SOAK up valley views from a vintage cheese vat turned hot tub, says Deputy Editor Ellie O’Mahoney.
The Pad
Tucked away in a secluded five-acre field just six minutes’ drive from the pretty market town of Castle Cary, you’ll find Hadspen Glamping and three off-grid safari lodges.
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Each comes with a wood-fired stove, well-equipped kitchen and Faith In Nature toiletries in the rain shower.
Even better, on the decking of Horscombe Lodge, there’s a copper wood-fired hot tub – repurposed from an antique cheese vat – to lie back and watch the cows and sheep grazing across the peaceful valley from.
The beds are super-comfortable and there’s a cupboard packed with games.
Order a Full English Breakfast Hamper, £30, stuffed with local goodies, including eggs, sausages, bacon, black pudding, mushrooms, beans and tomatoes, for the best wake-up treat.
Explore
Pop into Castle Cary to see historic buildings, including an 18th-century “Roundhouse” and the thatched George Hotel.
Time your visit for a Tuesday to catch the weekly food market on the cobbles in front of the 19th-century Market House.
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Meanwhile, Bath’s famous Roman Baths are 50 minutes away by car – marvel at the ruins and get spellbound by the ancient curses written by wronged locals to the spa’s Roman goddess.
Adult entry costs from £28, kids over six, from £21 (Romanbaths.co.uk).
Afterwards, head round the corner to Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House & Museum to sample the eponymous bun, £4.20 – named after the baker who lived in the city 350 years ago.
Don’t forget to pop downstairs to see the perfectly preserved 15th-century kitchen cellar, too (Sallylunns.co.uk).
Longleat Safari Park is fun for the whole family and about half an hour away – brave the monkeys leaping on to your car and let the koalas steal your heart.
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Kids will also shriek with delight at the brilliant adventure playground.
Adult entry costs from £44.95, kids over three from £33.70 (Longleat.co.uk).
If it’s on your way home, be sure to swing by Stonehenge to learn what life would have been like in Neolithic times.
Adult entry costs from £30.90, kids over five from £20 (English-heritage.org.uk).
Refuel
In Bath, head to The Bird for incredible views across Bath Abbey – the roast rump of Somerset beef, £22, is an absolute treat, while the Cointreau and orange tiramisu, £16 to share, is utterly moreish (Thebirdbath.co.uk).
At the 600-year-old Swan Hotel in Wells, expect the most tender sirloin steak, £30, and an affogato that’s a work of art, £10 (Swanhotelwells.co.uk).
Closer to your pitch, call into The Creamery, a cafe and working creamery at Castle Cary station.
Its Estate Buffalo Smash Burger with house slaw, £15, is delicious, as is the honey and milk gelato, £6 (Thenewtinsomerset.com/thecreamery).
Book It
Stays for four at Hadspen Glamping cost from £200 per night (Towanderuk.co.uk/hadspen-glamping).
Pack It
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