With its exemplary countryside and array of local produce to impress even the most discerning of diners, a holiday or mini break in Somerset is a feast for the senses, but it’s the hospitality that really sets it apart. Here, the Good Hotel Guide shares ten of its favourite hotels in Somerset for 2018...
Little Barwick House, Little Barwick
Classic dishes cooked well and the warmest of welcomes make Little Barwick House a wonderfully delightful restaurant with rooms to visit at any time of the year. The dog is also welcome, so after a long walk in the county’s scenic countryside, settle down to peruse the menu and enjoy a glass, or two, of wine in Little Barwick’s charming setting.
Stoberry House, Wells
Approached by a drive through parkland, an upmarket B&B, in an 18th-century coach house, is surrounded by gardens created and tended with love and skill, and viewed from the orangery breakfast room. The hosts are attentive and welcoming; and the hotel is brimming with magazines, books and board games as well as a help-yourself pantry. Wells is a five-minute drive or 20-minute downhill walk away, while simple evening meals or silver-service group dinners may be served by arrangement.
The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa, Bath
Very much a jewel in Bath’s hospitality crown, The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa is everything you could want it to be; excellent food, stylish rooms, a beautiful spa and all perfectly located for exploring the city on one of Bath’s picture-perfect crescents. The acre of gardens are simply delightful, a haven of calm whatever the weather, and from your room to the restaurant, all the spaces are a joy to while away the day in.
Blackmore Farm, Cannington
At the foot of the Quantock hills, Blackmore Farm and estate dates back to the Domesday Book and is a Grade I listed 15th century manor house and converted buildings along with a farm shop and café. With lots of original features including stone archways and a suit of armour amongst the décor, it’s a delightful getaway, and to top it all off they even have their own brand of ice cream!
The Talbot Inn, Mells
Close to the striking church in the medieval wool village of Mells, this friendly, well-patronised 15th-century coaching inn has the warm, vibrant feel of a country pub with attentive staff serving local ales and sausage rolls in the rustic, homely bar. It is a popular destination with locals, where decor features local artwork, vintage Welsh blankets and all-natural bath products in the rooms - it is warm, welcoming, with just the right amount of homely luxury.
Frog Street Farmhouse, Hatch Beauchamp
Somerset born and Somerset bred, Louise and David Farrance have run their B&B in this wisteria-clad 15th-century Somerset longhouse for nearly ten years. Tea and cake can be taken in the lovingly tended garden on sunnier days, while downstairs the lounge is all wooden beams, uneven stone floors and boasts a log fire. During the summer months, you’ll find garden-fresh flowers in the farmhouse’s characterful country-style bedrooms.
The Lynch Country House, Somerton
Black swans glide on the lake in the garden and sun pours in through Venetian windows at this hotel perched on a lynch, or ridge, above the Cary river valley. The Georgian country house run as a top end B&B is owned by jazz musician Roy Copeland and has traditionally decorated bedrooms in the main house while the converted coach house is comfortable, clean and well presented. On a warm day, climb up to the belvedere and enjoy impressive views stretching across Somerton and the surrounding countryside.
The Luttrell Arms Hotel, Dunster
In a medieval village in Lorna Doone country, this well-managed 15th-century coach inn overlooking National Trust parkland is owned by Anne and Nigel Way. The character-rich pub, think mismatched seating and intriguing ornaments, sees locals and visitors sitting side-by-side (and dogs are of course welcome too). Gather by the huge fireplace or copper-topped bar for local ales and ciders, and a snack or heartier dish off the inventive menu. During warmer weather, take tea in the garden with views of Dunster Castle.
Abbey Hotel, Bath
In the centre of the city, the Abbey Hotel is lively, stylish and very much praised by all who visit. ‘It’s got flair to spare’ said one guest, and combines a sense of historic style with an utterly contemporary approach to hospitality. Refurbished rooms are an exemplary portrayal of what a boutique hotel should be like, and right on your doorstep the city awaits.
The Pig near Bath, Pensford
The shabby-chic style suits the relaxed atmosphere at this fresh, appealing candidate, one of Robin Hutson’s sty of Pig hotels. At this Georgian manor in the Mendips, the staff are attentive and friendly, and the ambience is informal and fun, while deep sofas roost on stripped wooden floors, walls are hung with gilt-framed paintings and open fires crackle in colder weather.
The Good Hotel Guide is the leading independent guide to hotels in Great Britain and Ireland. It is written for the reader seeking impartial advice on finding a good place to stay. Hotels cannot buy their entry as they do in most rival guides. No money changes hands, and the editors and inspectors do not accept free hospitality on their anonymous visits to hotels.
