Favourite places to stay in holiday homes in Somerset
With sandy beaches and sprawling countryside to explore – and picked-from-the-farm strawberries and lashings of locally crafted cider to fuel your adventures – there are plenty of reasons to enjoy a holiday in Somerset. Take it all in at a pace that suits when you stay in one of the county’s self-catering holiday lets – Somerset has everything from holiday cottages by the sea to luxury holiday homes on the menu, so you’re bound to find the perfect place to call home. You can check out some of the accommodation options in Somerset right here, as well as top tips for the best places to stay.
Luxury holiday homes in Bath
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, south-west England’s golden city is home to world-famous attractions like the honey-coloured Bath Abbey and the grand Georgian masterpiece, the Royal Crescent. You can also visit the city’s ancient Roman Baths, as well as enjoy a dip in the rooftop pool at the Thermae Bath Spa. Bath holiday homes typically offer a luxury stay, whether you’re looking for a cosy garden apartment for 2 or a plush penthouse suite with space enough for the whole family. Favourite places to stay include Walcot, a bohemian-like spot with artisan eateries and public art, and Batheaston, a riverside village at the southern edge of the Cotswolds.
Somerset cottages by the sea near Porlock Weir Harbour
A small settlement around a picture-perfect harbour, Porlock Weir Harbour sits between the vast Porlock Bay and the rolling hills of Exmoor. It’s an ideal spot for a relaxed holiday in Somerset, though the proximity of Exmoor National Park means that outdoor adventure is never too far away should you fancy a change of pace. The surrounding area is home to some of the finest Somerset cottages by the sea, making it the perfect choice for family breaks on the beach. Less than 2 miles inland, the village of Porlock features shops, restaurants and other handy amenities.
Mendip holiday rentals
The Mendip District is home to some of the most popular holiday destinations in Somerset. Among the best-known is Glastonbury, largely thanks to its world-famous music festival, though there’s plenty more to discover. History buffs will love Wells; England’s smallest city is home to the gloriously gothic Wells Cathedrals and the medieval Vicar’s Close. Meanwhile, outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Mendip Hills AONB and the limestone Cheddar Gorge & Caves. Nearby Shepton Mallet is the festival capital of Somerset, hosting events like the spring Snowdrop Festival and August’s Mid-Somerset Show.
Exmoor National Park accommodation
Whether you’re making memories with your kids or escaping for a weekend of walkies with a furry friend, Exmoor National Park serves up all the right ingredients for a classic break. Stay inland and choose holiday cottages in quaint villages like Exford and Simonsbath – both ideal choices for rural retreats in the Somerset countryside – or have fun in the sun courtesy of the park’s medley of holiday cottages by the sea. Popular holiday destinations along the coast include Lynmouth and Combe Martin, the latter a cute seaside resort on the park’s north-west edge. Nearby, the Valley of Rocks is an important geological attraction that offers a home to a herd of wild goats.
Bristol holiday rentals
While not strictly part of Somerset, travellers to England’s south-west often choose to add a stopover in Bristol to their itinerary. The city boasts an impressive maritime history, though the port is now better known as a cultural hub, complete with the M Shed museum and a host of restaurants, shops and galleries housed in restored 19th-century warehouses. And if you’re up for a little excursion, harbour tours depart from the dockside for much of the year. In the city centre, the focus turns to the city’s resident street artist, the elusive Banksy – be sure to squeeze in a walking tour of some of his best works.