Long celebrated as Britain’s quintessential countryside retreat, the Cotswolds has a new rival in the South West—South Somerset. According to a recent ranking by The Telegraph, this charming area has clinched an impressive score of 40 out of 50, positioning it as the UK’s top alternative to the traditional Cotswolds hotspot.
South Somerset shares much of the Cotswolds’ appeal at first glance. Traveling across the Somerset Levels toward the A303, visitors encounter villages built from warm, golden Hamstone—locally quarried limestone from Ham Hill that glows like honey in the soft light of dusk. Quaint streets in South Petherton, Martock, Barrington, and Hinton St George are lined with picturesque cottages framed by roses, evoking the same rustic charm as Gloucestershire’s prettiest villages but with a refreshing absence of tourist crowds.
Yet South Somerset stands out with its distinctive character. The region boasts a rich cider-making heritage, with rolling orchards scattered across the hills and family-run cider producers preserving time-honored methods. Anchored by landmarks like Burrow Hill Cider Farm and the Somerset Cider Brandy Company—linked to the family of fashion designer Alice Temperley—the area maintains a living tradition of apple pressing and craft cider production.
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Nature lovers will also appreciate the area’s wild beauty. The bird-rich wetlands of the Somerset Levels are famous for spectacular starling murmurations during the winter months, offering a breathtaking sight amid a landscape that is as untamed and elemental as it is beautiful.
Culinary and hospitality scenes in South Somerset are thriving. Holm in South Petherton, led by former London chef Nicholas Balfe, has earned acclaim for its menu centered on seasonal and foraged ingredients. Meanwhile, the Lord Poulett Arms in Hinton St George is celebrated as one of the finest rural inns in England, blending sleek modern style with inviting warmth.
While the Cotswolds can feel like a magnet for celebrities and mass tourism, South Somerset offers a more understated allure. Alongside figures like Alice Temperley, it has become a discreet retreat for creatives and food lovers seeking authentic experiences away from the crowds.
In The Telegraph’s rankings, South Somerset scored a perfect 10 out of 10 for its signature honey-hued cottages and received high marks for its dining venues, accommodation, and preservation of quintessentially British traditions—from willow weaving to lively village fêtes. Its total score of 40 out of 50 places it ahead of many better-known destinations.
For those in search of rural beauty, excellent cuisine, and a strong sense of community—without the premium price tag—South Somerset is fast emerging as the unspoiled, welcoming alternative to the Cotswolds.