There are many reasons why the Quantock Hills were awarded the very first Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty over 60 years ago; its deep wooded valleys, picturesque villages, captivating views and walking, cycling and horse riding routes. However, there’s so much more to this beautiful part of the world…
One notable famous person who lived in the area for some time was acclaimed romantic poet Samuel Coleridge and it was here in this luxurious location where he found inspiration for some of his finest and most popular poems like The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, Frost at Midnight and Kubla Kahn. Deep in the Quantock Hills, you can discover all about the life and times of the poet by walking side to side with the red deers and wild ponies on Coleridge Way before seeing his former 17th century home Coleridge Cottage, in thriving, local village Nether Stowey. As you learn more about secrets from the cottage’s past, why not stop off at the 22-seat tearoom tucked away at the back of Coleridge’s former home and dive into a Poet’s Lunch, consisting of a cheese scone, cheese and chutney?
Holiday cottages in the Quantock Hills
You can’t appreciate the 38 square miles of Quantock Hills without a walk through its lush heathlands on the heavenly hill tops with extensive panoramic views of Exmoor, the Brendon Hills, Blackdown Hills and Bristol Channel. Bicknoller Hill for instance is an extremely popular walking route with dogs and owners alike. This is where you are able to see Trendle Ring, an Iron Age Hillfort and one of the nationally important archaeological sites in the UK. Likewise, the enchanting Shervage Wood is another place in the Quantock Hills that is historically mysterious. Rumour has it that a scary, fire breathing dragon called the Gurt Worm was cut into two halves and formed a magical path through the hills. A tale that children will cherish and always remember from their holiday to Somerset.
Did you know that the Quantock Hills consist of 10% of the world’s rarest maritime heathlands like whortleberry, bell heather and western gorse? Not only this but the Quantock Common is home to a range of birds, moths and butterflies such as the Dartford Warbler, Meadow Pipit and the Grayling. Fantastic news for flora and fauna enthusiasts! Likewise, Fyne Court, once an Arcadian Landscape Park and now a beautiful wild garden of snowdrops and bluebells are not just the perfect refuge for insects, bats, birds and fungi, but can also be the backdrop to any special occasion; whether it be a birthday, wedding or just a family get together.
If walking is too tame for you, then put your helmet on and grab your mountain bike as the Quantock Hills are seen as the thrill-seeking capital of South West England. With approximately 25 to 30 downhill tracks to ride including fast-flowing, jumpy and technical steep routes, the Triscombe Downhill Mountain Bike Trails are popular with tourists and its inhabitants alike. How about getting up on your high horse in the picturesque village of West Bagborough, at the foot of the hills? Quantock Trekking is a friendly riding centre that offers bespoke and all-day rides to novice and more experienced riders.
Another way to get around the Quantock Hills is by train and this can be provided by the West Somerset Railway, a 20-mile scenic journey among the picturesque countryside and along the glistening coast. The longest heritage railway in England provides a nostalgic trip through time on its historic steam locomotive and is why it has won a multitude of awards including Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence 2016 and a Bristol, Bath and Somerset Bronze Tourism Award in 2017/18. Feeling peckish as you travel? Why not enjoy your enchanting steam train journey and a traditional West Country Cream Tea served to your seat, with a Steam and Cream special ticket?
Local legend has it that in the Quantock Hills, you are never more than 2 miles away from a pub or a food outlet and with a wide range of locally sourced food and drink as well as weekly farmers markets in Cotford St Luke and Taunton, living your life to the full and indulging is certainly rife in the mountains. One such old village pub serving the best in local produce is the Grade II listed building The Carew Arms at the slopes of the Quantock Hills in Crowcombe. As well as the Slow Roasted Somerset Belly Pork with a Cider and Bramley Apple Gravy being one of a series of crowd pleasing dishes, you can enjoy a range of fine local ales next to a welcoming wood burner from prestigious suppliers like Otter Brewery and St Austell Brewery.
As an area of pure wilderness and serenity, the Quantock Hills can certainly be a sight for sore eyes. With a rich history, the most incredible views of its beautiful surrounding areas and a variety of quaint towns and villages to discover, this award-winning range of hills nestled in the stunning county of Somerset are your ideal holiday location this year.
