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 Somerset Hotels
There is more to Somerset than famous music festivals and cider. From the long sweeping beaches of its coast to the rolling hills of its interior, Somerset is dotted with pretty and interesting places. The coastal resorts at Minehead, Weston-super-Mare and Clevedon make for a great bucket and spade holiday whilst the historic towns of Taunton and Yeovil and the many rural villages provide quality, comfort, interest and value. Its interior hosts a National Park and three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Levels and Moors are a rural idyll, where traditional crafts and local ciders still epitomize West Country Life. Its patchwork of historic towns and unadulterated villages provide a diverse selection of hotels in beautiful settings: from the Traditional Castle at Taunton to two outstanding inns, The Lord Poulett Arms and Queens Arms, there is something for everybody in Somerset. It is more than just a gateway to the South West. It is the beginning of the South West. |
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| Luxury: Sophisticated town house hotel |
| Location: TAUNTON; in the centre of town, just off the High Street |
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| An elegant, town house hotel, its façade memorably smothered in creeper, that has welcomed travellers since the 12th century and was first built as a Norman fortress. The hall sets the scene and an impressive staircase winds up to spacious rooms with high ceilings. Some have views over the Norman garden. Downstairs, the hotel’s quiet, formal restaurant is well renowned (currently Richard Guest is the head chef) and is contrasted by ‘Brazz’, a lively brasserie popular with guests and local shoppers alike. |
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| Luxury: Restaurant with rooms in a former hunting lodge, overlooking the village green |
| Location: LONG SUTTON; on village green, between A303 and A372 |
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| On the outside the Devonshire Arms looks like a quiet country pub (in fact a Grade-II listed former hunting lodge) in a plain village; inside, though, it’s an upmarket bistro style restaurant with rooms above: some may feel that in this case the juxtaposition is an uneasy one, both in the restaurant, with its new bar, leather chairs and sturdy wooden tables, and in the six bedrooms, with a mix of old fittings and attractive new furniture. They are, however, spacious, with unusual bathrooms and look out over the village green. In the summer months you can eat in the attractive courtyard or walled garden. |
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| Luxury: Country house hotel and spa |
| Location: SHEPTON MALLET; in the rolling hills of the Mendips |
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| Roger Saul founded the Mulberry fashion brand and like other industrialists, turned hobby organic farming and food production into an equally successful business. So the food at Charlton House leans heavily on his Sharpham rare breed livestock and spelt mill. He was also responsible for the design of the bedrooms which, though comfortable, with dramatic flourishes, seem a little dated by today’s taste. There’s also a spa. Staff are young and willing though reports suggest sometimes lacking in savoir faire. In fact recent reports speak of slipping standards. Let us know what you think. |
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| Luxury: Eccentric country hotel with character |
| Location: WOOKY HOLE; on the banks of the river Axe, where it emerges from the Wooky Hole |
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| A brooding Jacobean-style mansion, in which every hallway, reception room and corridor is heaped with unusual objects, and every velvet and damask bedroom has the feel of an eccentric Aladdin’s cave. Then there’s the snooker room, the all-black mini-cinema and the totally unexpected plunge pool. Bedrooms are comfortable, with modern bathrooms; the food is more than satisfactory, and the tranquil grounds, set around water, full of delightful surprises. A one off, the creation of its larger-than-life owner, Martin Miller. |
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| Mid Price: Delightful restaurant with rooms in a pretty dower house |
| Location: BARWICK; off a quiet country lane in the village, close to Yeovil |
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| A charming dower house run by Tim and Emma Ford as a restaurant with rooms. Each of the six rooms exudes care and attention, with fresh flowers, pretty ensuite bathrooms and views over the lawn and a spectacular spruce tree. In the homely sitting room a large open fire crackles in the hearth. Canapés and drinks are served before dinner in a cosy bar, while the dining room is smart but in keeping with the family feel. Lunch and dinner are cooked by Tim, and well renowned locally. |
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| Mid Price: Restaurant with rooms in nice setting |
| Location: MIDSOMER NORTON; in the heart of Somerset |
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| The Old Priory is something of an oasis. Once in its ancient courtyard you’d never guess that a scrappy provincial High Street was round the corner. You’ll find listed ecclesiastical panelling in the hall, three enormous original fireplaces, ancient beams, flagstone floors and a secret passage running from the kitchen to the church. Upstairs there are seven dark, quaint bedrooms, while the food (parfait of foie gras or pink-roasted venison with quince puree) in the cosy Moody Goose restaurant is excellent. |
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| Mid Price: Traditional village pub, friendly atmosphere |
| Location: CORTON DENHAM; in heart of village, on Somerset/Dorset border |
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| With a crackling log fire, wooden beams overhead and a delightfully hearty menu, the Queen's Arms is a must for those in search of a traditional country inn that's as rustic as it is beautiful. Hosts Rupert and Victoria are on hand to offer a warm welcome and a friendly chat, and their staff are no less accommodating. Both bar and dining room are simple yet charming, and each individually styled bedroom is beautifully furnished and luxuriously comfortable. |
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| Inexpensive: Cosy, unpretentious country inn |
| Location: STANTON WICK; in a quiet hamlet close to Bristol and Bath |
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| Converted from a row of miners’ cottages, this warm and cosy restaurant-cum-pub is all wooden beams, low ceilings and stone walls. The lively restaurant/bar serves a variety of ‘better than pub’ dishes and is complemented by the attentive service of the owner and staff. Personal touches such as the locked car park overnight add a friendly feel to the low-key, easy-going country inn. The 12 rooms are smart and comfortable with neatly displayed flat screen TVs; clinical bathrooms. |
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| Inexpensive: Quirky country inn with character |
| Location: HINTON ST GEORGE; in beautiful secluded conservation village |
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| Everything is right about this updated inn, especially if you like comfortable and imaginative yet unpretentious. Rooms are quirky, with pretty wallpapers, amusing carved beds, old wardrobes and antique mirrors. The public rooms have been furnished with an eclectic, carefully sourced collection of country furniture with an area for locals in wellies to drink at the bar and another for dining in groups. The menu includes a few pricey ingredients such as foie gras, venison and scallops, but also sausages and sardines, gurnard and pork belly. Delightful and good value. |
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