QUANTOCK BARNS - Somerset

Once part of a busy dairy farm, Quantock Barns is a unique collection of lovingly converted barns set on a small complex at the foot of the Quantock Hills in Somerset. 7 ensuite bedrooms sleep 14 guests, with accommodation spread across the original Wagon House and 4 separate rooms/suites set around a central courtyard. 4 further suites can accommodate up to 10 extra guests at an additional charge. This is the perfect solution for a large group holiday where personal space is appreciated; there's a strong element of togetherness with room for all 14 guests to congregate, but the separate suites give you privacy and your own rooms. It's a great solution for large family holidays where people don't want to spend every minute with the crowd, and it works well for group stays of two or three families, for couples and for corporate away days.

A stone's throw from the barns is Kitchen at Quantock Lakes where you can kick start your day with a tasty breakfast, go for lunch and on Sundays, a fantastic roast. Just over the road is Nether Stowey where you can have a look round Coleridge Cottage (NT), the charming little house where Romantic poet, Samuel Taylor Coleridge once lived. Ripe for exploring are the wild and rugged Quantock Hills, an AONB for good reason. Climb up through sun dappled combes to come out on bracken clad heaths where the views stretch far and wide - on a clear day you can see across the Bristol Channel to Wales. Pack a picnic and climb to the top of Wills Neck, the highest point in the hills, or walk from Lydeard Hill to Cothelstone Hill; the scenery is gorgeous and you're never far from a welcoming country inn where you can try the local brew.

For days by the sea take your pick from the varied beaches of the Somerset coast; Minehead and Blue Anchor are best for families as both have long golden sands, Kilve is brilliant for fossil hunting and rockpooling, Brean is good for sunset strolls along the shore with the dog. If surfing is your thing, plan it well and head down to the North Devon coast for a day spent riding the waves at Croyde, Putsborough or Woolacombe.

Head over to Exmoor National Park for a day of adventure; explore the steep wooded hills and the lush river valleys - go to Tarr Steps or Watersmeet for a leisurely amble followed by a proper West Country cream tea. Drive up over the moors, looking out for red deer and Exmoor ponies grazing, stroll up over the cliff to Culbone Church, the smallest parish church in England. Stop off at Dunster to see the medieval castle on the hill, follow the Tall Trees Trail and wander along the leat to the working flour mill. The youngsters will no doubt appreciate a trip to Exmoor Zoo or a ride on the Victorian Cliff Railway from Lynton to Lynmouth.

For something different, go and discover the Somerset Levels, a low-lying landscape that's rich in wildlife. Browse the colourful streets at Glastonbury, visit the enchanting Chalice Well and the hallowed abbey ruins where it's said that King Arthur and Queen Guinevere are buried, climb to the top of the famous Tor for staggering views across the landscape. Go to Wells to see the magnificent cathedral and the Bishop's Palace where at feeding time, the swans that live in the moat come and pull on a bell. Wherever you go, whatever you do, you'll have a wonderful time; head back to Quantock Barns and gather together for more moments of happiness before you head off to blanket land.

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