Dog-friendly Somerset

Whatley Lodge is set in an idyllic location at the bottom of a long gravel private driveway, adjacent to a small river where an abundance of wildlife, including deer and kingfishers, can be seen. This secluded location can be found in a small valley off the B3162 a mile outside Winsham village located near Chard in south Somerset, close to the West Dorset and Devon borders.

This detached lodge offers great family accommodation for four. Located within an easy driving distance of many great attractions including Forde Abbey and Gardens which make for an interesting visit, or for great family attractions, the Yeovilton Fleet Air Arm Museum and the Haynes Motor Museum are certainly to be enjoyed by all. Nearby, enjoy a cream tea at Hornsbury Mill or Barleymows Farm Shop, some Somerset Cider at Dowlish Wake, or simply take in some great country or coastal walking, golf at the nearby Cricket St Thomas Golf Club or visit the nature reserve at Chard Reservoir. Venturing further north is Clarks Village, the factory shopping outlet at Street, Glastonbury Tor, and further on to Cheddar Gorge and Caves.

The famous World Heritage Jurassic Coast is within a 30-minute drive with many picturesque towns and villages, taking in the seaside resorts of Lyme Regis, West Bay, Seaton, and Sidmouth. Beach 15 miles. Shop 1 mile, pub 1 mile in the centre of the village and restaurant 3 miles.

Dunster Castle Apartments, situated above the owner’s popular coffee shop, offer a very good level of first and second floor, self-catering accommodation. They are located within a Grade II listed building in the heart of the pretty, medieval village of Dunster. If you are looking for the perfect base whilst exploring this popular part of Somerset, then look no further. To add to their appeal, the owner is happy for you to bring your pets so you can really enjoy your holiday. There are shared grounds where you can sit out after a busy day of sightseeing, and the owners also provide a welcome pack/hamper.

All the delights of Dunster are on the doorstep. The apartments are almost next door to the entrance to Dunster’s imposing National Trust castle with a working water mill, deer park, and ancient priory. The bustling high street has a range of shops and plenty of places to enjoy an afternoon tea or an evening meal. Dunster is also host to the annual ’Dunster by Candlelight’ festival. Held in December, this really is a spectacular event, so book early.

Both apartments have an allocated parking space in the National Trust overflow car park which is just a short walk from the apartments. During your stay at Dunster Castle Apartments, there is much to see and do. There is superb scenery and walking on the South West Coastal Path or inland on Exmoor with highlights such as Dunkery Beacon, Tarr Steps, and Countisbury Head. Looking towards Minehead, there is a good range of shops and amenities. It is also home to the West Somerset Steam Railway which runs between Minehead and Bishop’s Lydeard. Further along the coast are the villages of Watchet, Porlock, and Porlock Weir. The Victorian villages of Lynmouth and Lynton, famous for the National Trust’s Watersmeet Gorge, Valley of the Rocks, and the funicular cliff railway, are well worth a visit. The nearest beaches are at Dunster and Blue Anchor. There is also fishing, golf, horse riding, and cycling all available locally. Beach 1 mile. Shop and restaurant 10 yards, pub 30 yards.

The Cow Shed has been lovingly converted by the owners, who have years of experience in the hospitality industry, and this really shows inside and out. Enter through the stunning glass door, and you will find a ground floor twin bedroom, and a double bedroom with an en-suite shower room just off the hallway. From here, two steps lead down into the wonderful, large, open-plan living space, where gorgeous furnishings and fittings such as olive bucket lightshades set the scene for the stunning views of the Blackdown Hills beyond. Upstairs are two large bedrooms (one has a zip and link twin or super kingsize bed, and the other has a fabulous kingsize designer sleigh bed). An impressive bathroom with a roll-top bath and separate shower cubicle can also be found here. Outside, the huge patio area has multiple seating areas and a stunning 6-8 person hot tub, where you can crack open the bubbly and watch the sun set beyond. There is also access to a lovely lawned area for games.
Set in the lovely village of Bishopswood, with the Somerset Wildlife Trust running adjacent to the property, you are only 5 minutes’ walk from the local pub and surrounded by miles of beautiful walks. The market town of Honiton is just 10 miles away and the beach at Lyme Regis can be reached within a 30-minute drive. Heading north, you will find the county town of Taunton with lots of restaurants, cinema, bowling and shopping, and within an hour’s drive you will find Glastonbury, Street, Minehead and the moors of Exmoor! Shop 3 miles, pub and restaurant 250 yards.

As you enter through the electric gates and into the beautifully kept grounds, The Bee Hive is nestled in the corner and awaiting your arrival. When you walk through the door, you will feel instantly relaxed with the comfortable furnishings and the statement lighting. The balcony is an amazing feature of the property, and it’s the perfect spot for your morning coffee or evening tipple, as it overlooks the garden. Your dogs are thought of here too, with an enclosed area to the rear, plus dog beds and treats, so your pooches will feel as pampered as their owners.
The town of Chard is just 2 miles away if you need to stock up on your essentials. The beautiful gardens at Cricket St Thomas are just a 2½ miles away, while the beaches of West Bay (famous for the TV show Broadchurch) and Lyme Regis are reached within 30 minutes by car. Visit the beautiful stately home Forde Abbey, which is just 2 miles away! The larger towns of Taunton and Yeovil are within a 25-minute drive. Beach 11¾ miles. Shop 1½ miles, pub 1¼ miles and restaurant 3 miles.

