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
This 17th Century, Grade II listed Somerset Long House has carefully been brought into the 21st Century without losing an iota of its charm. The owners of Cherry Tree Farm have created a luxurious country holiday retreat with plenty of space indoors and out, and room for ten people to sleep in five well-appointed bedrooms. Exmoor National Park, the Quantock Hills AONB and the beautiful beaches of Somerset and North Devon are all within easy reach, and there is a friendly pub only a five-minute walk away. Tourist board rating: 5 Star Gold
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
Offering a lovely blend of cosiness and old-world charm, The Old Inn is perfectly placed in the very heart of Exmoor's National Park close to Wheddon Cross and Snowdrop Valley. Guests can enjoy wonderful walks from the doorstep of the holiday cottage and plenty of attractions within easy reach including the beaches of Devon and Somerset.
Escape to the beautiful surroundings of the Exmoor National Park in this charming barn conversion that is two miles from Dulverton. The one-bedroom cottage is entirely private and self-contained to provide a high standard of accommodation for one or two guests. It is one of a small group of self-catering properties on-site and is also perfect for couples who are on holiday with their extended family or friends but who want space and privacy. The Tarr Steps, Wimbleball Lake, Dunkery Beacon and Dunster Castle are all close, and there is an excellent choice of footpaths and mountain bike trails to enjoy.
Peaceful stone cottage in a quiet, private location in the Somerset countryside. The Cowshed sounds rustic but has been renovated to a high standard to accommodate up to two adults (and two dogs) who want somewhere special where they can spend time together without distraction. The location in the Brendon Hills puts beautiful Exmoor and Somerset countryside on the doorstep, and there is an excellent choice of local pubs and restaurants should you want to dine out.
Redway Lodge is a comfortable house in a great location with four ensuite bedrooms sleeping up to 12 people, and a layout that makes it as good for extended families and friends as it is for smaller families. Its elevated position above Porlock gives fantastic views over the village towards the sea, with three of the four bedrooms as well as the deck and garden enjoying beautiful water views. The village shop and pub are a five-minute walk away, with the coast and Porlock Weir around a mile from the house.
A pretty period stone cottage on a private farm in the heart of the Exmoor National Park, East Harwood Farm Cottage has fantastic walks from the front door, including to Dunkery Beacon and the ruggedly beautiful moors. The property is dog-friendly and sleeps up to four people in two bedrooms. At around a mile from medieval Timberscombe village, it is a relaxed stroll from The Lion Pub, and within easy reach of the coast at Minehead and Porlock.
With room for up to seven people to sleep in four bedrooms and a seafront location, Seagulls Rest is ideal for families and friends on holiday to Minehead. Everything is within easy reach so you can park the car and forget it for the week, walk, cycle or take a vintage steam train to explore the coast, countryside and Exmoor National Park. Minehead has been a favourite seaside resort for generations, and this Victorian cottage offers guests the chance to stay in a quiet spot that is still within walking distance of beaches, pubs and shops.
Coast and countryside come together beautifully in this period property. The three bedroom cottage sleeps up to five adults and is on the edge of the Exmoor National Park, just a few miles from the coast and within easy reach of the Quantock Hills, Minehead, Taunton and Bridgewater. There is plenty to see and do during your stay, including walking part of the Coleridge Way footpath which passes through the village. At the end of a busy day, put your feet up in the garden or in front of the log burner, or walk to the pub for a pint of local cider.
Packed full of historic charm, this impressive manor house provides self-catering accommodation for large groups of up to sixteen and is the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion with friends and family (pets also welcome!). Sitting on the border of Somerset/Dorset in the tranquil hamlet of Up Mudford, this fabulous property has lovely views over the River Yeo and sits in an oasis of calm and a haven for wildlife. Outside catering can be arranged for a special celebratory meal, along with other services including a beautician for pampering. Hot tub, river frontage, log fires and a large dining room with seating for everyone are just a few of the many features of Primrose Manor.
The Wool Barn offers an ideal escape within Exmoor National Park, perfect for larger families and groups of friends. Part of the Honeymead Farm Estate near Simonsbath, this charming holiday home comfortably accommodates up to eight guests in four ensuite bedrooms, with an additional study/single ensuite bedroom on the ground floor. Built from local stone and conveniently located just over a mile from The Exmoor Forest pub, it provides stunning rural views and easy access to scenic footpaths and bridleways. Simonsbath itself is a picturesque village, offering a tranquil setting for outdoor adventures.
On a 1000 acre estate within the heart of Exmoor National Park, this beautiful impressive holiday home is ideal for large groups of friends or family, celebration weekends, corporate hospitality - sleeping up to ten guests in five bedrooms (three en-suites). Sitting in large gardens, this delightful retreat offers plenty of space both inside and out, and affords wonderful views and fantastic riverside walks from the front door.
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 8 in beds and two on the sofa bed.
The Pippins is 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
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.
Popular towns in and around Somerset:
AxbridgeBathBridgwaterBristolDulvertonDunsterGlastonburyKingsbury EpiscopiLangportMineheadMonksilverPorlockShepton MalletSherborneSimonsbathTauntonTemplecombeWellsWheddon CrossWiveliscombeYeovilSome 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!