Tielle’s Insider Guide to the Quantock Hills, Somerset
Never heard of the Quantock Hills? You're not alone - and that’s exactly why this pocket of Somerset feels so special. England’s first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (back in 1956), the Quantocks remain wonderfully quiet and unspoilt.
Where to stay
Cothelstone Manor is a magnificent Grade II* listed manor house, set within the wider Cothelstone Estate. With seven bedrooms, six bathrooms, a grand dining hall, billiard room, drawing room, snug, and modern kitchen, it’s the ultimate holiday home for gathering with friends or family. Whether you’re celebrating, reconnecting or simply escaping, the Manor combines old-world charm with modern comfort for a truly unforgettable stay.
Recently refurbished and dressed in Tielle bedlinen, Cothelstone Manor sits at the foot of the hills. Guests often arrive drawn to its Elizabethan architecture, luxurious interiors and rich history – but they leave having fallen in love with the countryside that surrounds it.
Where to walk
With over 7,000 acres of open-access land, the Quantock Hills are great for walking. For something gentle, Cothelstone Hill offers a circular walk with 360-degree views, the chance to spot Exmoor ponies, and the kind of light that changes by the minute. For a longer stretch, set out from Lydeard Hill to Wills Neck – the highest point of the Quantocks – where you’ll be rewarded with epic panoramas, Iron Age earthworks, and abundant wildlife.
Where to explore
Start right on your doorstep at the Cothelstone Estate. Managed holistically, the family-run estate blends an organic farm, ancient woodland, environmental projects and historic buildings into a haven for people and wildlife. Stroll through parkland where native cattle graze, look out for red deer, or discover a patch of waxcap fungi. For a dose of history, visit St Agnes Well – a medieval spring steeped in folklore – or step inside Cothelstone Church, a beautifully preserved 12th-century gem.
Where to caffeinate
Just five minutes away, the newly opened Meadow Café is worth a visit. Set on a working farm, it serves excellent coffee alongside brunch and lunch dishes that celebrate local produce. On a sunny day, grab a table in the courtyard and watch the world go by.
Where to indulge
Bread lovers should not miss Field Bakery, famous for its sourdough loaves, cinnamon buns and kimchi sausage rolls made with the farm’s own pasture-reared pigs. Everything is baked using organic flour milled on site – though note, opening hours are limited to Friday mornings and the first Saturday of each month.
Where to eat
For a classic countryside pub, the Farmers Arms hits the spot. Expect low ceilings, dark beams, a roaring fire: good for a quick pint or a hearty three-course meal.
Why you’ll want to return
The Quantock Hills don’t shout for attention – they quietly work their way into your heart. Whether you come for the history, the food, the walking, or simply the stillness, this corner of Somerset is the kind of place you’ll be talking about long after you’ve left.
Shop the luxury bedding loved by Cothelstone Manor here.
