Location

Nestling in the foot of the Quantock Hills and triangularly between Taunton, Minehead and Bridgwater, this Somerset spa is blessed with the perfect setting for a romantic weekend break.  The nostalgic sights and sounds of the West Somerset Steam Railway are only a stones throw away and with an exhilarating and intensive summer timetable, there is an abundance of special days out and relaxing weekends to enjoy.

Only seven miles away from the health spa, Hestercombe Gardens (pictured above) boasts everything from relaxing woodland walks, beautiful reflections in the lakes and ponds, stunning stonework and dry stone walling right through to the beautiful plants, colours and scents that abound from spring through to autumn.

The surrounding countryside is a haven for walkers and wildlife enthusiasts and offers much for those after a relaxing autumn break or weekend break.  In 1956, the Quantock Hills - 99 square kilometres that stretch from the Vale of Taunton to the Bristol Channel - became the first part of England to be designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a major draw in Somerset.

To the left of this lies Exmoor National Park which will transport you through a variety of landscapes – heathland, moorland, deciduous and coniferous woodland, farmland, deeply wooded valleys and historic villages to reward the energetic with expansive views over to the North Somerset Coast and Wales.  The landscapes and seascapes of Exmoor are dotted with towns, villages, relaxing harbours and resorts full of character and charm.

The Brendon Hills are a little known but quietly beautiful landscape in West Somerset.  Lying mainly within Exmoor National Park, between the Quantocks and the high central moorland, they have a precious mixture of rolling agricultural land with its deep red soil, woodland, beech hedges, wooded river valleys and historic villages.  In the 19th century the area saw intensive mining activity and many structures today bear silent witness to this industrial past.

The spectacular and invigorating South West Coast Path begins at nearby Minehead and touches the boundaries of Exmoor National Park.  A brand new 25-mile section of West Somerset coast path means that the region now has the longest circular walk in the world – a continuous right of way that stretches for no less than 640 miles all the way around to Poole Harbour in Dorset.  The section closest to the Health Spa is a scenic and fascinating route, as well as an SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) rich in fossils and well worth including as part of a relaxing romantic weekend break.

Other places worth exploring include:

Dunster Castle approx 16 miles from the Health Spa. A wildly romantic National Trust property with stunning views dating back to at least Norman times.

Street approx 24 miles from the Health Spa. A little village just south of Glastonbury and home to Clarks Outlet Village - one of the premier shopping destinations in the country, offering up to 60% off the RRP on a host of famous brands and great to visit after a relaxing weekend break in somerset.

Glastonbury Tor approx 26 miles from the Health Spa. Perhaps Somerset’s most renowned landmark and the reputed birthplace of King Arthur. Fantastic 360 degree views over Somerset from the summit of the Tor.

Glastonbury Abbey approx 26 miles from the Health Spa. Magnificent ruins of what was once the largest and wealthiest Abbey in England, set amid 36 acres of beautiful parkland and steeped in over 2000 years of history and legend.

Wells approx 32 miles from the Health Spa. England's smallest and Somerset's only city, lies beneath the southern slopes of the Mendip Hills and provides a wealth of historical interest and beautiful architecture including its magnificent cathedral.

Cheddar Gorge approx 34 miles from the Health Spa. The Cathedral-like Caves and Britain's biggest Gorge are million-year-old Ice Age river beds.

Lynton & Lynmouth approx 35 miles from the Health Spa. Two villages on the coast, one above the other, Lynton and Lynmouth where known by the Victorians as Little Switzerland. The two villages sit right on the South West Coast Path and are linked by a famous and ingenius 500 foot cliff railway which is well worth a ride.  

Shepton Mallet approx 36 miles from the Health Spa. Nestling in a fold of the beautiful Mendip Hills escarpment in eastern Somerset, Shepton Mallet is an attractive combination of an ancient market town and a modern industrial community.