This detached property is set at the bottom of the owners grounds and is surrounded by 360 degree views overlooking the beautiful Mendips and Quantock Hills. This makes an excellent base for walkers and nature lovers alike. The lodge is situated within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and surrounded by beautiful countryside, with some fantastic walks, great for your four legged friends to join you. Electric cars may be slow charged using an outdoor standard 3-pin socket (at cost, by arrangement with owner).

The market town of Axbridge is only 2 miles away and the bustling village of Wedmore with its great restaurants, shops and tearooms only 4 miles. You will be spoilt for choice here with so many places of interest to visit, including Wells Cathedral, England’s smallest city with its Bishops Palace, and Glastonbury with its famous tor and abbey. The mysterious caves of Cheddar and Wookey Hole and its wonder of the world gorge, are both just a short distance away. Beach 10 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.

When it comes to the location of this property it is going to be hard to beat. The moment you walk through the front door it has the wow factor, views across the lake and the surrounding countryside are just breathtaking. This beautiful, detached, spacious barn conversion is perfect for a family of six or a group of friends who want to get away from it all. The open-plan living, dining and kitchen area is perfect for gathering together, whether its around the warming wood burner or stepping outside onto the private patio area to enjoy some fresh air. The design of this property is very modern and just off the living room you have identical staircases leading to each side of the house, taking the right staircase will lead you one bedroom, whilst the left hand staircase takes you to two further bedrooms. Underneath the property is a cellar, equipped with a washing machine and tumble dryer, and just outside the front door is a heated outhouse, perfect to store bikes and also clothing if you have been out on the lake or enjoying the great outdoors.
This property accepts two dogs and your four legged friends are just going to be spoilt for choice when it comes to exploring and running around. There is stabling available for up to 3 horses, either as livery or DIY (by direct arrangement with the owner). Turn-out is also available, as well as food and bedding (fees apply). There is parking for up to a 7.5 ton horse-box, excellent off-road hacking in the local area and guided hacks can be arranged with the owner. Please note that any horses must be vaccinated.


Location wise you’re in for a treat as Harewood Barn is set within the Exmoor National Park and just set back from Wimbleball Lake. The activity centre for Wimbleball Lake is a short walk from the property, and for the more active visitor there are miles of walking and cycling trails, archery, climbing and a fantastic range of water sports. To get on the water, visitors can either bring their own craft and pay a launch fee or hire kayaks, sailing boats, stand up paddle boards, windsurfs and rowing boats. For those who prefer a more relaxing visit there are plentiful meadows, woodlands and picnic areas, a great escape from modern life’s hustle and bustle.

Wimbleball is also a fantastic place for outdoor learning, whether it’s birdwatching, bushcraft or stargazing, there is always something special to see and do. This 530-acre site is one of Exmoor’s most popular tourist attractions, boasting the perfect blend of excitement and tranquillity. Dulverton is located 6 miles away and has a wide range of shops, restaurants and tea rooms. A visit to Tarr Steps and Dunkery Beacon, the highest point on Exmoor, are some of the highlights. Other local attractions that may be of interest are the village and castle at Dunster, the West Somerset Railway at Minehead and the villages of Porlock Weir, Lynton and Lynmouth. There are beaches at Dunster and Blue Anchor. Beach 14 miles. Shop 1¾ miles, pub and restaurant 2 miles.

Part of a complex of four converted farm buildings, all offering their own unique characteristics. Each property has its own individual outdoor space, with dedicated hot tub. All properties also benefit from shared use of the tennis court on site.


Applebarn (ref UK10654) features stunning open plan downstairs living space and provides comfortable accommodation upstairs in two bedrooms for up to 4 adults, plus 2 children. Note that the bunk beds are not suitable for adults.


The Farmhouse (ref UK10655) provides accommodation for up to 8 people in four bedroom and features log burners and a games room equipped with pool table and games console.


The Dairy (UK38051) is beautiful cosy two-bedroom holiday home for up to 5 guests featuring a double-sided wood burner between the kitchen and lounge. It also features a games room with games console.


The Bungalow (UK38049) is a beautiful three-bedroom holiday home, featuring a large open plan kitchen/dining/living area with a convertable dining/pool table and a 85" TV The Bungalow boasts stunning uninterrupted views of Glastonbury Tor.


All properties are situated on the owner’s farm in a small village called West Pennard, which is 3½ miles from Glastonbury.


All properties offer comfortable bedrooms, some with en-suite facilities, great self-catering facilities and spacious living areas perfect for unwinding in after a busy day sightseeing.


