Dog-friendly Somerset

Tuppence Cottage is situated right in the heart of Dulverton, which has a good range of shops, pubs and tea rooms. Close to this semi-detached cottage, there is plenty of walking into the surrounding countryside and up to Exmoor National Park. Visit Tarr Steps, Dunkery Beacon and the pretty moorland village of Withypool. Further afield, there is superb scenery and walking on the South West Coastal Path, or the Victorian villages of Lynmouth and Lynton, famous for the Watermeet Gorge (National Trust), Valley of the Rocks and the funicular cliff railway, are also worth a visit. The resort of Minehead has a promenade, as well as having a good array of shops and other amenities. A visit to the medieval village of Dunster, with its castle (National Trust), beautiful terraced gardens, deer park and mill, will make for an interesting day out. Watchet, Porlock and Porlock Weir hold plenty of charm and interest to those who visit the area, and there are beaches at Dunster and Blue Anchor. Fishing is available within 3 miles of Tuppence Cottage. Dulverton is very popular for fishing and has its own angling club, as well as a fishing shop in the high street. Only 2 miles away is a fishery, which is one of the local places to fish and is open all year round. Wimbleball Lake is only 5 miles away and has trout and coarse fishing. You can also book fishing lessons here. There is a wide range of fishing available, including, fly fishing, salmon fishing and coarse fishing. All fishing requires day tickets, which can be purchased from the fisheries. Beach 16 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 50 yards.

On the outskirts of South Barrow and set in a peaceful scenic country location between Castle Cary and Yeovil, these two single-storey barn conversions, The Cottage (ref 27191) and The Barn (ref UKC2481) make ideal bases from which to explore south and central Somerset. Both are well presented, with lovely country views, and are the perfect places in which to relax and unwind. When choosing The Cottage or The Barn, you will have the luxury of your very own private hot tub, and The Cottage benefits from a cosy wood burner and underfloor heating in the shower room/bathroom.

On the doorstep you can visit the famous Haynes Motor Museum with its superb collection of classic cars; Yeovilton Fleet Air Arm Museum with its exciting aircraft carrier deck experience and huge collection of naval planes, and many historic houses such as Montacute House. Slightly further afield are stunning Stourhead House and Gardens. Within easy driving are Glastonbury Tor, the designer outlet of Clarks Village, Wells cathedral city and the West Somerset Steam Railway, all of which offer great days out. Other family days out include Longleat House and Safari Park, Cheddar Gorge, Wokey Hole or exploring the world famous Jurassic Coast. There is also great country walking in the 10 acres of the owner’s smallholding, local pubs to wine and dine in, and golf courses nearby. Beach 25 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1¾ miles.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 10 guests.

Nestled at the foot of the Quantock Hills (England’s first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) with easy access onto the hills, this beautifully renovated, detached barn is a perfectly situated rural retreat. Enjoy breakfast on the large patio in the morning sun, or a glass of wine at the end of a perfect day exploring all the delights of this wonderfully diverse area, Bluebell Cottage is an idyllic base for hiking, cyclists and dog walkers alike. Enjoy fossil hunting at Kilve beach, 4 miles or the sands at Minehead and Burnham-on-Sea. The historical sites of Dunster Castle and Wells Cathedral are well worth a visit or enjoy the romantic ambiance of the Doone Valley and the wild beauty of Exmoor. The county town of Taunton is just 9 miles away or take in the ancient Isle of Avalon and imposing Tor at Glastonbury, followed by some retail therapy at Clarks Village Shopping Outlet.
Shops and pubs serving food are within 1½ miles in Nether Stowey, home of Samuel Taylor Coleridge (National Trust). Beach 4 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1½ miles.

Whatley Lodge is set in an idyllic location at the bottom of a long gravel private driveway, adjacent to a small river where an abundance of wildlife, including deer and kingfishers, can be seen. This secluded location can be found in a small valley off the B3162 a mile outside Winsham village located near Chard in south Somerset, close to the West Dorset and Devon borders.

This detached lodge offers great family accommodation for four. Located within an easy driving distance of many great attractions including Forde Abbey and Gardens which make for an interesting visit, or for great family attractions, the Yeovilton Fleet Air Arm Museum and the Haynes Motor Museum are certainly to be enjoyed by all. Nearby, enjoy a cream tea at Hornsbury Mill or Barleymows Farm Shop, some Somerset Cider at Dowlish Wake, or simply take in some great country or coastal walking, golf at the nearby Cricket St Thomas Golf Club or visit the nature reserve at Chard Reservoir. Venturing further north is Clarks Village, the factory shopping outlet at Street, Glastonbury Tor, and further on to Cheddar Gorge and Caves.

