Hotels in Somerset, Bristol, Dorset, and Avon, in the South West of England.

SOMERSET
Somerset has five ranges of hills- the Blackdowns, Mendips, Quantocks, Poldens and the Brendons - all with their own character. The Levels and Moors are the flatlands of Somerset are ideal for the cyclist and nature lovers.

Somerset’s County Town of Taunton, is ideal for shopping and as a base for touring. Nestling in the Mendip Hills is Wells, England’s smallest city with its beautiful cathedral. Further south, around Yeovil, you will be delighted by the tranquil beauty of the stately houses and gardens.

It’s a truly scenic county with long beautiful sandy beaches and popular coastal resorts such as Minehead or Burnham-on-Sea contrast with the dramatic rocky Exmoor coastline.

In south Somerset, villages such as Tintinhull, Clapton Court and Barrington have classic gardens dating back to Elizabethan times. At Montacute the formal gardens provide a grand setting for the architectural splendour of one of the finest Elizabethan houses in England. The 'Secret Garden' at Hestercombe, near Taunton is an eighteenth century Landscaped Garden which compliments the Victorian Terrace and formal Edwardian Gardens of Lutyens and Jekyll.

Castles - The English Civil War (1642-1651) left its mark on the castles at the historic town of Taunton and at Dunster in west Somerset. The magnificent ruined castle at Nunney, near Frome, is also a sombre monument to these violent times.

DORSET
The popular county of Dorset includes holiday resorts such as Bournemouth. Its surrounding area is by far the most populous area and it is also the primary holiday destination in Dorset.

Close to Bournemouth is the cosmopolitan town of Poole, with its bustling Quay, some of the best beaches in England and a stunning natural harbour.

Lulworth Cove including the famouse 'Durdle Door' was formed around 10,000 years ago by the massive powers of a river and the sea. It continues to evolve behind a narrow Portland Stone entrance as the softer Purbeck, Wealden, Greensand and Chalk exposures are eroded.