three bedrooms. The holiday cottage is a favourite with families and friends, is close to Exmoor National Park and Dunster Castle and available for short breaks all year round. 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
The owners of The Treehouse prove that it's possible to combine adventure and luxury. Fall asleep gazing at the Somerset skies, listening to the gentle rustle of leaves on the cedar shingle roof in this 5-star self-catering property, which sleeps four people in two bedrooms. The custom octagonal building is close to Exmoor National Park and the Quantock Hills AONB, within walking distance of Halse village and the New Inn pub, and only a short drive from beautiful Somerset and North Devon beaches. Tourist board rating: 5 Star
The Apple Tree House is a luxurious escape from the stress and bustle of daily life. The elevated three-bedroom holiday home sits close to the boughs of two mature lime trees, giving fantastic views in an incredibly peaceful location. A flexible layout sleeps six people and is ideal for families or friends such as those on a hen weekend or celebratory break, with guests benefiting from a location within easy reach of beautiful beaches, Exmoor National Park, Quantock Hills and Taunton. Tourist board rating: 5 Star Gold
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 to gain an insight into how they are produced. Cheddar Gorge is also a must to 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 farmers markets to explore. Take time to sample the best in locally produced food, including the cheddar cheeses that the county is known for.
A laid-back way of life, beautiful English countryside and good food and drink make Somerset a brilliant UK holiday destination for couples, families, friends and dog-owners - a place to get away from it all and relax.