The famous World Heritage Jurassic Coast is within a 30-minute drive with many picturesque towns and villages, taking in the seaside resorts of Lyme Regis, West Bay, Seaton, and Sidmouth. Beach 15 miles. Shop 1 mile, pub 1 mile in the centre of the village and restaurant 3 miles.

Dunster Castle Apartments, situated above the owner’s popular coffee shop, offer a very good level of first and second floor, self-catering accommodation. They are located within a Grade II listed building in the heart of the pretty, medieval village of Dunster. If you are looking for the perfect base whilst exploring this popular part of Somerset, then look no further. To add to their appeal, the owner is happy for you to bring your pets so you can really enjoy your holiday. There are shared grounds where you can sit out after a busy day of sightseeing, and the owners also provide a welcome pack/hamper.

All the delights of Dunster are on the doorstep. The apartments are almost next door to the entrance to Dunster’s imposing National Trust castle with a working water mill, deer park, and ancient priory. The bustling high street has a range of shops and plenty of places to enjoy an afternoon tea or an evening meal. Dunster is also host to the annual ’Dunster by Candlelight’ festival. Held in December, this really is a spectacular event, so book early.

Both apartments have an allocated parking space in the National Trust overflow car park which is just a short walk from the apartments. During your stay at Dunster Castle Apartments, there is much to see and do. There is superb scenery and walking on the South West Coastal Path or inland on Exmoor with highlights such as Dunkery Beacon, Tarr Steps, and Countisbury Head. Looking towards Minehead, there is a good range of shops and amenities. It is also home to the West Somerset Steam Railway which runs between Minehead and Bishop’s Lydeard. Further along the coast are the villages of Watchet, Porlock, and Porlock Weir. The Victorian villages of Lynmouth and Lynton, famous for the National Trust’s Watersmeet Gorge, Valley of the Rocks, and the funicular cliff railway, are well worth a visit. The nearest beaches are at Dunster and Blue Anchor. There is also fishing, golf, horse riding, and cycling all available locally. Beach 1 mile. Shop and restaurant 10 yards, pub 30 yards.

The Cow Shed has been lovingly converted by the owners, who have years of experience in the hospitality industry, and this really shows inside and out. Enter through the stunning glass door, and you will find a ground floor twin bedroom, and a double bedroom with an en-suite shower room just off the hallway. From here, two steps lead down into the wonderful, large, open-plan living space, where gorgeous furnishings and fittings such as olive bucket lightshades set the scene for the stunning views of the Blackdown Hills beyond. Upstairs are two large bedrooms (one has a zip and link twin or super kingsize bed, and the other has a fabulous kingsize designer sleigh bed). An impressive bathroom with a roll-top bath and separate shower cubicle can also be found here. Outside, the huge patio area has multiple seating areas and a stunning 6-8 person hot tub, where you can crack open the bubbly and watch the sun set beyond. There is also access to a lovely lawned area for games.
Set in the lovely village of Bishopswood, with the Somerset Wildlife Trust running adjacent to the property, you are only 5 minutes’ walk from the local pub and surrounded by miles of beautiful walks. The market town of Honiton is just 10 miles away and the beach at Lyme Regis can be reached within a 30-minute drive. Heading north, you will find the county town of Taunton with lots of restaurants, cinema, bowling and shopping, and within an hour’s drive you will find Glastonbury, Street, Minehead and the moors of Exmoor! Shop 3 miles, pub and restaurant 250 yards.

As you enter through the electric gates and into the beautifully kept grounds, The Bee Hive is nestled in the corner and awaiting your arrival. When you walk through the door, you will feel instantly relaxed with the comfortable furnishings and the statement lighting. The balcony is an amazing feature of the property, and it’s the perfect spot for your morning coffee or evening tipple, as it overlooks the garden. Your dogs are thought of here too, with an enclosed area to the rear, plus dog beds and treats, so your pooches will feel as pampered as their owners.
The town of Chard is just 2 miles away if you need to stock up on your essentials. The beautiful gardens at Cricket St Thomas are just a 2½ miles away, while the beaches of West Bay (famous for the TV show Broadchurch) and Lyme Regis are reached within 30 minutes by car. Visit the beautiful stately home Forde Abbey, which is just 2 miles away! The larger towns of Taunton and Yeovil are within a 25-minute drive. Beach 11¾ miles. Shop 1½ miles, pub 1¼ miles and restaurant 3 miles.

This detached property is set at the bottom of the owners grounds and is surrounded by 360 degree views overlooking the beautiful Mendips and Quantock Hills. This makes an excellent base for walkers and nature lovers alike. The lodge is situated within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and surrounded by beautiful countryside, with some fantastic walks, great for your four legged friends to join you. Electric cars may be slow charged using an outdoor standard 3-pin socket (at cost, by arrangement with owner).

