WITHYMANS - Somerset

Withymans was built in Georgian times and served as a farmhouse for three generations. Set in a sleepy hamlet on the Somerset Levels, it's been given a new lease of life as a stunning large group holiday house that sleeps 12 in 6 bedrooms and has room for 2 more guests at an extra charge per person. Inside there's a movie room and a games room with table football and air hockey, outside there's a big patio for dining in the sunshine, a private hot tub and a trampoline for the kids to play on, so it's great for family holidays as there's something for all ages. The elevated position means there are glorious views across the Levels and moors; you can go for country walks right from the doorstep, and nearby are cosy village pubs and plenty to see and do. Withymans is easily reached from the M5, A358 and A303.

Staying at Withymans is like having a world of your own, far away from the bustle of modern life; you can feel the pace slow down and drop a gear - just what you need to completely unwind. The backdrop is of the beautiful Somerset Levels, a unique, flat landscape of moors and wetlands that are a haven for birdlife (twitchers: bring your binoculars); the views stretch on for miles to the ridge of the Polden Hills and the Blackdowns; the Burton Pynsent Monument rises from the woods at Curry Rivel in the near distance. Just up the road is Coates English Willow Centre at Stoke St Gregory, where you can watch baskets being made. Cycle along to the community shop for your bits and pieces, stop in the pub to try the local brew.

Pull on your walking boots and set out from the doorstep to explore this wonderful part of Somerset; stroll along the River Tone, climb to the ruined church at the top of Burrow Mump and then go for a hearty lunch in the King Alfred Inn at the foot of the hill. In the other direction you can walk to North Curry to see the church known as 'The Cathedral in the Moor' and then have a bite to eat at The Bird in Hand.

Have a mooch around Langport, walk along the River Parrett or rent bikes from Parrett Trail Bikes and set off to discover the quiet villages and nature reserves. Stroll over to Mulcheney and visit the abbey ruins and The Priest's House (NT). Go out to Low Ham to see the Church in the Field, have a picnic at Turn Hill or venture over to Ham Wall to see starling murmurations in the winter.

Spend a day in Glastonbury soaking up the mystic vibe, see the Chalice Well and climb the famous Tor for panoramic views across the landscape. Have a browse around Taunton, visit the Museum of Somerset and play on the high ropes at Vivary Adventure Centre; head over to Wells to see the magnificent cathedral and the Bishop's Palace. Take in the splendour of Cheddar Gorge in the craggy Mendip Hills, get your fill of history at Montacute House, Barrington Court and Sherborne Castle, see how Somerset's famous brew is made at Harry's Cider Company. Come back to Withymans for a soak in the hot tub as the sun goes down over the Levels; it's perfick, as they say in these parts.

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