The urban guide to the countryside -
Little Black Book
Travel
The Strawberry Thief
Muddy says: Wisteria-clad stone cottage outside; luxe mid-century modern inside with wood-burner, monsoon shower, vinyl collection... yes please!
The Queensberry Hotel, Bath
Muddy says: Elegant Georgian townhouse hotel with (very handily) Bath's only Michelin-starred restaurant in the basement
The Wheatsheaf Combe Hay
Muddy says: Bucolic 16th century farmhouse now pub with gardens, views, fabulous fine dining restaurant (and just 10 mins from Bath city centre)
The Langford, nr Taunton
Muddy says: Informal fine dining and restful rooms in a beautiful 15th century manor house on the Somerset Levels
The Lord Poulett Arms, Hinton St George
Muddy says: Trad pub with added comfort and style, excellent grub and its own petanque piste and rare pelota wall (bet you don't know what that is)
The Abbey Hotel, Bath
Muddy says: Super central Georgian hotel, with Pierre Koffmann & Marco Pierre White brasserie, ArtBar cocktail bar and a winter ski lodge
The Swan, Wedmore
Muddy says: Laid back but stylish, this former Georgian coaching house has an ex-River Cottage chef in the kitchen, pretty gardens and bedrooms.
No. 15 Great Pulteney, Bath
Muddy says: Grade 1 listed Georgian townhouse turned luxury hotel, stuffed with artworks and quirky decor to amaze and delight
The Shed, Milverton
Muddy says: Vast luxury barn with indoor pool, cinema room, squashy sofas and roaring fires on the edge of Somerset's beautiful Blackdown Hills
Upper Crannel Farm Barn
Muddy says: Architect-designed luxury barn, filled with light and artworks – and the iconic Glastonbury Tor as a backdrop
Bath Boutique Stays
Muddy says: The best way to discover a city is to live like a local; a local living in a gorgeous luxury house or apartment slap bang in the middle of the coolest part of town, that is.
Longleat
Muddy says – Could this be the very best family day out in the whole of Wilts? Yup, we reckon so!
The Queens Arms, Corton Denham
Muddy says: Classy Georgian inn on the undulating Somerset/Dorset border with fab food, luxury bedrooms and views of them thar hills.
The Red Lion Inn, Babcary
Muddy says: The best of both worlds: trad thatched pub serving cut above classic pub food and al fresco pizzas plus sleekly chic guest rooms.
The Litton, Litton
Muddy says: 15th century village pub (with suit of armour in the corner) reborn as a cool country destination with Modern British food, incl a vegan menu, and boutique rooms.
Secret Valley
Muddy says: Yurts, tipis, wigwams, lodges, tents and shepherd's huts ... take your pick at this friendly family-run glamping site in the beautiful Quantock Hills
Middle Stone Farm
Muddy says: Nature lovers: come chill in a luxury safari lodge, deckhouse cabin or cottage (with your own hot tub) on a Somerset farm between Exmoor and The Quantocks
Dimpsey Glamping
Muddy says: Commune with nature but still enjoy all the luxury of a boutique stay in this traditional Shepherd's Hut in the glorious Somerset countryside
Steve James, personal chef
Muddy says: Exquisite fine dining and party catering in your own home without lifting a finger (apart from dialling up Steve)
The White Hart, Somerton
Muddy says: The 16th century meets the 21st in the ancient capital of Wessex, with good food, relaxed ambience, and eight stylish guest rooms.
Les Milandes
Muddy says – a large manoir and three cottages with private pools on the banks of the river Dordogne. Shall I book you in now?
Levant, Castle Cary
Muddy says: A gorgeous Arts and Crafts house in Castle Cary is transformed into a little corner of the eastern Mediterranean – and it's a boutique B&B, too.
ECT Travel
Muddy says – from 5 star luxury trips to Singapore's exotic gardens to a knitting workshop in the Shetlands and bespoke tours for like-minded friends, this Bath-based tour operator has you covered.
The Holcombe Inn, Holcombe
Muddy says: A 17th century inn with Michelin-listed restaurant, 5-star boutique bedrooms and a Tranquilty Garden just for adults ... yes please!
The Chapel
Muddy says – Victorian Methodist chapel turned chic and luxurious country bolthole in the glorious north Somerset Chew Valley
The Castle Hotel, Taunton
Muddy says: An historic 4-star hotel with a timeless English country hotel atmosphere – and possibly the most spectacular wisteria in the UK.
The White Post, Rimpton
Muddy says: Unassuming, out of the way and one of the UK's Top 50 Gastropubs with panoramic views and spectacular sunsets over the Somerset and Dorset countryside.
Swan Hotel, Wells
Muddy says: This 4-star independent hotel has been in the Michelin Guide since 1911, has over 100 gins in the bar – and one of the best views in the whole of the West Country.
The Cross at Croscombe
Muddy says: The Cross bridges the gap between a small, boutique hotel and a traditional B&B, combining personal service and local knowledge with top notch fixtures and fittings
Sleeps 12
Muddy says: A fab selection of properties in Somerset and beyond, sleeping 12 or more. Many have private pools, hot tubs, games rooms – all of them perfect party houses.
Sun Kissed Campers
Muddy says: Jump in, drive off and park up by the beach, in the woods, in the hills - wherever. Then just press a button or two and you're set up for the night. You'll never want to sleep in a tent again.
The Gardener’s Cottage, nr Yeovil
The Gardener’s Cottage is a lovely property built in 1711 with extensive views over the walled garden – blooming with produce, espaliered fruit trees and flowers – of Newton House, a Jacobean manor house with orchard and parkland.
The Yurt Retreat
Muddy says: Nestled at the foot of a medieval castle site, with four spacious luxury yurts and a stunning tree house surrounded by beautiful countryside and abundant wildlife, The Yurt Retreat is Adult Glamping at its finest.
Caro
Lifestyle store, coffeehouse, B&B and interiors company Caro, takes residence in a lovingly restored 18th century stone-fronted cottage, remembered by locals as a former bakery. Sourcing contemporary objects and enticing home wares from the handmade mug that fits perfectly in the palm of your hand, to the woven throw that keeps you warm on a […]
Manor Cottages
Manor Cottages offer the widest selection of personally inspected, self-catering holiday cottages in the Cotswolds and Bath. The Cotswolds is the largest area of outstanding national beauty in England, with majestic rolling hills and traditional English villages providing the perfect getaway for people from all walks of life. With over 25 years of experience, let […]
