Get More From Your Cricket St. Thomas Hot Tub Cottage Break
Booking cottages with hot tubs in Cricket St. Thomas puts you right in the heart of Somerset's most beautiful countryside. This tiny hamlet sits on the Somerset-Dorset border and gives you instant access to rolling hills and historic estates. The area became famous through the 1970s BBC sitcom To The Manor Born which was filmed at Cricket House.
We think this spot is perfect for romantic breaks and family getaways because you get proper countryside peace without being miles from anywhere. The Wildlife Park sits right here and Chard is just three miles away for shops and restaurants. You can book everything from boutique cottages to large holiday houses with private hot tubs.
Sightseeing in Cricket St. Thomas
The landscape around here is proper West Country with deep valleys and ancient woodland. Cricket St. Thomas itself centres on the historic estate which has been here since medieval times. The hamlet sits in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty where you'll find traditional stone cottages and working farms that have been here for centuries.
Top 5 Attractions You Have to See in Cricket St. Thomas
We've picked out five brilliant places to visit that show you the best of this area. Each one offers something different whether you want wildlife encounters or historic buildings.
Cricket St. Thomas Wildlife Park
This 12-acre park sits in the grounds of the old estate and houses lemurs, meerkats and tropical birds. The Victorian walled garden has been transformed into animal enclosures and there's a manor house you can explore. Kids love the hands-on encounters and the adventure playground.
Forde Abbey and Gardens
Just four miles away this 900-year-old Cistercian monastery became a private house in 1649. The 30 acres of gardens include a bog garden and working kitchen garden that supplies the tea room. You can tour the house to see Mortlake tapestries and original medieval features.
Chard Museum
This small town museum tells the story of Chard's industrial past including the world's first powered flight by John Stringfellow in 1848. The collection includes lace-making equipment and artificial limb manufacturing displays. Entry is cheap and it takes about an hour to see everything.
Clapton Court Gardens
These 10-acre gardens near Crewkerne feature formal terraces and a wild woodland area. The ash house contains a collection of rare plants and there's a proper working kitchen garden. Spring brings masses of bulbs and the autumn colours are spectacular.
Perry's Cider Mills
This family-run cider mill in Dowlish Wake has been making cider since 1920. You can take a tour to see the traditional methods and taste different varieties in the shop. The mill uses local apples and still employs some Victorian equipment.
Don't Miss These...
| Attraction | What you'll experience | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Cricket St. Thomas Wildlife Park | Close encounters with lemurs and exotic birds in historic estate grounds | Families |
| Forde Abbey and Gardens | Medieval monastery architecture and 30 acres of award-winning gardens | Everyone |
| Chard Museum | Local history including the world's first powered flight | Everyone |
| Clapton Court Gardens | Formal terraces and woodland walks through seasonal plantings | Couples |
| Perry's Cider Mills | Traditional cider making tours with tastings of local varieties | Groups |
Visitor FAQs
How do I get to Cricket St. Thomas?
The nearest train station is Crewkerne which is three miles away with direct services to London Waterloo. By car take the A30 from Yeovil or the A358 from Chard. Taunton is 20 miles north and has better rail connections if you're coming from further afield.
What family activities are available near cottages to rent?
The Wildlife Park is the main family draw with daily keeper talks and feeding sessions. Lyme Regis beach is 30 minutes away for fossil hunting and Axe Valley Wildlife Park offers more animal encounters. Forest holiday walks start from multiple points around the hamlet.
Where are the best romantic spots for couples?
Forde Abbey gardens offer secluded walks and the tea room does excellent cream teas. The Tytherleigh Arms pub serves local food in a 16th-century building. For coastal cottages and dramatic views drive to Golden Cap which is the highest point on the south coast.
What shopping options exist nearby?
Chard has independent shops and a weekly market on Saturdays. Crewkerne offers antique shops and local food producers. For big cottages needing supplies Tesco and Lidl are in Chard while Yeovil has larger retail parks 15 minutes away.
Are hot tub cottages suitable for last minute breaks?
Absolutely. We find that luxury cottages with jacuzzi facilities work brilliantly for spontaneous getaways. Many places to stay offer deals on 1 night bookings midweek. Dog friendly and pet friendly cottages are common here so you can bring the whole family including pets.
Staying in holiday cottages or self catering lodges around here gives you the perfect mix of countryside calm and easy access to attractions. Whether you want a secluded retreat for 2 or large family accommodation for groups, the area has unique cottages and log cabin options.
Book your cottage with hot tub and you'll have your own private space to relax after days exploring Somerset. Holiday lets here range from cheap cottages to boutique villas with swimming pool facilities. The best deals come from booking direct with owners or through specialist sites like Sykes Cottages.
Visit Cricket St. Thomas for country breaks that feel properly remote yet keep you close to coastal attractions and market towns. Holiday homes for hire here suit everyone from isolated fishing lodges to chalet-style group cottages. New Year and holiday houses fill up fast so rental booking ahead makes sense for hot tub stays.