County · England
Where to stay in Somerset
Orchards, hills and some of the most remarkable country hotels in England.
Somerset has quietly become one of England's best counties for a special stay. Between the Mendips, the Levels and the Quantocks sit orchards, cyder farms and a run of genuinely remarkable hotels.
Come for the food, the gardens and the slow country pace, with Bath and the coast within easy reach.
The shortlist
Best places to stay in Somerset
The Newt in Somerset
A Georgian estate turned into one of England's most remarkable hotels, with gardens, cyder, spa and pools, near Bruton.
Babington House
Soho House's original country house: effortlessly cool, with two pools, a spa, a cinema and a genuine welcome for families.
The Pig near Bath
A laid-back Georgian country house a short drive from Bath, with garden-to-plate cooking and easy, dog-friendly charm.
The Gainsborough Bath Spa
The only hotel with access to Bath's natural thermal waters, a calm spa retreat in the heart of the city.
No.15 by GuestHouse, Bath
A playful, design-led townhouse in Georgian Bath with a small basement spa and bags of character.
Best areas to stay in Somerset
Bruton & the east. Art, gardens and the county's most celebrated estate hotels.
The Mendips & Frome. Independent towns, country houses and rolling hills.
The Quantocks & west. Quiet hills and the road to Exmoor and the coast.
Getting there & around
Train. Trains from London Paddington to Castle Cary, Frome and Bath, plus Taunton on the main line.
Car & transport. A car helps in the countryside; Castle Cary, Frome and Taunton are rail-served.
Car-free. Castle Cary station puts you near Bruton; combine rail with taxis for the rural hotels.
Frequently asked questions
Why stay in Somerset?
For a run of exceptional country hotels around Bruton and Frome, the gardens, the cyder farms and easy access to Bath.
How do you get to Somerset by train?
Castle Cary and Frome are served from London Paddington, with Taunton and Bath on the main lines, then taxis to rural hotels.
When is the best time to visit?
Late spring for gardens and blossom, early autumn for the harvest and quieter lanes.