As a Somerset wedding photographer, I wanted to write a blog showcasing some of our local holiday accommodation in some of our most beautiful areas, for couples wanting to honeymoon in the West Country, wedding guests looking for somewhere to stay, or
those of you who would just like a break on the Quantocks Hills. Each of the below properties are located near country pubs or small villages. They either host weddings or are near popular wedding venues.
The beautiful Quantock Hills in Somerset have inspired poets such as Wordsworth and Coleridge, was one of the first areas to be designated An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is rich in folk law and tradition.
Its landscape is varied; morphing as the seasons change and stretching from the market town of Taunton to Bridgwater. Heather clad hills, woodland, streams, rivers and ponds, historic properties and coast all contribute to making the Quantock Hills a truly special place to visit and stay. It all sounds rather idyllic, doesn't it!
I have lived at the foothills of the beautiful Quantock Hills since 1999, and it still continues to fill me with delight. It is just such a stunning area to live or visit, no matter the season.
My blog includes properties that I have visited personally, chatted with the owners and photographed their unique accommodation for your perusal. You will find a link to each property so that you can check out their websites. So, enjoy looking at these beautiful Quantock Hills holiday accommodation.
Town End Farm is located the in the ancient village of Crowcombe, on the western slopes of the Quantock Hills. This village is steeped in history, has a traditional village pub, The Carew Arms, and is surrounded by beautiful wooded hills. I visited this property in early November and the view of the deciduous woodland was stunning. The oranges, browns and yellows of the leaves blanketing the hill slopes could be seen easily from the property grounds.
Bruce and Jacqui own Town End Farm and when I visited, I couldn't have received a warmer welcome.
They let two properties. Flora's Barn is named after the last pony who lived there. It has now been converted into accommodation that sleeps 4, and offers beautiful views from its large floor to ceiling windows in the living room.
The Old Bakery is directly next-door to Flora's Barn and is full of character. As the name suggests, this 17th century building used to be the village bakery and also sleeps 4.
Both properties are self catering and dog friendly. There is a footpath opposite the properties that will take you further up onto the hills, making for a wonderful walk. So, if you are after a cosy winter getaway with board games by the log burner, or a summer retreat surrounded by lush countryside, Town End Farm Cottages are definitely worth checking out.
This traditional 17th Century inn is a short walk from Kilve Beach which forms part of the Jurassic coastline. If you want a beautiful coastal walk, picturesque cycle rides or access to bridal paths then this inn is perfectly located. The Hood Arms is full of character with its wood burners, beamed ceilings and flagstone floors. It welcomes families and dogs and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner most days.
The Hood Arms offers a range of en suite rooms. Most of their rooms are located on the first floor, but they do have one room on the ground floor which would suit anyone who would prefer to avoid using the stairs. Each room is uniquely decorated. You will find that each room has free Wi-Fi, a TV, plus kettle, tea, coffee and biscuits.
There is not a minimal stay policy so you can stay for just one night if you so choose. There is parking available and a spacious beer garden for you to enjoy on those long summer evenings.
Kilve is also the location of the beautiful Pardlestone Farm. This unique property is nestled on the slopes of the Quantocks, just a couple of miles from the coast and a short walk to the open hills. The location is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the countryside but also the convenience of having a village pub and shop just a short walk away. It offers both self-catering and bed-and-breakfast accommodation.
The main farmhouse offers bed-and-breakfast accommodation. A stay in one of these rooms allows guests the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful cottage garden and the use of the relaxing living room space.
The Groom's Cottage and The Pony Barn are self-catering cottages. They offer open plan living areas with well-equipped kitchen spaces. All the rooms are beautifully dressed and reflect the owners, Ann and Mark's, eye for detail and comfort.
This is a walker's and rider's paradise. The property is dog friendly. If you are wanting to bring your own horse then this can be arranged, with stables provided.
Mill Meadow has a unique collection of self-catering eco homes surrounding a pretty fishing lake. Located in the small village of Kingston St. Mary, this property has the benefit of being nestled in the foothills of the Quantocks, but also being a short drive to the market town of Taunton. The Heayns family run the business. Suzanne showed me around their site, and her enthusiasm and passion for her community of lodges was clear to see.
This gated community of wooden lodges offers an electric charging point for vehicles, some properties allow dogs and it boasts a holistic therapy room. The pretty fishing lake is free to guests. The properties range from 2-4 bedrooms and are spacious and beautifully designed. Two of the properties also include a sauna.
The village pub, The Swan, is a short walk from the property. A Tramper is available for guests with mobility difficulties.
Huntstile Organic Farm is located in the small village of Goathurst. It is a short drive to both Bridgwater and Taunton. It is owned by Lizzie and John who offered me a lovely warm welcome when I arrived, and a cup of tea. I had a lovely chat with Lizzie about her accommodation and it became clear that her business values serving the local community as well as the guests that stay there. The varied holiday accommodation is set within 270 acres of working farmland. The properties are setup for families and wildlife with local walks across fields and woodland via organised tracks.
There are a range of different types of accommodation available. These include rooms within the main house, apartments, glamping units such as shepherd huts and log cabins, bell tents, camping pitches and some hook ups for campervans and caravans.
The main building also caters for weddings. The rooms are rich in character and its 15th Century origins can be felt through the beamed ceilings, beautiful panelled walls and doorframes.
You can enjoy a pizza night every Wednesday during the summer and Friday evening during the winter months. They also serve a delicious Sunday lunch. During the summer, breakfast is available plus ice-creams can be purchased throughout the day. With a beautiful pond and gardens, varied walks, and accommodation to suit all tastes, this property is definitely worth checking out.
If glamping accommodation and camping pitches are what you are looking for, then this property is well worth a look. I visited this property in midsummer on a gloriously sunny day. The business is run by Helena and Simon who have created a really pretty campsite with their eye for the detail, set between the villages of Holford and Kilve. Both of these villages offer a pub and Kilve also has a post office and small shop. I enjoyed chatting with Helena about her business over a nice cold lemonade from her small shop onsite. You can also purchase local meat, ice cream, charcoal for your barbeque and other essentials.
The site has two glamping pods that sleep 3-4 people, a vintage caravan, named Dolly, which can sleep 2 adults. There are also touring pitches for campervans, motorhomes and tents.
Barbeques and firepits are available and well-behaved dogs are welcome. There are washing facilities available which include toilets, showers and wet rooms.
Its rural location means that there are lots of beautiful walks nearby. The Plough Inn is a 15 minute walk along a country track and the Hood Arms at Kilve is a 45 minute walk (5 minute drive).
Somerset is a fantastic place to visit. The Quantock Hills are a really special place to stay or get married. No matter the weather, it's beauty shines through and its varied landscape, history and people make it truly special. The accommodation available on the Quantock Hills is varied and has something to offer for different party sizes, budgets and tastes. Hopefully, this blog has inspired you. Wherever you choose to stay, I wish you a wonderful visit.
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Emma at EJ Photography is a wedding and family photographer, based in Somerset. If you are looking for a wedding photographer for your special day or a family photographer to capture your loved ones during your family holiday, please get in touch.
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