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
The Stables is a contemporary timber and stone holiday cottage with gorgeous views. It sits peacefully within 24 acres at Cleve Farm near Churchstanton in Somerset. It's a luxurious escape for couples or individuals who appreciate the tranquil surroundings of the the Blackdown Hills AONB. Guests have a private garden and access to pasture and woodland.
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.
Enjoy country life with a stay at Honeysuckle Cottage at Honeycroft Farm in Somerset. Surrounded by glorious rolling countryside, this welcoming holiday cottage is perfect for a family holiday and sleeps up to 5 guests in three bedrooms. The historic market town of Wells is only two miles away with Glastonbury just a little further and nearby attractions including Wookey Hole Caves, Clarks Village and Cheddar Gorge. All the right ingredients for a relaxing and fun-filled holiday with plenty of country air. Tourist board rating: 4 Star AA
A self-catering holiday apartment in Exmoor National Park with fantastic views over Porlock Bay. High Hanger affords a lovely quiet location to enjoy a relaxing holiday by the sea - the only sounds are the waves breaking on the beach!
Exclusively yours, this historic house can be hired for family and friend gatherings, parties, weddings and corporate or holistic retreats. The various reception rooms, 18 acres of parkland and gardens, function barn, party cellar, games room and terrace with wood fired oven can all be utilised however you may think fit. 15 bedrooms in total can accommodate up to 36 guests with additional camping options available.
Somerset is the perfect holiday destination. Its glorious countryside, lovely beaches, historic towns, and charming villages have something for everyone. Coach House is in the quiet village of Henton, close enough to the M5 that you won't be stuck behind the wheel for hours, yet rural enough that you can clearly hear the sound of birdsong in the garden. Guests enjoy panoramic views of the Mendip Hills and easy access to some of the best walking and cycling in the southwest. Wookey Hole Caves, Wells and Glastonbury are within a short drive, while Stonehenge, Bath, Bristol, Longleat, Weston-Super-Mare and other Somerset beaches are all under an hour away. The cottage sleeps four people in two bedrooms and is perfect for couples or families.
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.
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
Beautifully presented, this welcoming self-catering holiday cottage sits in an idyllic position in Porlock within the Exmoor National Park in Somerset. Porlock beach is within walking distance of Rencott, as are the many amenities of Porlock village (including pubs and restaurants). Lovely moorland, riverside and coastal walks from the front door and a host of attractions for all ages.
Your family will love the chance to stay at Dunkery, which enjoys fantastic views towards North Hill and Minehead Old Town. Dunkery is a spacious bungalow that has been extended and modernised throughout to provide a high standard of accommodation. It has three lovely bedrooms, an enclosed garden and an open-plan layout that works well for families, couples and friends. Minehead's beach, harbour, esplanade and the start of South West Coast Path are a 20 minute walk (or 5 minute drive), as is the border of Exmoor National Park. One well-behaved dog is welcome.
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.
Located in the medieval village of Dunster on the Somerset coast, this lovely holiday cottage is positioned in a quiet road standing at the foot of Dunster Castle and ancient church - ideal for an activity packed holiday exploring Exmoor or a relaxing break by the sea.
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.
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!
