20 Best Boutique Hotels in Somerset

From pretty, historic villages, to grand centres; windswept coastlines to dramatic moorland, Somerset has it all. That, and proximity to London, and other major centres, has brought the region investment in accommodation — specifically boutique hotels, chic inns, country house hotels, and stylish guesthouses. So there’s plenty of options to consider when it comes to choosing the best boutique hotels in Somerset, from Georgian Townhouse conversions in the centre of Bath, to countryside retreats and establishments with restaurants that will thrill any foodie worth their salt!

For the Album

• If you guessed that At The Chapel has been converted from a chapel then congratulations, but this property is very far from stained glass and pews! The main body of the building has been cleared to make way for a fantastically light and airy cafe and bar, with a super stylish feel. The eight rooms are crisp and contemporary, with plenty of white, wood, and large French doors leading outside. Some of the rooms are idea for families too.

For a Special Occasion

• The Queensberry occupies part of an elegant, Georgian terrace in central Bath, and offers 29 individually decorated rooms and suites, with as much grandeur and contemporary comfort as you favour. Each room has all the mod cons of course, plus sash windows and huge bathrooms, Roberts radios and elegant lighting. All have stylish wallpapers and plush soft furnishings, but some have gone further towards the top in ‘over the top’! The hotel has a lovely little garden — which might come as a surprise — a fabulous Michelin starred restaurant (the only one in Bath) also known for its interesting wine list, and several small drawing rooms. The concierge service is excellent.

For Families

• No 15 Great Pulteney is an elegantly converted Georgian townhouse on one of Bath’s grandest streets, so it’s extremely elegant inside and out. In true boutique hotel style each of its 37 rooms and suites are individually designed and decorated, in a range of styles from fun and family-friendly, with tipis, bedtime books and doll’s houses, to dripping with romance. The restaurant and bar are small, but perfectly formed, with limited, but excellent menus; they also offer a picnic service. Babysitting and spa therapies can be easily arranged too.

For Romantics

• The Ayrlington is an impressive, and rather imposting, townhouse in an excellent spot across the river from the historic centre of Bath. Now converted into a 16 room boutique hotel, we know it for its bold decor — which varies a lot from room to room — for its stunning views, and for its gorgeous gardens. There’s no restaurant, but they offer an indulgent Full English breakfast, and you’re within a stroll of numerous bars and restaurants.

For a Countryside Retreat

• The Newt is a proper country house hotel, in that it’s been converted from a beautiful, 17th century stately home set in its own charming gardens and grounds. As a hotel it offers 23 rooms and suites, all individually decorated to make the most of the original features, be that attic beams, panelled walls, marble fireplaces or fancy plasterwork — but with the addition of minimalist design pieces in amongst the antiques. The grounds will charm you too, and there’s an extensive kitchen garden which provides a lot of what’s served in the stylishly minimal restaurant. There’s also a spa in the old cow barn, a farm shop, a cider press for local apples, and a History of Gardening Museum.

For a Coastal Retreat

• Swain House is a creatively converted 18th century shop and townhouse in the seaside town of Watchet — which is where Coleridge wrote The Rime of the Ancient Mariner. It has four rooms, which feature National Gallery oil painting murals, king-sized beds and stand-alone bathtubs. A Full English is served daily in the dining room, and there’s a stylish lounge for guests too.

For all the Bells and Whistles

• Homewood is a 21 room country house hotel converted from a charming mansion made from Bath stone, and set on ten acres. This is the sort of hotel you don’t need to leave, with an impressive spa, and pool terrace with hot tubs, a standout British restaurant, and pampering packages that play to the whole family. The rooms and suites are big, with individual designs and decor — some have living space and private terraces with a hot tub. Families have plenty of choice, with a number of suites and interconnecting rooms being suitable. You can bring your pets too. 15 minutes from Bath, and 20 minutes from Longleat.

For Foodies

• The Wheatsheaf is a country pub with a fantastic menu and three rustic chic bedrooms, just ten minutes from Bath. The food definitely gets top billing, but the country atmosphere — especially on a sunny day with the garden in full bloom — is blissfully relaxed, and the luxurious details in the rooms might surprise you. If you need even more than huge beds, covered in Egyptian linens and down duvets, then you can arrange an in-room massage or beauty treatment.
• Number One Bruton is in the pretty village of Bruton, a twelve room boutique hotel, and farm-to-fork restaurant created in collaboration with Michelin starred chef, Merlin Labron-Johnson. Beyond the incredible food, much of it grown locally by the team, are charmingly decorated rooms, with period accents and a country house feel.

