Where to stay
With its landscape of orchards, fruit farms and willow withies, Somerset is where cider was once currency. Explore it from Bruton, a medieval market town with a spanking new rail service from Paddington that makes the briefest pit-stop possible.
Locals worship At the chapel, a renovated 17th-century church, now part restaurant, wine shop, bakery and hotel. Six bedrooms deliver contemporary luxury and warm croissants arrive to your door each day (from £125 per night; atthechapel.co.uk). Bringing a larger pack?
Durslade Farmhouse, on the site of Hauser & Wirth Somerset’s gallery, bursts with colour and sleeps up to 12 (from £650 per night; dursladefarmhouse.co.uk).
New opening The Newt combines the honeyed warmth of a Georgian home with superb service, ravishing gardens and a world-class spa (from £320 per night; thenewtinsomerset.com).
What to see
Follow in the footsteps of the monks and explore the exquisite interiors featured in the latest Hollywood adaptation of Far From the Madding Crowd at Forde Abbey, a former Cistercian monastery.
The gardens and plant nursery provide endless inspiration for London courtyards and terraces. At Hauser & Wirth Somerset — the contemporary gallery with outposts in London, New York, Los Angeles and Zurich — you won’t want to leave the garden by landscape architect Piet Oudolf.
Where to eat and drink
There’s no lack of first-rate fare here: sustainability and organic farming have ruled for decades. First stop, The Talbot Inn at Mells is a stylish coaching inn with excellent local ales and even better pub grub. For well-mixed cocktails and honest seasonal food cooked over an open fire, visit Roth Bar & Grill. Craving perfect pizza?
Take a pew At the chapel or spoil yourself with a visit to the Botanical Rooms at The Newt, overseen by Ben Bulger, formerly of River Cottage.
Where to spa
Stiff from hilly walks? Get thee to the Cowshed Spa at Babington House where a new CBD-based massage (£105) eases discomfort and aids relaxation.
Don't leave without...
…a Somerset souvenir. Westcombe Dairy has all the local cheddar and ricotta a Londoner could desire. Look out for mulled cider bubbling on the wood-fired range. Yapp Brothers, meanwhile, is one of Britain’s best-loved wine merchants and the perfect place to restock your rack.