Guests can enjoy their own walled/fenced garden areas for entertaining outside, with the added bonus of use of your own hot tub and shared use of the on-site tennis court.


Please note total privacy in the garden areas is not possible due to the location of properties in relation to each other on the site and the hot tub may not be fully up to the recommend temperature on the first night of your stay due to the need to empty and clean between guests.


You will find this peaceful location an ideal place for relaxing or for touring the West Country, including Glastonbury, with its famous tor and abbey, Wells, with its cathedral, The Bishop’s Palace and Wookey Hole Caves, and the city of Bath World Heritage Site, with its Georgian architecture, designer shops and fantastic world cuisine. The properties are surrounded by hills and footpaths making it ideal for walkers or for those just wanting a rural break. Beach 20 miles. Shop 2½ miles, pub, and restaurant ½ mile.


These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 23 guests.

This beautiful, thatched barn conversion is the perfect choice for couples who are looking to relax in comfort and explore the hidden charms of Somerset. Adjoining the owners’ home, this property is set within the Exmoor National Park, in an area of natural beauty. The property has been furnished to a very good standard and certainly has the wow factor the moment you walk in. On the ground floor there is an open plan living area with a gas wood burner, perfect to snuggle up in front of and watch the TV. Heading upstairs you will find a spacious bedroom and bathroom with beautiful views across the countryside. Location wise, it couldn’t be more perfect with so much to do on your doorstep.

Watchet is less than a 10-minute drive away, a charming little coastal town with an old port, quaint shops and plenty of choice for dining out. You can also hop on the West Somerset Steam Train from Watchet, a very unique way of seeing the Somerset countryside. The next stop along is the medieval village of Dunster, where you can take a step back in time with its cobbled streets, quirky shops and castle, which is part of the National Trust. The Exmoor National Park is breathtaking to drive through, with its unique landscape of moorland, woodland and valleys. As well as exploring Somerset you are on the doorstep of the Devon boarder, and Cornwall can be reached within 2 hours. Heading north you can visit Bristol and Bath, so you really are spoilt for choice. The lovely beaches at Blue Anchor, Dunster, Minehead and Porlock are within easy reach, likewise in Devon, you will be spoilt for choice and you can even venture to Dorset in just over an hour. Beach 7 miles. Shops 3¼ miles, pub and restaurant 1½ miles.

Plum Cottage is a wonderful home-from-home and has been lovingly furnished by the owners to ensure a comfortable stay. Packed with features, from the arches in the windows to the individual light fittings, you will find yourself spotting the little touches throughout your holiday!
On the ground floor you have the light yet cosy living room with its electric wood burner and Smart TV. A bespoke fitted kitchen with a breakfast area and all you need to prepare your meals after a day’s exploring! Off the kitchen you have a sunny study come garden room which opens up to the lovely tiered garden, a real sun-trap and has the bonus of a summerhouse at the top, the perfect spot to sit for breakfast or while you’re enjoying a glass of your favourite tipple while the sun sets on another day. Upstairs you will find the master bedroom with a king-size bed, a single bedroom and the bathroom with a beautiful claw-footed roll-top bath which has a shower over, the perfect place to unwind!
From the doorstep you can walk into the town centre or up the hill to the park and beyond across the fields. The town centre of Castle Cary is a mix of independent shops and larger stores and has multiple food outlets as well as pubs and restaurants. The magnificent Haynes Motor Museum is just 4 miles away, showcasing everything from a mini to a Formula 1 car, making a great day out for everyone!
Further afield are the larger towns of Yeovil, Glastonbury and Shaftesbury can be reached within 30 minutes and are packed with entertainment venues, shops, eateries. Glastonbury in particular is famous for its spiritual side, a walk up the Tor is a must to experience the stunning views for miles around. National Trust properties are plentiful in this area with Montacute House and Lytes Cary Manor under half an hour’s drive away.

A perfectly formed hideaway for four lucky guests, with a cosy sitting room with wood burner perfect for chatting, laughing or simply relaxing after a day exploring this stunning county. With such a fantastic array of wonderful places to eat, you may never see the stylish and well equipped kitchen, but rest assured it has everything you need to rustle up a quick bite or a more sumptuous dinner. The first floor is home to 2 double bedrooms and a luxury bathroom with small utility area. Outside, the garden is just a few steps away, and offer a peaceful place to enjoy a well earned drink, or just a quiet place to relax with friends. With some seriously good places to eat and visit, with Osip restaurant and The Chapel both 5- minute walk away, you may wish you booked a longer stay! If you are blessed with sunshine, a local land mark and very pleasant walk to The Dovecote, a limestone tower, is a well worth a visit. If art is more your thing then the Hauser and Wirth Gallery is the perfect outing and is just a 10 to 15 minute stroll away. If your stay coincides with a very special occasion, then you may want to take a look at the The Newt and its Garden Eateries just a few miles away - advance booking to eat is essential! We are certain whatever you chose to do in this wonderful spot, this cottage will have you longing to return.