Dog-friendly Somerset

Peacefully set high up in rural Somerset close to Exmoor National Park and with far reaching views over open countryside, this holiday home attached to the owner’s farmhouse, provides a comfortable base for relaxation or touring. Excellent for walking and pony trekking as well as exploring Exmoor villages, Wimbleball Lake and west Somerset coast. Easily reached are Minehead, Dunster Castle (National Trust), Knightshayes Court (National Trust) and market town of Taunton. There is also a wooden barbecue lodge in the garden, which is available by arrangement. Shop/post office 1 mile, pub 2 miles.

Sparrow’s Nest is situated on the slopes of the Blackdown Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and an ideal base for couples, walkers or for peace and quiet. The holiday property is attached to the owners’ home via an adjoining door and shares a large garden with the owners and their chickens, and with a view to the Wellington monument. Further afield is the historic town of Wellington, the Blackdown Hills and of course the open expanses of Exmoor. The coasts of west Somerset, north Devon and south Devon, each with their unique features, are also easily accessible on the Devon border with superb views over meadows and woods with cattle and sheep. 1 mile from the Devon border it is easily accessible from Taunton and the M5. There are many opportunities for exploring on foot or by car with footpaths and winding lanes linking into nearby forests and nature reserves. It is idyllically situated yet highly accessible for visiting all the attractions of Somerset and Devon such as Exmoor, Dartmoor, both north and south coasts, numerous National Trust properties and themed visitor attractions. A restful haven to return to after days out if you can drag yourselves away in the first place! Beach 21 miles. Shop 2 miles, pub and restaurant 1 mile.

Set on the village edge in a delightful wooded valley with a lovely garden this semi-detached holiday cottage offers comfortable, value for money family accommodation. Accessed over a small wooden bridge across a stream, running through the neighbour’s grounds, it is ideally positioned for walking, riding and touring. Beautiful Exmoor with its sleepy villages, native ponies and red deer as well as the attractions of the coast, close to Minehead, Watchet Harbour and beach at Blue Anchor. Dunster Castle and village (NT) and the West Somerset Steam Railway are nearby. Shop ½ mile, pub ¼ mile.

Formerly part of the Hutton Court Estate, dating back to the Domesday Book, this holiday property is set in an AONB near to the owner’s home on the edge of the village. There are lovely rural views with woodland walks and wildlife, and the property is only 3 miles from the nearest beach at Weston-super-Mare. The Cider Barn (16608) enjoys its own built-in wine chiller.
Furnished, decorated and equipped to a very good standard and cleaned using only environmentally friendly products it an ideal base, with attractions at Weston-super-Mare and Brean, Wookey Hole, Cheddar with its famous caves and gorge, the beautiful cathedral city of Wells, Glastonbury and Bath. Golf nearby. Local Pub & Chinese Takeaway 3 mins walk away.

A charming two-bedroom cottage perched in Bleadon, Somerset. Near an AONB. Ground-floor bedroom. Dog-friendly. Weston-super-Mare 5 miles; Brean 7.3 miles; Glastonbury 18.2 miles; Bristol 23.2 miles

