Cottages in Somerset

• Space and character: Somerset cottages range from cosy stone boltholes to roomy farmhouses, ideal for families, couples and dog owners.
• Where to stay: Amid the Mendip, Quantock and Blackdown Hills, on the Somerset Levels, or in market towns such as Wells and Glastonbury.
• What guests love: Rolling green countryside, characterful self-catering, log fires and easy days out with the whole family.
• Where to eat: Seasonal country cooking, farm shops, cider houses and welcoming village pubs.
• Things to do: Explore Cheddar Gorge and Wookey Hole, climb Glastonbury Tor, visit Wells Cathedral and roam Exmoor.

Cottages in Somerset are made for slow country holidays, from cosy stone boltholes for two to spacious farmhouses that sleep the whole family. Scattered across the hills, the Levels and the county's pretty market towns, they range from characterful thatched retreats to converted barns with big gardens and space for children and dogs to roam. Whether you want a fireside hideaway or a roomy base for exploring, there is a self-catering cottage to match. Expect features such as:

• A wood burner or open fire for cosy evenings
• A garden or patio for outdoor dining and a barbecue
• Wi-Fi and parking for a relaxed rural stay
• A dog-friendly welcome for four-legged companions
• Space and comfort for a family or a group

Wherever you base yourself, a hill walk, a village pub or a farm shop is rarely far away. Weighing up your options? You can also treat yourselves to cottages with a hot tub in Somerset or browse all holiday lettings in Somerset, holiday homes in Somerset, log cabins in Somerset, glamping in Somerset and camping in Somerset.

What are the best areas to stay in Somerset?

It depends on the holiday you have in mind: the hills suit walkers and views, while the market towns put history and days out on your doorstep. The table below details areas for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Guests booking cottages in Somerset through Holidu often highlight the cosy comfort of a wood burner after a day on the hills, the rolling green countryside and how welcoming the county is for dogs and children. Many mention the farm shops and cider houses, the family days out at Cheddar Gorge and Wookey Hole, and the easy reach of Wells, Glastonbury and the Roman city of Bath just over the border, returning for the peace and the characterful village pubs.

In the south-west of England, Somerset is a large rural county of rolling green countryside, from the Mendip, Quantock and Blackdown Hills to the wide, watery Somerset Levels and the edge of Exmoor National Park. It is a land of cider farms and market towns, with the tiny cathedral city of Wells, mystical Glastonbury and its Tor, the dramatic Cheddar Gorge and the caves of Wookey Hole all within easy reach. The Roman city of Bath lies just over the border and the coast waits at Weston-super-Mare and Watchet, making it a wonderful base for a cottage holiday. Further afield you can explore holiday lettings in Lyme Regis, holiday lettings in the New Forest and holiday lettings in the Cotswolds.

🥗Where to eat in Somerset?

According to Google Maps reviews, Root Wells is one of the best rated restaurants in Somerset. Below is a table showing top highly-rated spots hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guests love Goodfellows in Wells, a small but exceptional spot serving beautifully cooked seasonal and seafood dishes alongside a carefully chosen wine list. Intimate and unfussy, it is a memorable place for a special dinner in the heart of the city.

1. Explore Cheddar Gorge and caves
2. Climb Glastonbury Tor
3. Visit Wells and its cathedral
4. Discover Wookey Hole
5. Walk the Quantock Hills
6. Roam the edge of Exmoor
7. Day-trip to the coast

1. Explore Cheddar Gorge and caves

   England's largest gorge, Cheddar Gorge is a spectacular natural wonder, its towering limestone cliffs rising nearly 140 metres above a winding road. Deep below, the show caves glitter with stalactites and stalagmites and tell the story of Britain's oldest complete skeleton. Walk the clifftop trail for far-reaching views, browse the village shops and, of course, sample the famous local cheddar cheese. It is a thrilling and memorable day out for all ages.

2. Climb Glastonbury Tor

   Crowned by the roofless St Michael's Tower, Glastonbury Tor rises dramatically from the Somerset Levels and is steeped in Arthurian legend and myth. The short but steep climb rewards you with sweeping views across the countryside, especially magical at sunrise or when mist hangs over the levels below. Rich in history and atmosphere, the Tor is the county's most iconic landmark and a wonderful spot to stretch your legs and soak up the scenery.

3. Visit Wells and its cathedral

   England's smallest city, Wells is an enchanting place to explore, with its cobbled streets, medieval buildings and bustling market square. At its heart stands the magnificent Wells Cathedral, famous for its soaring west front and dramatic scissor arches, while the moated Bishop's Palace and its gardens sit close by. Compact, historic and full of character, Wells makes a lovely half-day out and a perfect base for exploring the surrounding hills.

4. Discover Wookey Hole

   Carved out over thousands of years by the River Axe, the caves of Wookey Hole are a firm family favourite, with dramatic chambers, an underground river and the legend of the Witch of Wookey. Above ground there is plenty to keep children busy, from a Victorian paper mill and playgrounds to fairy gardens and dinosaurs. Fun, atmospheric and full of surprises, it is a brilliant rainy-day option and a highlight of any Somerset holiday.

5. Walk the Quantock Hills

   England's first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Quantock Hills are a walker's paradise of heather-clad ridges, ancient woodland and deep, wooded combes. Follow the trails for glorious views over the Bristol Channel and the Somerset countryside, spot red deer and wild ponies, and pause in a pretty thatched village. Peaceful and unspoilt, the Quantocks are perfect for a day of gentle rambling with the dog and a well-earned pub lunch.

6. Roam the edge of Exmoor

   On Somerset's western fringe, Exmoor National Park is a wild expanse of open moorland, wooded valleys and dramatic coastline. Home to the free-roaming Exmoor ponies and red deer, it offers wonderful walking, cycling and some of the darkest night skies in England. Explore pretty villages, tumbling waterfalls and high cliffs where the moor meets the sea. Remote and beautiful, it is a magical place to escape and reconnect with nature.

7. Day-trip to the coast

   Somerset's coast makes a great family day out, with the classic seaside resort of Weston-super-Mare and its sandy beach, Grand Pier and donkey rides, and the quieter harbour town of Watchet nearby. Build sandcastles, paddle at low tide, enjoy fish and chips on the front or ride the West Somerset Railway steam train along the coast. Traditional and full of fun, it is a lovely change of pace from the hills and countryside.