There’s more to Somerset than cheese and cider. Its thatched-roof clad villages, lush rolling hills and wildflower meadows are the very epitome of the English countryside. It’s the perfect escape for city dwellers and technology worshipers to live simply for a week or so.
But don’t be fooled by its quaintness; in sharp contrast to its countryside serenity, formidable gorges, eerie caves and exhilarating mountain bike trails cut through its landscape. For some of the best biking trails in the UK, stay in Fyne Court Cottage which nestles in the Quantock Hills.
Or for a quintessentially English country break we love thatched cottage Ivy’s in the bucolic village of Selworthy. Tea drinking essential.
The pleasant exterior of Ivy's Cottage, Selworthy GreenNational Trust / Chris Lacey
The epitome of English countryside style, Ivy’s Cottage nestles in the quaint village of Selworthy Green. Surrounded by far-reaching views of the countryside and the Holnicote estate, it’s the perfect getaway for a quiet country break. On its doorstep are miles of footpaths through fields, woods and moorland.
Snuggle up in this cosy two-bedroom cob and thatch cottage. Its log-burning stove is perfect after a bracing walk on Holnicote estate on which it is located on or the nearby Exmoor National Park. Uniquely Dunkery View is built into the end of Tivington Chapel-of-Ease.
This Grade II listed property was built in the early 19th-century in true Tudor style with Gothic latticed windows and spacious rooms. It lies in on the edge of Montacute Park so guests benefit from easy access to the park and garden.
Located on natural pier Brean Down, you can enjoy panoramic vistas from this coastal retreat. There's also bright and airy living and dining rooms, which makes the apartment perfect base for exploring the surrounding area. Why not head out to beach, the 97m cliff nearby or Palmerston Fort when you stay?
Once Barrington Court’s grand stable block, 1 Strand House has been refurbished to provide a luxury stay. With its high ceilings and original features along with views across the landscaped gardens of the 16th-century Court House, you will feel like royalty after a week’s stay here.
This beautifully restored mid-Victorian gate-lodge is ideal for large parties to holiday together as it is interconnected with Chaplains House. Plus, you can make the most of complimentary entry to Tyntesfield House and the wider estate.
Live in Victorian style in this restored building set on the Tyntesfield Estate. The Gothic Revival style house retains many of its original features inside providing an authentic stay. When you stay, you'll enjoy complimentary entry to Tyntesfield and the surrounding 500 acres of the estate.
Relish in the splendour of South Lodge with its imposing exterior built using local stone, large rooms and charismatic original features. It even has its own garden that blooms in the spring and there's a stone paved terrace too. It’s based at the entrance to Montacute House so you'll have the glorious gardens and surrounding countryside on your doorstep.
Rising out form the Quantock Hills is the former gardener’s nook, Fyne Court Cottage. It borders the lost gardens of Fyne Court and with plenty of opportunities for tree-climbing and wildlife watching, the whole family will love exploring the estate and beyond.
More than just a pretty façade; 17th-century Tintinhull has exceptional interior style too. A country-style kitchen, roaring open fire and large spacious rooms finished with leaded windows make for a lavish stay. Feel like the lord and lady of the house with views over the formal gardens and ‘out of hours’ exploring of Tintinhull's network of gardens.