For a Mini-Break

• The Bird is a quirkily colourful boutique hotel converted from a Victorian mansion, just a short stroll from Bath’s Great Pulteney Street. Each of the 31 rooms and suites, which are spread over four floors, has been individually designed and decorated, with a range of luxurious features that include fine art, vintage memorabilia, and a hot tub. The hotel has a charming lounge for taking afternoon tea, a restaurant known for its local produce, and a hip roof terrace bar.
• Also in Bath, Eight, Bath is a beautifully converted historic townhouse, with a stylish blend of original features and chic, contemporary comforts. Think original panelled walls, cornicing and fireplaces, but accompanied with a freestanding bathtub. There are just eight rooms and suites, some suitable for families, plus there’s a bar occupying the old basement kitchen, and a gourmet restaurant. The location is perfect for seeing all the sights of Bath.
• Archangel is a chic, sophisticated restaurant with rooms in the quaint market town of Frome. The restaurant is imaginative and local, with friendly staff and great attention to detail, and the ten hotel rooms above are minimally decorated, but feature quite a bit of bold purple — plus freestanding baths, and gold and velvet detailing. There’s a cosy bar and relaxed library for guests too.

Country Inns

• The Litton is a superbly done inn, with an excellent restaurant, an historic whisky bar and 12 stylishly decorated rooms and suites, in sleepy Litton, within the Mendip Hills AONB. Our Gurus like The Litton because their focus on doing the simple things well really pays off, starting with the original historic bar, dating from around 1420, which has a fantastic atmosphere. The restaurant focuses on local cuisine and old favourites, and the rooms show off the original features, but with plenty of chic, contemporary touches.
• The Swan is a great little pub/inn in the pretty town of Wedmore, close to the Mendip Hills AONB. The food is a big draw here, created by an acclaimed chef, and sourced locally, and the pub itself is friendly and unfussy. Upstairs, the seven rooms are larger and brighter than you might expect from the exterior, with white walls and unfussy, but luxurious looking decor.
• The Crooked Swan is an 18th century inn in Crewkerne, renovated to keep it fresh and stylish, but not enough so much so that the cosy charm of the original building has been lost. The bar and restaurant are popular with locals, and the eight bedrooms upstairs have been stripped back to make the most of their original features — but with industrial style en-suites.

For Great Value

• The Yard is a boutique and bijou hotel, stylishly converted from a former coaching inn in a great spot in Bath. There are just 14 rooms and suites, decorated individually with a range of vintage and mid-century design pieces, and priced based on size. There’s a great little courtyard bar, which feels private, and attracts non-guests in for wine, cheese and charcuterie, and there’s a fantastic little cafe where breakfast is served. Romantic and affordable.
• The Redan inn is a recently renovated old inn, in a small village, with a great restaurant and welcoming bar. The food and drink are the main event — think roaring fires and Somerset’s finest food and cider, and the seven rooms are comfortable and unfussy, with some fun retro decorations.

Welcoming B&Bs

• Grays is a 12 room B&B in Bath, converted from an elegant Victorian residence just above the centre of town. The atmosphere is very home-from-home, but also luxurious, with everything plush-feeling and just so. Each room is different, with its own collection of antiques and fabrics, but the decor has favoured grown-up pastels and furniture with elegantly turned legs. A made to order breakfast is served in the cheerful conservatory.
• Bathen House is a converted Edwardian villa in Bath with 13 glamorous rooms, decorated with classic style in pastel shades. It exudes old fashioned luxury, from the marble bathrooms to the chandeliers, and everything you touch seems to be properly made. Breakfasts are just as indulgent as the rest of the details.
• Mount Pleasant Farm is a charming B&B, converted from an old farmhouse and still surrounded by woods and fields, just outside an historic village. There are just four rooms, individually decorated with an eclectic array of antiques, vintage pieces, wallpaper, art and fabrics — the effect is cheerful and contemporary, with a country air. The host has the same excellent cheer, and makes a great breakfast.

Still not sure where to book?

