Dog-friendly Somerset

Set in a secluded position high in the Mendips above Cheddar Gorge and just 3 miles from Cheddar, these attractive barn conversions Ramscliff Cottage (ref EGA) and Mendip (ref UKC2794) make an excellent base for walkers and nature lovers. This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is rich in bird and wildlife, including badgers and deer which visit the farm. Animals on the farm include pygmy goats, alpacas and guinea pigs. Nature trails criss-cross the surrounding hills, easily accessible from the farm, and the whole area is one of immense historical and geological interest.

Among the many places of interest to visit are Wells Cathedral in England’s smallest city, Glastonbury Tor, the caves at Cheddar and Wookey, Longleat House and Safari Park and several National Trust properties including Montacute House and Stourhead, and King John’s Hunting Lodge in pretty Axbridge. Excellent beaches and seaside entertainment can be enjoyed at Weston Super Mare and Brean, and there are many charming villages to be explored, along with the rugged landscape of Exmoor National Park, famous for the native ponies. The Georgian Heritage city of Bath, 50 minutes away, is easily reached and has beautiful architecture, Roman Baths, an abbey and a fine selection of shops and restaurants. Several golf clubs are available locally together with horse riding, coarse fishing and trout fishing at Chew Valley and Blagdon Lakes. Very good local inns and places to eat. Beach 17 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 3 miles. These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 8 guests.

This charming holiday property is attached to the owners’ Georgian home and is located just south of Chard, near the Devon and west Dorset border. The property has a large shared garden and guests have use of the summerhouse. It offers a great location to enjoy the best of three counties. To the south and within easy driving distance lies the famous World Heritage Jurassic Coast, with the ever popular seaside resorts of Lyme Regis, Beer and Charmouth. To the east is Devon, where one can enjoy days out on the Blackdown Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with wonderful walking and stunning scenery. In south Somerset there is much to enjoy, including many historic houses such as Montacute House, Forde Abbey Gardens, Tintinhull and Barrington Court, to name a few. Inland, enjoy days out visiting Glastonbury Tor, Clarks Village Outlet, Cheddar Gorge or nearer to home there is some lovely country walking, fishing at Chard Reservoir or golf at the local golf club. There is certainly plenty to keep you entertained. Beach 12 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

Sweet Briar Cottage is situated in the small Village of Holford, a lovely picturesque village on the edge of the Quantocks, about 14 miles from Bridgwater. This semi-detached holiday cottage is in the perfect location for all year round breaks - having a woodburner in the living room makes it perfect for cosy evenings in. There are many walks from the cottage, and from the bridge, guests can see two streams converging, one of which has flowed from Holford Combe and the other from Hodders Combe. It was in this glen that the Huguenots settled and began their silk weaving factory. Holford Glen was also used during the filming of the film ’Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves’ starring Kevin Costner. The Quantock Hills (AONB) are an area of wilderness and tranquillity. Panoramic views lead you through coast, heath and combe. Explore and you will find rocky Jurassic coastline, exposed heathland summits, deep wooded combes, undulating farmland and attractive villages all within this protected landscape. The cottage is a short drive (or a fabulous 2½ mile walk) from the village of Nether Stowey, with its range of shops and pubs. Places of interest include Coleridge Cottage and Dunster Castle (both NT), the Somerset Levels, Glastonbury Tor, Wells Cathedral, Cheddar Gorge and Taunton. Beach 2 miles. Shop 2½ miles, pub and restaurant 100 yards.

This pretty, stone-fronted cottage resides in Bleadon, Somerset. Romantic. Ground-floor accommodation. Dog-friendly. Weston-super-Mare 5 miles; Brean 7.3 miles; Glastonbury 18.2 miles; Bristol 23.2 miles

Set within the grounds of Newton House in the rural village of North Newton, Somerset. Dragonfly Barn is a charming barn conversion providing three self contained semi-detached holiday units (refs 26907, 26908 and 28845). Situated on the first floor by way of an external staircase, Dragonfly 1 offers bright accommodation with use of a delightful sunny lawned sitting out area. Dragonfly 2 has its own private patio garden. Interconnecting doors can be utilised if required to accommodate up to 6 guests. Dragonfly 3 is a charming detached single-storey barn conversion with enclosed private courtyard garden leading off from the bedroom. North Newton is situated between the Somerset Levels and the Quantock Hills, England’s first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Bridgwater/Taunton Canal runs alongside the village and is a popular area for many activities including fishing, golf, cycling or a quiet stroll to enjoy the range of wildlife in this wetland habitat. Close by is Maunsel Lock where you can visit the tea rooms, take a boat trip or follow the Space Walk along the canal. The Quantock Hills, Exmoor National Park and Blackdown Hills are all within easy reach, making it ideal for cycling and walking. Shop 1 mile, pub and restaurant 150 yards.

