North Petherton Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your North Petherton Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

North Petherton sits in a prime spot for exploring Somerset's best bits. I've found that having a car is essential as the real gems are scattered across the countryside. The town itself has the impressive St Mary's Church with its 120-foot tower - worth popping in to see the medieval wooden screen.

Fyne Court (TA5 2EQ) is just 4 miles away and opens 10am-5pm daily. This National Trust site offers woodland walks and the remains of a once-grand estate. It scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor and has a nice tea room.

The Willow and Wetlands Visitor Centre (TA7 0RN) is about 7 miles away. It's got a 4/5 TripAdvisor rating and shows how willow has been grown and used here for centuries. Open 9:30am-5pm Monday-Saturday.

Hestercombe Gardens (TA2 8LG) is a 15-minute drive and combines three periods of garden design spanning 300 years. It scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor and the on-site café serves excellent cream teas. Open 10am-6pm daily.

Pet Friendly

We've noticed more cottages in North Petherton now welcome dogs, which is great news if you want to bring your four-legged mate along. Many properties have enclosed gardens where they can run about safely before jumping in the hot tub yourself.

The Quantock Hills are brilliant for dog walks. We recommend the circular route from Holford (TA5 1SD) which takes you through ancient woodland and open moorland. Your dog will love it!

The Cottage Inn (TA5 2BD) in Keenthorne welcomes dogs in the bar area and garden. They serve good pub grub and local ales. The Tudor Restaurant in North Petherton also allows well-behaved dogs in certain areas.

Don't forget to pack towels specifically for muddy paws after walks - Somerset can get pretty boggy after rain. Most cottages ask that dogs stay off furniture and out of bedrooms, so a familiar bed from home helps them settle.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in North Petherton

North Petherton Carnival (TA6 6RF) - If you're lucky enough to visit in November, this is an absolute must-see. It's part of the Somerset Carnival circuit and features massive illuminated floats up to 100ft long. The atmosphere is electric with thousands lining the streets. One visitor told me: "I've never seen anything like it - the lights, music and sheer scale of the floats blew me away."

Maunsel Lock Canal Centre (TA7 0DH) - This peaceful spot on the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal is perfect for a half-day out. You can take a boat trip, feed the ducks, or walk along the towpath. The tea room serves homemade cakes that visitors rave about. "The best Victoria sponge I've had in years," according to one TripAdvisor review. Open 10am-4pm in summer.

Sedgemoor Battlefield (TA7 0HS) - The site of the last pitched battle fought on English soil in 1685. While there's not much to see beyond information boards, the historical significance is huge. The nearby Battlefield Farm Shop sells excellent local produce. One history buff commented: "Standing where so many lost their lives during the Monmouth Rebellion was a sobering experience."

Is North Petherton good for families with young children?

Yes! We find North Petherton works well for families. Cottages with hot tubs give parents somewhere to relax after the kids are in bed. Nearby attractions include Animal Farm Adventure Park (TA9 3PX) and Puxton Park (BS24 6AH), both within 30 minutes' drive. The flat Somerset Levels are great for family bike rides too.

When is the best time to visit North Petherton?

Late spring (May) and early autumn (September) offer the perfect balance of decent weather and fewer tourists. November is fantastic if you want to see the carnival. Summer brings the best weather for enjoying your hot tub under the stars, but expect to pay premium prices and book well ahead.

Can I get around North Petherton without a car?

It's tricky. There's a limited bus service connecting to Bridgwater and Taunton, but to really explore the area, a car is essential. Some cottage owners offer bike hire, which is great for local exploration on the flat Somerset roads.

Where's the best place to eat in North Petherton?

The Tudor Restaurant on Fore Street gets consistently good reviews for its traditional British food. For pub grub, try The Walnut Tree in North Newton (TA7 0BP) - their Sunday roasts are legendary according to locals. Both places get booked up quickly, so reserve ahead.

Is there good walking near North Petherton?

Absolutely! The Quantock Hills (England's first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) are on your doorstep. We recommend the circular walk from Dead Woman's Ditch car park (TA5 1HY) for stunning views across the Bristol Channel to Wales.

What should I pack for my hot tub cottage break?

Besides the obvious swimwear, bring flip-flops for walking between cottage and hot tub, extra towels (though many cottages provide these) and plastic glasses for drinks - nobody wants broken glass in a hot tub! A torch is useful for rural locations and binoculars for stargazing from your tub on clear nights.

1. Visit Somerset Official Tourism Site
2. Fyne Court National Trust
3. Cleeve Abbey English Heritage
4. Hestercombe Gardens
5. Quantock Hills AONB