The Newt in Somerset is part rural retreat, part horticultural fever dream, part cyder-soaked Somerset fantasia. You wander through apple mazes, deer parks, Victorian gardens and glossy farm shops while impeccably dressed staff glide about offering tastings, tours and spa serenity. The estate folds together Georgian grandeur, farm-to-fork dining, woodland rambles and near-militant devotion to apples. It’s wildly polished yet oddly earthy – like a country manor that discovered design magazines, fermentation science and extremely chic wellington boots all at once.

Stroll down this quaint little street with lovely independent shops. Pop in or simply window shop and people watch. 

Traditional, unpasteurised cheddar has been made at Westcombe Dairy since 1890, and the current cheesemaker Tom Calver is the third generation of his family to take the helm here (don’t leave Somerset without a pot of their ricotta). On the farm Brickell’s ice cream is also made, alongside Landrace sourdough and also beer in the onsite Woodshedding Brewery. On the farm is the Woodshedding Beer Hall which comes alive at the weekend as tables fill with drinkers diving into slivers of Westcombe’s own charcuterie and hunks of sourdough or one of the hearty local food pop ups.  

If the on site artisan bakery isn’t enough to tempt you to stay at this 18th century converted chapel, then we think the minimalist interiors will. Enjoy a tipple or two on the outdoor terrace before strolling the garden.