Where to Stay, Walk, Eat and Drink in The Quantocks
The Quantock Hills, located in Somerset, England, is a picturesque area known for its natural beauty and charming villages around which lie a myriad of foot and bridle paths (even an old drove road), offering wonderfully scenic walks. Village pubs and inns in The Quantock Hills are a vital part of the local culture, serving as social hubs where residents and visitors alike can gather to relax and socialize over a pint of beer or a hearty meal. In many cases it’s a usually the latter prepared by an experienced chef.
No ramble through the Quantock Hills is complete without at least one lunchtime or evening out in a local pub (preferably both). While the number of village pubs and inns may have dwindled in recent years, many in the villages of The Quantocks have survived mainly because of their character or because they have superb culinary reputations.
If you have booked a cottage holiday in The Quantocks, give your party’s kitchen staff at least one evening off for a night out in a local pub. Enjoy some fine cuisine, most often featuring local dishes prepared using local produce. Alternatively, incorporate lunch into a circular walk that will take you along some beautiful, often flower-filled footpaths and country lanes.
My Favourite Holiday Cottages has selected a choice of walks and pubs to ensure a memorable walking holiday in The Quantocks.
The Walks
We have curated a selection of walks that include both national, way-marked trails and smaller circular walks. In most cases, you can park your car in the pub's carpark, but it's necessary to have drinks or a meal at the pub before or after your walk. This is a great way to spend a weekend or a week without the hassle of cooking and cleaning up in your Quantock holiday cottage in the evenings!
Major, Way-marked Walks in the Quantocks
- Coleridge Way
This is a 51-mile long-distance trail that runs from Nether Stowey to Lynmouth, passing through the Quantock Hills and Exmoor National Park. The trail is named after the famous poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, who lived in the area and drew inspiration from its natural beauty.
- The Quantock Greenway
This circular walking route covers about 50 miles and offers some of the best views of the Quantock Hills. It can be completed in sections, and there are plenty of opportunities to stop off at local pubs and cafes along the way.
- West Somerset Coast Path
This is a 25-mile walking trail that runs along the coast from Minehead to Watchet, passing through the Quantock Hills on the way. The trail offers stunning views of the sea and coastline and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife along the way.
Circular Walks in The Quantocks
Many circular walks in the Quantock Hills offer a great way to experience the area's natural beauty. Here are a few examples:
- Great Wood
This popular walk takes you through some of the oldest and most majestic woodland in the Quantock Hills. The circular trail starts at the village of Crowcombe and takes around 3-4 hours to complete.
- Crowcombe and Bicknoller Circular Walk
This is an 8-mile circular walk that takes in the villages of Crowcombe and Bicknoller. The trail offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside, and there are plenty of opportunities to stop off at local pubs and cafes along the way.
- East Quantoxhead and Kilve Circular Walk
This is a 7-mile circular walk that starts in the village of East Quantoxhead and takes in the coastal village of Kilve. The trail offers stunning views of the sea and coastline, as well as the surrounding hills and countryside.
- Lydeard Hill Circular Walk
This is a moderate 5-mile circular walk that starts and finishes in the village of West Bagborough. The trail takes you to the top of Lydeard Hill, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the Bristol Channel.
- Cothelstone Hill Circular Walk
This is a 4-mile circular walk that takes in the summit of Cothelstone Hill. The summit offers stunning views of the Quantock Hills and the surrounding countryside. The trail starts and finishes in the village of Cothelstone.
- Holford to Combe Hill Circular Walk
This is a moderate 6-mile circular walk that starts and finishes in the village of Holford. The trail takes in some stunning woodland scenery and offers panoramic views of the Quantock Hills from Combe Hill. The walk takes you up Woodlands Hill to Dowsborough Camp, an Iron Age hill fort. Continue through Lady's Combe and Holford Combe before returning to the village and much-earned refreshments at The Plough Inn.
These are just a few examples of the many walking trails available in the Quantock Hills. Before setting out, it's important to check the difficulty level and length of the trail and bring appropriate equipment, clothing and supplies.
