Somerset’s Secret Address Book

WHERE TO STAY

The Newt, Nr. Castle Cary

Sister to Babylonstoren in South Africa, a stay at The Newt in Somerset offers the choice between the Georgian grandeur of Hadspen House or bucolic charm of the Farmyard. Our pick is The Farmyard for the perfect indulgent weekend. Visit the gardens and don’t leave without a bottle of Babylonstoren chardonnay from the Farm Shop.
BOOK HERE

8 Holland Street Townhouse, Bath

Built in 1770 and expertly restored by gallerist Tobias Vernon, this charming guest house boasts three stylishly dressed apartments in which to immerse yourself in the 8 Holland Street aesthetic: think colourful chic-meets-comfy mid-century furnishings and, of course, walls hung with an expertly curated selection of artworks from the gallery itself.
BOOK HERE

Number One Bruton

An award-winning boutique hotel that sits in the style set’s must-visit town, Number One Bruton not only has delightful rooms and a seasonal restaurant, Briar, serving locally inspired dishes, but there’s a pub too – the historic Blue Ball – ready and waiting to serve up a pint of the county’s classic cider.
BOOK HERE

Higher Farm, Castle Cary

Offering a truly soul-enhancing escape just 10 minutes drive from Bruton, the cosy cabins at Higher Farm – a 50-acre working regenerative farm – are a chance to lose yourself in nature. Between nights spent glamping under canvas, take a dip in the lake, visit the Courtyard Bar and The Farm Caff, and get to know your neighbours – the farm’s friendly pigs, goats, geese and horses.
BOOK HERE

At The Chapel, Bruton

Bang in the heart of Bruton, this Grade II listed building gets its name from the 18th-century congregational chapel which makes up part of the venue. Discover 10 beautifully minimalist bedrooms with huge en-suites boasting giant marble baths big enough for two. Add fresh croissants delivered to your door in the morning, and an all-day restaurant downstairs, and you could call this Heaven.
BOOK HERE

WHERE TO EAT

Castle Farm, Midford, Nr. Bath

Set in an artfully disheveled barn with a working kitchen garden, chef Pravin Nayar and his fab team serve up the best breakfasts, brunches and lunches, together with a not-to-be-missed Friday curry night. Arrive hungry and order everything!

Osip, Bruton

Merlin Labron-Johnson’s tiny farm-to-table restaurant is chilled but with a Michelin star. Buy ingredients next door at their provisions store, The Old Pharmacy (the most delicious rice pudding, blood orange compote or perfectly wonky vegetables).

Da Costa, Bruton

Head to the Hauser & Wirth site at Durslade Farm for an Italian treat, with an ever-changing menu of earthy, traditional dishes made with seasonal ingredients from the working farm. Build up your appetite (or work off your feasting) with a wander through the gallery’s exhibitions and a stroll around the beautiful meadow garden created by renowned landscape designer, Piet Oudolf.

Briar, Bruton

Pop into this farm-to-table restaurant in the old ironmonger’s shop for delightful West Country fare. Briar has a chic but cosy neighbourhood feel that’s perfectly suited to its small plates, sharing dishes and scrumptious puddings – dishes rooted in the location, its tastes and traditions.

The Old Pharmacy, Bruton

The name gives away the history of this 500-year-old building, now transformed into a wine bar and bistro. The vibe is relaxed and local, and you’ll find a daily changing menu of sharing dishes, made using homegrown ingredients from their farm. Be sure to pop into the tiny adjacent grocery shop for takeaway treats such as Roundhill coffee, organic wines and local cider.

Beckford Canteen, Bath

Set in one of the prettiest parts of Bath, this light and airy greenhouse stop-off offers the perfect time-out for visitors to the historic city. The mood may be laidback but the food is seriously good: think Modern British dining with Mediterranean flair – fresh, tasty and chic.

WHERE TO SHOP

Shop at Babington, Babington House

Fashion editor Lulu Fry runs her boutique in the grounds of Babington House with a fantastic eye, offering a treasure trove of lustworthy pieces and unusual finds.

Caro, Bruton

You’ll find homewares, accessories and design at Natalie Jones’ delightful store, which comes complete with a wonderfully designed B&B space to stay…

Toppings Book Shop, Bath

Independent bookseller Toppings boasts oiled wooden floors, globe lights and rolling library ladders, free tea and coffee and helpful staff. It’s the perfect place to stock up on holiday reading.

Smouk Interiors, Bruton

Where North Africa meets the South West, Sarah Christie’s supremely stylish shop is your Somerset go-to for authentic handwoven Moroccan rugs, alongside bespoke textiles and unique artisan homewares from designers and makers worldwide.

Flaunt Collective, Bruton

Sharing its location with Smouk, this cleverly curated store offers a showroom and selling space for independent makers and creatives. Offering everything from prints to paints, ceramics to clothing, it’s a wonderful place to pick up offbeat gifts, supporting artists and artisans as you shop.

WHERE TO VISIT AND WHAT TO SEE

Hauser & Wirth, Bruton

Hauser & Wirth’s countryside outpost is this gallery and multipurpose arts centre nestled in the Somerset countryside. Free to visit and deeply community focused, the H&W ethos is on conservation, learning and sustainability – all of which translates into a amazing range of workshops, talks and screenings, and alongside an immersive artist-in-residence programme, and, of course, an ever-changing and always exciting display of art.

Frome Independent Market

This town booms on the first Sunday of each month with the sprawling Frome Independent Market. You’ll find fledgling and established artists and makers, local seasonal food and drink producers, vintage fashion, collectibles and furniture.

Kilver Court & Gardens, Shepton Mallet

Just outside the Somerset market town you’ll find this 3.5-acre oasis. Take your time wandering through the wild rockery, the narcotically scented rose parterre and alongside the calming lake, before indulging in a shopping spree at Kilver Court, home to a mouthwatering mix of brands including Toast, Mulberry and Makers & Merchants.

Shepton Mallet Antiques & Collectors Fair

Elbows at the ready: this is the leading vintage fair in the South West – a treasure trove of pre-loved clothing and exceptional furniture finds. Set aside a whole day as it’s huge, and once you start hunting, you’ll be hooked. Don’t worry if you find a piece too big for you car, dealers often deliver, making this is haven for creative homemakers.

Stoney Littleton Long Barrow

A Neolithic long barrow (burial mound) with brilliant walks around the nearby village of Wellow, where you can stop for a pint in the Fox & Badger!

Royal Crescent, Circus, Queen Square and Georgian Bath

Feed your mind and spirits with a wander around beautiful Bath, taking in the stunning Georgian architecture. Lug a picnic to the lawns, rent a deckchair and marvel at the brainchild of John Wood, master architect and genius town planner. For a longer walk and incredible views follow the Bath skyline around the city.