Welcome to The Old Strawberry Barn Studios, a delightful collection of 4 fully refurbished studio apartments alongside the owner’s cottage, which dates back to 1708. Tucked away on the edge of the famous Somerset town of Cheddar but only 10 minutes’ walk from the world-famous Gorge, the studios offer the perfect mix of rural location with great pubs and places to visit within walking distance. Each of these thoughtfully designed studios offer an open plan living experience, with the kitchenettes having full size induction hobs, electric ovens, fridges and breakfast bars. The main living area has a double bed, smart TV and shower room. Each studio offers stunning views towards Cheddar Reservoir, Glastonbury Tor and across Somerset. They have been decorated beautifully to give each an individual finish. Orchard View (UK34417) and Meadow View (UK34416) are both set on the ground floor and are dog friendly, each offering direct access to the walled garden with seating areas. Beyond this is our apple and pear orchard which allows for additional places to enjoy the sunshine. We have 3 friendly dogs of our own (2 black labs and a labradoodle) and as the large lower garden is shared, we may not be the ideal location for nervous or reactive dogs. Tor View (UK34415) and Lake View (UK34414) are both first floor studios and also have access to the garden via a shared walkway. Seating to the front of the studios under an established cherry blossom tree is also available. Orchard View and Lake View have an interconnecting door via an internal staircase meaning these can be booked together for a party of 4 people.
These wonderful apartments are set in a magnificent location, just a stone’s throw from the Mendip Hills, popular with walkers. Access to the Mendips is within 2-3 minutes’ walk from the property. Cheddar town centre, famous for its cheese making, and Cheddar Gorge are all within easy walking distance as well as a myriad of local pubs (5-7 minutes’ walk), restaurants and shops. You have the option to leave the car alone for your trip and explore the area on foot or cycle if you wish – the Strawberry line cycle path is again just 2-3 minutes away and allows you to ride to The Railway Inn adjacent to the home of Thatchers Cider and owned by the family. Further afield yet within easy driving distance, you have the traditional seaside towns of Weston Super Mare and Burnham on Sea, the factory retail shopping outlet, Clarks Village in Street or head to Glastonbury and climb the Tor (which you can see from the aptly named Tor View). A gated driveway allows for secure parking and cycle storage. The reservoir, only 5 minutes away, provides a 2-mile circular waterside walk. The UK top 50 golf links at Burnham and Berrow is 20 minutes away with courses at Wedmore and Mendip Springs even closer. If you love the outdoors, great pubs and getting away from it all, come and visit us at The Old Strawberry Barn Studios in Cheddar.

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.

Situated on the Blackdown Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and approximately 18 miles to Sidmouth and the famous World Heritage Jurassic Coast, these semi-detached bungalows (refs 23955 and W43778) are both well-presented and have large lawned gardens making them excellent family holiday homes. They can be booked independently or together to accommodate up to 10 guests and provide a delightful place to unwind and relax away from the pressures of modern living. The owners can provide a wheelchair, ramp and a 3-wheel walker on request. They are within easy reach of the Quantock Hills, Exmoor, Taunton and Honiton. Within easy driving there is much to enjoy, with days out at perhaps a historical house such as Barrington Court (National Trust), Forde Abbey and Gardens, Montacute House and the imposing Dunster Castle. For family entertainment, an exciting day out at the Yeovilton Fleet Air Arm Museum, the West Somerset Steam Fair for a trip back in time, or for the younger ones in the family, you will love Crealy Adventure Park, near Exeter. The Blackdown Hills themselves offer some superb country walking, wildlife, flying for the adventurous at Dunkeswell or simply enjoy the many local village pubs to wine and dine in. A little further afield, visit the Jurassic Coast, moving on to Dorset, Lyme Regis and Cheddar Gorge and Caves, or even Bath with its many restaurants, shops and museums. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.

In the heart of Wells, England’s smallest city, this quaint, Grade II listed, terraced cottage with an open fire dates back to 1490, offering a great holiday retreat for a small family. If it’s for strolling into the city centre, with its fine cathedral, moated Bishop’s Palace, charming market, and a wealth of medieval architecture, or for use as a base to explore this wonderful county, Yeomans Cottage is simply ideal. Within easy driving distance are many attractions and places of interest, such as England’s largest gorge Cheddar Gorge and Caves, Wookey Hole, the West Somerset Steam Railway, Clarke’s Factory Retail Village and Glastonbury Tor to name but a few. The Roman Spa of Bath is a must, as is Stourhead House and Gardens. Take a walk on the wild side at Longleat House and Safari Park, or head to the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for some splendid walking in a most evocative setting. There are also a number of golf courses to be found in close proximity to the property. Shop 400 yards, pub and restaurant 200 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.