KINGSHAY BARTON - Somerset

Kingshay Barton is the result of a carefully considered transformation from Hamstone barns to large and luxurious group accommodation that's hard to beat for big family holidays in the UK. In a private setting at the edge of a Somerset village, there are 2 acres of grounds, snooze space for 20 guests (3 more beds for children aged 8 years and under are available at an extra charge each), a fabulous spa hall with a pool, hot tub and sauna, a games room, a stunning cinema room, and a rustic BBQ bothy.

Those grounds are a delight, with lawns, meandering paths, an apple orchard, and even a mini 'henge'; to one side there's a rustic stone built BBQ bothy with heaters and lighting for year-round use; secure gates lead to a stream where you can paddle to your heart's content. Kingshay Barton has oodles of country character; thick stone walls, big chunky beams, and lots of quirky features. Despite being tucked away at the end of a no-through road in the village of Misterton it's only a short stroll to Cedric's, the local shop, and within a few minutes you can be in Crewkerne, the nearest town. There you'll find supermarkets, independent shops, the kooky Antiques Bazaar, a beautiful 15th century church, and places to eat.

Just a few miles away is the Dorset border, which means the coast is within easy reach. Spend a day at Lyme Regis where you can go on a mackerel fishing trip, have a family visit to Dinosaurland Fossil Museum or play crazy golf in the town gardens. Hunt for fossils at Charmouth, walk up over the cliffs on the South West Coast Path, have lunch by the shore at Hive Beach Café at Burton Bradstock. The East Devon Coast is just as easy to get to; there's Regency Sidmouth, the peaceful villages of Beer and Branscombe, and a mile long pebble beach at Seaton.

If you like walking stride out on the footpaths through the fields at the end of the garden, or a little further away are Ham Hill Country Park, Wayford Woods and Stonebarrow Hill. If you like historic houses with glorious gardens there's Forde Abbey, Montacute House, Barrington Court and Mapperton House & Gardens all within easy reach. Have a day out exploring the Dorset heaths and see Thomas Hardy's Cottage at Higher Bockhampton, discover Dorchester where you can visit The Dinosaur Museum, the Roman Town House, and the Teddy Bear Museum. Head to Sherborne, see the castle and the breathtaking abbey, go to Bridport and catch the eclectic street market on Saturdays, then browse the vintage quarter; take a family trip to Ferne Animal Sanctuary, Haynes Motor Museum or Fleet Air Arm Museum.

There is so much to do around here! Golf at Long Sutton or Cricket St Thomas, clay pigeon shooting and fishing at Coombe Farm, pony trekking at Downclose Stables, and a falconry experience at Sharandy's Birds of Prey. No holiday in the country is complete without a laid-back lunch in a country pub, and you'll find plenty within a short drive; the Lord Poulett Arms at Hinton St George is excellent, but also worth finding are Dinnington Docks, the White Horse at Haselbury Plucknett and The Pymore Inn near Bridport. Good for families are Haselbury Mill and Winyard's Gap Inn where the views will knock your socks off. Alternatively, stay put and call in private caterers to come and cook you something truly scrumptious. Whatever you decide to do, we know it will be such a special time when you stay at Kingshay Barton. 

NB: Due to planning restrictions this property is only available to family groups.

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