• You could browse our recommendations for all the best places to stay in Somerset
• Refine yourself to just the best places to stay in Bath, Taunton, Wells or Yeovil
• Or consider our recommendations for Somerset's best pubs with rooms or Somerset's most romantic hotels
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

  • Eight, Bath Bath 18 rooms from AU$216

    
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    Local exploring  -  This hotel is in a very handy location tucked into Bath's historic old town, close to the famous sights and boutiques

    Sights nearby  -  The Royal Crescent, Prior Park and the Roman Baths are a must-see

    Romantic  -  Good for couples.

    Designer  -  Uniquely designed interiors.

    

    A smart and cosy hotel in a historic Bath townhouse with original period features such as high ceilings, fireplaces and cornicing. Guests will love the fresh and light rooms featuring quality linens, pretty upholstery and classic furniture. The seasonal gourmet cuisine is a real highlight. See More

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  • The Wheatsheaf Bath 3 rooms from AU$225

    
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    Restaurant  -  Recommended.

    Full of character

    

    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith

    Country gastropub 10 minutes from historic Bath. Rustic chic interior, fresh locally sourced food, gardens. See More

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  • Number One Bruton Bruton, Somerset 12 rooms from AU$244

    
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    Restaurant  -  Farm-to-table restaurant Osip.

    Boutique

    

    Number One Bruton in Somerset opened its doors with twelve boutique hotel rooms and a farm-to-table restaurant Osip in collaboration with Michelin star chef Merlin Labron-Johnson. Charming rooms with pretty wallpaper and tiled en-suite bathrooms make for the perfect country escape in rural Somerset. See More

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  • Swain House Somerset 4 rooms from AU$291

    
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    Great walks  -  Swain House is just a short distance away from Dunkery & Horner Wood National Reserve

    Short break  -  There are three airports within a 30 mile radius of Swain House!

    Sights nearby  -  Dunster Castle, located 5 miles away, is well worth a visit

    Back to Nature  -  Be sure to explore the surrounding area's natural beauty

    Recommended by  -  I Escape, Sawdays

    Swain House is located in the seaside town of Watchet, on the coast of Somerset. Set in a Victorian townhouse, it boasts chic boutique accommodation - featuring large National Gallery murals and king-sized beds. Tuck into full English breakfasts each morning. A delightful B&B stay! See More

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  • The Bird Bath 31 rooms from AU$351

    
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    Local exploring  -  Fab location for visiting all of the city's main historic sites on foot yet just a few streets away from the madding crowds

    Pet friendly  -  Dogs receive a Woof Box with bed & water bowl (£25 per dog, per night). Dog-sitting & walking can be organised on request

    Families  -  Many rooms are family sized & come with sofa beds or travel cots. Kids will love the fun welcome pack & delicious menus

    Restaurant  -  Sociable, laid-back & great value Plate Restaurant focusses on British food that is honest, seasonal, local & fresh

    

    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith

    Looking out onto the greenery of Bath's Recreation Ground, The Bird is a fun and colourful boutique hotel set in a Victorian mansion moments from gorgeous Great Pulteney Street. It’s the perfect place for a city break with your beau. See More

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  • No.15 Bath 37 rooms from AU$327

    
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    Families  -  Very thoughtful touches include in-room tipis, bedtime books, kid's menu, DIY icecream sprinkling, instant cameras & babysitters

    Local exploring  -  Fab location; walk to historic sites, parks, bars & restaurants.... just wandering around the city & its architecture is a joy

    Spa breaks  -  A slick & soothing spot; enjoy bespoke therapies, relaxing rituals & eco-friendly products at the N15 spa

    Great walks  -  Venture into the surrounding countryside for great walks if you’re staying for a while longer

    

    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith

    A reinvented family-friendly boutique hotel in a glorious Georgian listed building, set on one of Bath’s grandest streets. In this beautiful, home-away-from-home townhouse, all rooms are creatively designed with contemporary interiors, plus there's a restaurant and spa. A classy and suave city spot! See More

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  • The Newt Bruton, Somerset 40 rooms from AU$1174

    
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    Romantic Break  -  With its stunning rooms, spoiling spa and glorious rural setting, The Newt makes a very romantic getaway

    Country Escape  -  Set in the heart of rural Somerset, this is an idyllic country escape