The Pubs
We’ve provided contact details for each pub. Due to their popularity with visitors and locals alike, you are advised to book your table in advance.
Many village pubs and inns in The Quantock Hills date back several centuries and boast traditional thatched roofs, exposed beams, and cosy fireplaces. They offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere that is perfect for unwinding after a long day of walking up Wills Neck to the highest point in the countryside or visiting stations on the West Somerset Railway, England’s longest heritage railway. This winds its way in the valley below The Quantocks for 23 miles from Bishops Lydeard near Taunton to the coast at Minehead – and is one more reason to book holiday cottages in The Quantocks.
The pubs often offer a range of locally sourced food and drink, including ales and ciders from nearby breweries and fresh, seasonal produce from the surrounding area.
Overall, village pubs and inns in The Quantock Hills are essential to the area’s cultural heritage, offering visitors a taste of traditional English hospitality and a chance to connect with the local community.
Here are a few examples of village pubs that we would be delighted to recommend:
1. The Carew Arms, Crowcombe
Address: The Carew Arms, Crowcombe, Taunton, TA4 4AD
Web: https://www./thecarewarms.co.uk
Tel:01984 618 631
Email: n/a
Named after one of the major landowning families, this 16th-century coaching inn boasts a spacious beer garden, a welcoming bar area, and comfortable accommodation for travellers. They offer a range of traditional pub food, including Sunday roasts and a variety of local ales and ciders.
2. The Castle of Comfort, Crowcombe
Web: http://www.castle-of-comfort.co.uk/
Tel: 01278 7412640
Email: reception@castle-of-comfort.co.uk
This historic 16th-century inn offers comfortable accommodation, traditional pub food, and a range of local ales and ciders. It is located in a beautiful rural setting and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills.
NB: If planning to visit either of the Crowcombe Pubs, why not go by steam train from any station on the West Somerset Railway to Crowcombe Heathfield Station? Then enjoy the appetite-building 30-40 minute walk, mainly along country lanes from the station to either of the two village pubs. Return by the same route and burn off some of the calories you’ve acquired after a fine lunch.
3. The Plough Inn, Holford
Web:https://www.theploughinnholford.co.uk/
Tel: 01278 741624
Email: enquiries@theploughinnholford.o.uk
This charming pub is in the heart of the Quantock Hills and offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with a cosy fire and comfortable seating. They serve a range of local ales, ciders, and a variety of classic pub dishes.http://www.whitehorsestogumber.co.uk/
4. The White Horse Inn, Stogumber
Address: High Street, Stogumber, Taunton, Somerset, TA4 3TA
Web: http://www.whitehorsestogumber.co.uk/
Tel: 01984-636450
Email: n/a
This historic pub dates back to the 16th century and features a thatched roof, exposed beams, and a welcoming bar area. It offers a range of local ales, ciders and delicious homemade food. NB: Stogumber is also a station on the West Somerset Railway, once used by The Beatles when filming A Hard Days Night.
5. The Hood Arms, Kilve
Address: Kilve, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA5 1EA
Web: https://www.thehoodarms.co.uk/en-GB
Tel: 01278 741114
Email: enquiries@thehoodarms.co.uk
This traditional coaching inn dates back to the 17th century and offers comfortable accommodation, a welcoming bar area, and delicious homemade food. It is located in the charming village of Kilve, close to the coast and the Quantock Hills.
6. The Old Cider House, Nether Stowey
Address: The Old Cider House, 25 Castle Street, Nether Stowey, Bridgwater TA5 1LN
Web: n/a
Tel: 01278 732228
Email: theoldciderhouse@gmail.com
This charming 16th-century inn offers comfortable accommodation, a welcoming bar area, and a range of local ciders. It is located in the picturesque village of Nether Stowey, close to the Quantock Hills and the coast.
These are just a few examples of the inns in the Quantock Hills area. Each offers a unique experience for visitors, not least those visiting, to enjoy a well-fed and watered walking holiday!
Where to Stay in The Quantocks
View our countryside collection of holiday cottages in The Quantocks
Properties range from romantic boltholes for couples to fine country houses offering group accommodation for celebrations or large family gatherings.