The market town of Axbridge is only 2 miles away and the bustling village of Wedmore with its great restaurants, shops and tearooms only 4 miles. You will be spoilt for choice here with so many places of interest to visit, including Wells Cathedral, England’s smallest city with its Bishops Palace, and Glastonbury with its famous tor and abbey. The mysterious caves of Cheddar and Wookey Hole and its wonder of the world gorge, are both just a short distance away. Beach 10 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.

When it comes to the location of this property it is going to be hard to beat. The moment you walk through the front door it has the wow factor, views across the lake and the surrounding countryside are just breathtaking. This beautiful, detached, spacious barn conversion is perfect for a family of six or a group of friends who want to get away from it all. The open-plan living, dining and kitchen area is perfect for gathering together, whether its around the warming wood burner or stepping outside onto the private patio area to enjoy some fresh air. The design of this property is very modern and just off the living room you have identical staircases leading to each side of the house, taking the right staircase will lead you one bedroom, whilst the left hand staircase takes you to two further bedrooms. Underneath the property is a cellar, equipped with a washing machine and tumble dryer, and just outside the front door is a heated outhouse, perfect to store bikes and also clothing if you have been out on the lake or enjoying the great outdoors.
This property accepts two dogs and your four legged friends are just going to be spoilt for choice when it comes to exploring and running around. There is stabling available for up to 3 horses, either as livery or DIY (by direct arrangement with the owner). Turn-out is also available, as well as food and bedding (fees apply). There is parking for up to a 7.5 ton horse-box, excellent off-road hacking in the local area and guided hacks can be arranged with the owner. Please note that any horses must be vaccinated.


Location wise you’re in for a treat as Harewood Barn is set within the Exmoor National Park and just set back from Wimbleball Lake. The activity centre for Wimbleball Lake is a short walk from the property, and for the more active visitor there are miles of walking and cycling trails, archery, climbing and a fantastic range of water sports. To get on the water, visitors can either bring their own craft and pay a launch fee or hire kayaks, sailing boats, stand up paddle boards, windsurfs and rowing boats. For those who prefer a more relaxing visit there are plentiful meadows, woodlands and picnic areas, a great escape from modern life’s hustle and bustle.

Wimbleball is also a fantastic place for outdoor learning, whether it’s birdwatching, bushcraft or stargazing, there is always something special to see and do. This 530-acre site is one of Exmoor’s most popular tourist attractions, boasting the perfect blend of excitement and tranquillity. Dulverton is located 6 miles away and has a wide range of shops, restaurants and tea rooms. A visit to Tarr Steps and Dunkery Beacon, the highest point on Exmoor, are some of the highlights. Other local attractions that may be of interest are the village and castle at Dunster, the West Somerset Railway at Minehead and the villages of Porlock Weir, Lynton and Lynmouth. There are beaches at Dunster and Blue Anchor. Beach 14 miles. Shop 1¾ miles, pub and restaurant 2 miles.

Part of a complex of four converted farm buildings, all offering their own unique characteristics. Each property has its own individual outdoor space, with dedicated hot tub. All properties also benefit from shared use of the tennis court on site.


Applebarn (ref UK10654) features stunning open plan downstairs living space and provides comfortable accommodation upstairs in two bedrooms for up to 4 adults, plus 2 children. Note that the bunk beds are not suitable for adults.


The Farmhouse (ref UK10655) provides accommodation for up to 8 people in four bedroom and features log burners and a games room equipped with pool table and games console.


The Dairy (UK38051) is beautiful cosy two-bedroom holiday home for up to 5 guests featuring a double-sided wood burner between the kitchen and lounge. It also features a games room with games console.


The Bungalow (UK38049) is a beautiful three-bedroom holiday home, featuring a large open plan kitchen/dining/living area with a convertable dining/pool table and a 85" TV The Bungalow boasts stunning uninterrupted views of Glastonbury Tor.


All properties are situated on the owner’s farm in a small village called West Pennard, which is 3½ miles from Glastonbury.


All properties offer comfortable bedrooms, some with en-suite facilities, great self-catering facilities and spacious living areas perfect for unwinding in after a busy day sightseeing.


Guests can enjoy their own walled/fenced garden areas for entertaining outside, with the added bonus of use of your own hot tub and shared use of the on-site tennis court.


Please note total privacy in the garden areas is not possible due to the location of properties in relation to each other on the site and the hot tub may not be fully up to the recommend temperature on the first night of your stay due to the need to empty and clean between guests.


You will find this peaceful location an ideal place for relaxing or for touring the West Country, including Glastonbury, with its famous tor and abbey, Wells, with its cathedral, The Bishop’s Palace and Wookey Hole Caves, and the city of Bath World Heritage Site, with its Georgian architecture, designer shops and fantastic world cuisine. The properties are surrounded by hills and footpaths making it ideal for walkers or for those just wanting a rural break. Beach 20 miles. Shop 2½ miles, pub, and restaurant ½ mile.


These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 25 guests.