    Restaurant  -  The Botanical Rooms Restaurant offers garden to table dining with dishes inspired by the surroundings

    Spa  -  Offering truly spoiling experiences from Rasul Mud treatments to an ancient hammam water ritual

    

    Recommended by  -  CN Traveller, Mr & Mrs Smith

    A stunning boutique country house hotel set amid magnificent gardens in beautiful Somerset countryside. The rooms and suites come in a range of styles, some quirky, some traditional, some contemporary, but all most definitely luxurious. Fabulous garden to table dining and a spoiling spa too. See More

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  • The Swan Wedmore, Somerset 7 rooms from AU$160

    
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    Foodies  -  Fantastic food from River Cottage's Tom Blake.

    Value chic

    Sights nearby  -  The medieval cathedral in Wells.

    Great walks  -  Mendip Hills to the north.

    

    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, I Escape

    A gourmet little pub in a charming village with gorgeous rooms. Luxurious rooms have enormous stand alone bath tubs, contemporary furnishings and DVD players. Fabulous restaurant and acclaimed chef. The perfect spot for a romantic jaunt in the Somerset countryside. See More

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  • The Yard, Bath Bath 14 rooms from AU$178

    
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    Value chic  -  Bath is a beautiful city at any time of year; with such cosy & luxe rooms at these rates it could become a regular destination

    Local exploring  -  A lovely spot very close to The Roman Baths - about 10-minutes on foot from the main shopping area

    Full of character  -  Simple & modern; decor mixes on-trend locally-sourced furnishings & interiors with traditional touches

    Barefoot Luxury  -  Includes wonderful in-room touches such as rainfall showers, Netflix & upmarket coffee machine

    

    Ideal for two travellers, The Yard is Bath’s latest charismatic opening. This gorgeous 14-room small hotel in a former coaching inn is a stylish and great value option within striking distance of The Royal Crescent. See More

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  • Archangel Frome 10 rooms from AU$188

    
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    Foodies  -  A trendy restaurant serving up excellent local cuisine in an old hay barn, with French windows leading out to a sunny courtyard.

    Sights nearby  -  Visit Stourhead and wander around its pretty gardens and surrounding forests that house Alfred's Tower.

    Great walks  -  A perfect base for exploring the charming historic market town of Frome.

    Restaurant  -  Recommended.

    

    A chic and sophisticated restaurant with rooms in the quaint town of Frome. Contemporary rooms still feature exposed beams and stone yet new frescoes and freestanding baths now hold centre stage. A wonderfully renovated restaurant serves exemplary cuisine. Great for a weekend away. See More

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  • Mount Pleasant Farm Somerset 4 rooms from AU$225

    
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    Romantic Break  -  With indulgent bedrooms, enormous bathtubs (in the best rooms), and an adult-ony policy — this is ideal for a romantic hideaway

    Country Escape  -  A charming country house set amidst beautiful rolling fields offering an idyllic and secluded stay

    Great walks  -  Head out on long scenic walks right from the property before returning for a soak in your tub

    Sights nearby  -  Head to cheddar to see where the cheese derives from and marvel at the gorge

    

    A charming four-bed B&B set in a scenic and historic Somerset village. Beautifully styled rooms are a hodgepodge of antiques, hardwood floors, and retro furniture. Bathrooms are modern and very indulgent. The warm host makes fabulous breakfasts. A chic rural hideaway. See More

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  • Grays Bath 12 rooms from AU$235

    
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    Value chic

    Views  -  Fabulous views across the city and the spectacular Royal Crescent

    Sights nearby  -  15 minute stroll down to the centre of Bath

    Restrictions on children  -  No children under 12

    

    Come here for a weekend away that’s like visiting old friends. Styled as a contemporary classic, this B&B just outside the city centre is a sure-fire crowd pleaser. It’s super comfortable with great views and a British feel. See More

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  • At The Chapel Somerset 8 rooms from AU$235

    
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    Country Escape  -  Located in a small rural town in a pretty part of Somerset.

    Great walks  -  Take long walks through the forest, parkland and gardens of Stourhead.

    Sights nearby  -  Visit King Alfred’s Tower situated within the Stourhead Estate.

