Discover a range of holiday cottages, farmhouses, barn conversions, and glamping pods, set on working farms in Somerset. These hand-picked, self-catering farm stays are located in some of Somerset’s most popular rural destinations including Withypool, Watchet, Luxborough, and Dulverton, ideal for families, groups of friends, or couples looking for an unforgettable getaway.
Somerset is a predominantly rural county with a rich variety of landscapes to explore. Exmoor National Park, which straddles the border with Devon, is characterised by rolling green hills, dark skies, a dramatic coastline, and herds of wild ponies. The Somerset Levels are a vast, flat coastal plain and wetland, renowned for their exceptional birdlife, including rarities such as bitterns, marsh harriers, glossy ibises, and cranes. Rising from the Levels are the Mendip Hills, designated a National Landscape, with dramatic limestone cliffs, extensive cave systems, and sweeping views across the county. The Quantock Hills, also a National Landscape, are made up of open heathland, ancient parkland, and wooded combes, with far-reaching views towards the Bristol Channel.
There is no shortage of attractions to explore in Somerset. Highlights include Cheddar Gorge, one of Britain’s most spectacular natural landmarks, with subterranean stalactite caves and status as an international centre for rock climbing; Wells Cathedral, set in the medieval heart of England’s smallest city and recognised as the earliest English cathedral; Dunster Castle, an ancient fortress transformed into a lavish 19th-century country home, complete with a working Victorian watermill, Mediterranean terraced gardens, and a river inhabited by otters, salmon, and kingfishers; and the Roman Baths in the city of Bath, among the best-preserved Roman spas in the ancient world, with an interactive museum with artefacts, coins, sculptures, and digital reconstructions of Roman life.
Somerset is also blessed with a variety of beautiful beaches. For a family-friendly day out, Weston-super-Mare offers a vast stretch of sand, an iconic pier, amusement arcades, and traditional donkey rides. Minehead is another popular destination, known for its rock pools and fossils and as the starting point of the South West Coast Path. The long pebble and rocky beach at Porlock Weir is popular for summer swimming and offers excellent angling, while in winter it can be one of the best surf spots in the area. Behind the beach lies marshland rich in wildlife.
No visit to Somerset is complete without a trip to Glastonbury. Famous for its world-renowned music festival, the town has a unique spiritual atmosphere, with a high street full of quirky shops selling crystals, jewellery, artwork, esoteric books, witchcraft supplies, and faery accessories. There is also an excellent selection of vegetarian and vegan cafés, along with holistic and new-age healing centres. Visitors can climb Glastonbury Tor, topped by the roofless tower of St Michael’s Church; explore the 36-acre grounds and seventh-century ruins of Glastonbury Abbey; and visit Chalice Well, Britain’s oldest holy well, set within beautiful gardens. Round off the day in a local pub with a traditional ploughman’s lunch made with Somerset’s famous sharp Cheddar or soft, creamy brie, accompanied by a pint of scrumpy cider.
For a relaxing, countryside escape, with opportunities for cycling, walking, wildlife watching, and cultural events, choose a farm holiday in Somerset for your next break.