Set within the grounds of Newton House in the rural village of North Newton, Somerset. Dragonfly Barn is a charming barn conversion providing three self contained semi-detached holiday units (refs 26907, 26908 and 28845). Situated on the first floor by way of an external staircase, Dragonfly 1 offers bright accommodation with use of a delightful sunny lawned sitting out area. Dragonfly 2 has its own private patio garden. Interconnecting doors can be utilised if required to accommodate up to 6 guests. Dragonfly 3 is a charming detached single-storey barn conversion with enclosed private courtyard garden leading off from the bedroom. North Newton is situated between the Somerset Levels and the Quantock Hills, England’s first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Bridgwater/Taunton Canal runs alongside the village and is a popular area for many activities including fishing, golf, cycling or a quiet stroll to enjoy the range of wildlife in this wetland habitat. Close by is Maunsel Lock where you can visit the tea rooms, take a boat trip or follow the Space Walk along the canal. The Quantock Hills, Exmoor National Park and Blackdown Hills are all within easy reach, making it ideal for cycling and walking. Shop 1 mile, pub and restaurant 150 yards.

Be lord or lady of the manor at this charming, historic Grade II* listed house. The Old Manor at Dunster dates back to around 1400, where it is believed the Constable of Dunster Castle lived. Being a house of a certain age, the interior of the manor contains many interesting architectural features including its own chapel. From the impressive great hall with grand open fireplace, to the stunning solar room and charming gardens, complete with orchard, including apples, pear and plums, the house is sure to provide you with a memorable holiday. The spacious living areas are complimented with lovely bedrooms, most benefiting from en-suite facilities. This historical landmark property is ideal for extended families or small groups to gather for a special occasion.

From The Old Manor, you can walk down to the beach, or just up the lane is Dunster Station, which is part of the West Somerset Steam Railway network. The medieval village of Dunster with its impressive castle (National Trust) is a short distance away, as well as a good range of local shops and restaurants. The coastal town of Minehead is nearby, with its promenade, historic harbour and a good range of larger shops and other amenities. Minehead is also the starting point of the South West Coastal Path. The house is ideally suited for a visit to Exmoor National Park where walking is available for all abilities and some stunning views to enjoy across the Bristol Channel. Venture out and visit the village of Porlock Weir, Selworthy and its famous tea room, and the Victorian town of Lynton and Lynmouth. Golf, fishing and horse riding are available locally. Beach ¾ mile. Shop and pub 1 mile.

On the outskirts of South Barrow and set in a peaceful scenic country location between Castle Cary and Yeovil, these two single-storey barn conversions, The Cottage (ref 27191) and The Barn (ref UKC2481) make ideal bases from which to explore south and central Somerset. Both are well presented, with lovely country views, and are the perfect places in which to relax and unwind. When choosing The Cottage or The Barn, you will have the luxury of your very own private hot tub, and The Cottage benefits from a cosy wood burner and underfloor heating in the shower room/bathroom.

On the doorstep you can visit the famous Haynes Motor Museum with its superb collection of classic cars; Yeovilton Fleet Air Arm Museum with its exciting aircraft carrier deck experience and huge collection of naval planes, and many historic houses such as Montacute House. Slightly further afield are stunning Stourhead House and Gardens. Within easy driving are Glastonbury Tor, the designer outlet of Clarks Village, Wells cathedral city and the West Somerset Steam Railway, all of which offer great days out. Other family days out include Longleat House and Safari Park, Cheddar Gorge, Wokey Hole or exploring the world famous Jurassic Coast. There is also great country walking in the 10 acres of the owner’s smallholding, local pubs to wine and dine in, and golf courses nearby. Beach 25 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1¾ miles.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 10 guests.

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.