    Full of character

    

    Recommended by  -  I Escape

    Set in the vibrant small town of Bruton in the heart of the Somerset countryside; this stylish, restored chapel boasts comfortable guest rooms, an excellent restaurant, bakery and organic wine store. A great base for couples or even families to explore this popular area. See More

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  • The Ayrlington Bath 16 rooms from AU$244

    
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    City Style  -  A glamorous property in the heart of the historical city of Bath.

    Sights nearby  -  Visit the famed Roman Bath complex.

    Opulent

    Romantic  -  Good for couples.

    

    An imposing town house surrounded by award winning oriental gardens and with stunning city views. Individually designed rooms and suites are opulent and traditional in style. Some feature four posters. An indulgent Full English is served for breakfast. Well located to explore the city. Very chic. See More

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  • Queensberry Bath 29 rooms from AU$310

    
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    Foodies  -  The Queensberry's restaurant The Olive Tree has been awarded one Michelin Star - the only one in Bath!

    Restaurant  -  Olive Tree Restaurant serves locally sourced seasonal food with a frequently changing menu. Regarded as one of the best in Bath.

    Sights nearby  -  Opposite the Pump Rooms and just down the road from the historic and elegant Bath Assembly Rooms.

    Great walks  -  Take a lakeside walk in Bath Spa University’s Newton Park campus.

    

    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Tablet, Fodors, Frommers, Good Hotel Guide

    Chic townhouse hotel on Georgian terrace, Bath. The spacious rooms, are wonderfully comfortable and boast every modern convenience. The historic architecture lends a certain glamour to the building, with original sash windows, grand staircases and cosy drawing rooms. A stylish choice. See More

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  • The Crooked Swan Crewkerne, Somerset 8 rooms from AU$207

    
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    Local markets  -  Good antique markets.

    Restaurant  -  Recommended.

    Quirky  -  An experience!

    

    Renovated 18th-century inn with rooms in the heart of Crewkerne, Somerset. Cosy atmosphere in the bar and restaurant which are frequented by locals. Rooms feature stripped wooden floors and quirky bathrooms. Great for a one night pit stop on the way to Cornwall. See More

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  • The Litton Near Wells, Somerset 12 rooms from AU$263

    
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    Sights nearby  -  Visit nearby sites such as Wells Cathedral and Priston Mill.

    Great walks  -  Beautiful walking routes in the surrounding Mendip Hills.

    Romantic  -  Good for couples.

    Designer  -  Uniquely designed interiors.

    

    Recommended by  -  Sawdays

    Superb pub/hotel in the docile Somerset village of Litton. Featuring an excellent restaurant, plush rooms and a historic whisky bar. It's the perfect spot for a relaxing rural retreat. See More

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  • Bathen House Bath 13 rooms from AU$355

    
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    Local exploring  -  Ideally located for exploring all that historic Bath has to offer

    Romantic Break  -  A glamourous and romantic Bath B&B ideal for a couple's getaway

    Sights nearby  -  Soak up iconic Bath landmarks such as the Roman Baths, the Royal Crescent and Bath Cathedral

    Restaurant  -  Bouvardia Restaurant serves delicious classic cuisine using the finest local ingredients

    

    This stylish B&B set in an Edwardian building exudes a timeless glamour with high ceilings, classically elegant furniture and grand comfy sofas. Luxurious rooms feature a soft palette of cream hues and plush furnishings, not to mention indulgent marble bathrooms. Delicious breakfasts are a treat! See More

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  • Homewood Bath, Somerset 21 rooms from AU$562

    
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    Families  -  Offers impressive family-friendly amenities & interconnecting rooms; kids stay free during school holidays!

    Total relaxation  -  With indulgent rooms, a spoiling spa, and excellent food — this is an ideal option for a relaxing break

    Romantic Break  -  Ultimate couples' country retreat with good food, great beds, private hot tubs & super spa

    Spa breaks  -  Book in for a weekend of spoiling spa treatments, multiple swimming options, steam & sauna

    

    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Small Luxury Hotels

    An elegant country house hotel with an extensive spa set near Bath. Vast doubles and suites have Art Deco-inspired furnishings, Smeg coffee machines, and plush headboards. The best suites have outdoor hot tubs. With a standout British restaurant, this is the perfect package for a relaxing getaway. See More

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Written by Kat Parr Mackintosh

posted Wednesday, 20th September 2023