Home to stunning areas of outstanding natural beauty, picturesque villages and University towns; Somerset boutique hotels glitter with potential. Whatever the reason for your escape to the British countryside, boutique hotels will provide a cozy and unique base from which to explore. Access the famous Wookey Hole Caves, discover the extravagant Blenheim Palace or marvel at the preserved Roman Baths all with a stylish boutique hotel in beautiful Somerset.

Boutique Hotels in Somerset: Escapio’s Picks for the Best Unique Boutique Hotels in the United Kingdom

Bath: A Roman History

A magnet for culture, history and British charm, the city of Bath is a well-known and beloved vacation destination in Somerset. Boutique hotels close to Bath provide the very best facilities, and place the rest of Somerset and the Cotswolds close by. The whole city is a designated World Heritage Site, meaning that a simple stroll around Bath turns up a plethora of architecture and historic points of interest; such as the Georgian Circus and 18th century Pulteney Bridge which was inspired by Florence’s Ponte Vecchio. Bath’s most popular attraction is its Roman Baths, which have given the city its name. The preserved public baths date from 60-70AD and have been built up through the centuries into the impressive structure that exists today. The site attracts a million visitors a year, but sadly a dip in the water here is forbidden. Having said this, Bath still has several hot springs serving a number of spas for a relaxing escape in Somerset. One of the most popular is Thermae, where you can bathe in the warm springs and admire views of the impressive Bath Abbey.

Bristol: A Thriving Student Scene

Twice the size of Bath and straddling the River Avon, Bristol is another popular destination for a boutique hotel in Somerset. On the border of North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, Bristol is a confluence of its vibrant student scene and thriving maritime history, with several museums showcasing the city’s rich industrial and naval background. One of the most popular is the SS Great Britain – a museum located on a 19th century passenger steamship. If you’re visiting Somerset with young kids, then Bristol Zoo is a must-visit. It’s the world’s oldest provincial zoo and houses a variety of monkey species, penguins, insects, reptiles and the unique Twilight World – an exhibit which observes the antics of nocturnal animals. When it comes to nightlife, Bristol boasts one of the liveliest scenes in the UK. Mainly due to its enormous University which enrolls some 22,000 students, Bristol’s legendary nightlife boasts huge nightclubs, regular live gigs from international artists, cozy pubs and plenty of LGBT-friendly spaces. Bristol is also an excellent base if you’re seeking out boutique or spa hotels in Wales, as the city is connected to the county via the Severn Bridge.

The Cotswolds & Beyond: Escape to Tranquility

While Somerset is home to some excellent locations for a city break, it’s the surrounding countryside that really sets the county apart. The rural Cotswolds and Mendip Hills are ideal for couples looking for a romantic break with a boutique hotel in Somerset. The breathtaking Cheddar Gorge is located in the Mendip Hills Outstanding Area of Natural Beauty and isn’t for the faint hearted! Cascading cliffs and deep caves can be found all over the gorge which make it an ideal spot for hiking, climbing and subterranean discovery. Britain’s oldest skeleton – the Cheddar Man – was also discovered here in 1903. The Wookey Hole Caves are nearby and popular with families, with tours showcasing impressive underground lakes and huge chambers 200 feet below the surface. Boutique hotels in Somerset also place the Cotswolds on your doorstep. If your perfect vacation includes winding country paths passing through fertile fields, farms and quaint British villages, then a boutique hotel on the edge of this Outstanding Area of Natural Beauty should not be missed. Spanning six different counties, opportunities to explore are endless, and serious hikers can even take on the 100-mile Cotswold Way walking trail. Sites like the Baroque Blenheim Castle and the Prince of Wales’s Highgrove Estate show off the regions connections to royalty, while the locals can be found nursing pints of Somerset Cider in traditional pubs throughout the region. A vacation with a boutique hotel in Somerset has all the makings of an idyllic escape in the United Kingdom.