Those chilly autumn and winter evenings are perfect for huddling in the corner of a pub, catching up with friends and enjoying a few drinks or a hearty homemade dinner.
Get yourself out of the cold, we've assembled a list of 19 cosy pubs to visit in Somerset.
The Kings Head, Cheddar
Sitting off the beaten track in the tourist-heavy village of Cheddar, The Kings Head is one of the village's best kept secret - but it's simply too lovely not to share.
Duck inside on a blustery day and you'll find a sympathetically decorated and character-rich pub with two cosy rooms either side of the bar. The lounge area is equipped with a toasty woodburner making it a welcoming spot to while away a cold and dark evening. The team ensure a warm welcome is extended to visitors as well as their loyal locals.
The Plough Inn, Wrington
The Plough Inn is nestled deep in the Wrington countryside which is home to some of the county's most picturesque views. Soak in the gorgeous scenery from the warmth of the inn's two roaring log fires.
If that's not won you over, the extensive menu offers mouth-watering dishes including a sharing platter of baked camembert fondue and mixed charcuterie - the perfect indulgent treat on a cold winter's day.
The Farmers Arms, Higher West Hatch, near Taunton
Escape the hustle and bustle at this peaceful pub tucked away in the Somerset countryside. The Farmers Arms in Higher West Hatch, just a five minute drive from Taunton, exudes rustic charm and uniqueness, retaining much of the original features of its former days as a farmhouse.
Enjoy delightful views out across the rolling greenery of the county as you snuggle up in front of the fire with a glass of red or local ale in hand.
Candlelight Inn, near Chard
If you're on the prowl for a pub bursting with a lively atmosphere, you can't go wrong with the award-winning Candlelight Inn, found in the chocolate box village of Bishopswood. Accolades include winner of Customer Service of the Year and finalist for Pub of the Year at the Somerset Life Food & Drink Awards.
This quintessential country retreat is extremely popular with locals and visitors due to the friendly welcome, a menu brimming with tasty well-cooked fare and great range of local beers and thirst-quenching ciders.
The Mason Arms, Odcombe
Countryside pubs don't get much more charming than The Mason Arms in Odcombe. With a thatched roof, bonhomie atmosphere and a menu full of hearty dishes using home grown produce, it epitomises everything a proper village pub should be.
Gather with good company and grab a coveted table near the fire. Catch up over a bottle of full bodied red and a tasty bite to eat.
The Ship Inn, Porlock
After exploring the pretty village of Porlock or walking along the nearby coastline, take a well-deserved break in The Ship Inn. As one of the oldest pubs on Exmoor, the interiors retain much of their original history and charm; think exposed brick walls, rustic wooden furniture and a roaring log fire just waiting to welcome you in.
If you're a real ale fan, you're in good hands as there's always a fantastic range of local and CAMRA recommended beers to try.
Royal Oak, Over Stratton
The 17th century former farmhouse with a thatched roof, ham stone walls and solid oak beams is the perfect spot to warm yourself up as the colder months roll in.
Enjoy a tasty pint of local ale or glass of wine in the pub's cosy interiors - and try and get a table next to the fireplace if you can!
Talbot Inn, Mells
Nestled in the heart of Mells, the Talbot Inn is a melting pot of industrial-style furnishings and modern décor, all inside a traditional coaching inn adjoined by a pretty courtyard adorned with twinkling lights.
We recommend heading to the Talbot Inn with friends and indulging in the scrumptious Sunday roast sharing platter complete with delectable roasted meats, potatoes, cauliflower cheese and vegetables.
The Swan, Wedmore
With Tom Blake from River Cottage running The Swan's kitchen, you know you can expect a top-notch meal out.
When in Wedmore, not only can you be assured of a tasty bite to eat but also a charming location for a couple of drinks and great conversation or a cosy seat by the woodburner to warm up.
The George Inn, Croscombe
Soft lighting and log fires create a cosy feeling at The George Inn during chilly winter days. A 17th century pub, which perfectly incorporates rustic charm with modern furnishings, is a lovely spot to meet up with friends.
The pub has a great reputation for its selection of ales and local Somerset ciders, and for those feeling a little peckish try one of their traditional pub dishes. We have heard the short crust pies are a must-try.
The Holcombe Inn, Holcombe
A warming log fire, locally brewed ales, an extensive collection of rare malt whiskies and vibrant evening atmosphere, The Holcombe Inn is a perfect pub to visit in colder weather. We can't forget the delicious dishes served here either.
Sat in the county's stunning countryside, south of Bath, The Holcombe also offers ten beautifully designed bedrooms if you fancy a relaxing getaway.
The Royal Oak Inn, Luxborough
For pub classics done well, The Royal Oak Inn in the charming village of Luxborough is the place to go. Enjoy a tasty dish of lambs liver and bacon or beef, ale and mushroom pie, alongside plenty of other delicious options, in the surroundings of a pub bursting with character.
The 14th century inn boasts original flagstone and cobblestone flooring, stone walls and exposed beams, alongside an open fireplace.
Montague Inn, Shepton Montague, near Wincanton
The cosy Montague Inn, hidden away amongst the Somerset country lanes near Bruton and Wincanton, is the perfect shelter from the chilly winter weather.
The varied food and drink menu have something to offer all, from traditional Somerset ciders and unique bar nibbles to filling gastro pub style meals utilising the best of local and seasonal produce.
Oakhill Inn, near Radstock
While away an afternoon at the Oakhill Inn near Radstock, reclining on the charming mismatch of seating in front of the fire.
This welcoming spot provides patrons with a good range of fresh cask ales and delicious dishes in contemporary, yet charming, surroundings.
The Wheatsheaf, Combe Hay
Just a ten minute drive from Bath lies the charming, historic village of Combe Hay which was listed in the Domesday Book in 1085. While visiting the village, The Wheatsheaf is a must visit.
Buried in picturesque Somerset countryside, it's a delightful place to enjoy a delicious meal alongside a beer or glass of wine, and retreat before the open fire on one of the plump purple sofas.
The Sheppey, Godney
Cool, quirky and wonderfully atmospheric, we're raved about The Sheppey many times before but we assure you it's for good reason! Local ales and ciders are a-plenty and the menu is packed with deliciously inventive dishes.
With its idyllic riverside location, it makes a great spot for al fresco drinks but it's also wonderfully cosy inside when those winter months draw in.
The Five Dials Inn, Horton
After a bracing winter walk, relax and refuel at The Five Dials Inn in Horton, nestled on the edge of the Blackdown Hills.
A charming pub atmosphere, tasty local ciders and a menu brimming with inventive twists on traditional pub fare are all part and parcel at this pub. We would definitely recommend the triple cooked chips!
The Duck at Burtle, Burtle
Winner of the Family Dining Award at Somerset Life Food & Drink Awards 2017, The Duck at Burtle ticks all the boxes when it comes to considering a welcoming, countryside escape to the pub.
Try and pick a spot in the Snug where you can recline on the cosy leather seating or sample the menu in the spacious bar area by the fireplace.
The Nutterjack, Evercreech
A warm and friendly welcome awaits you at The Nutterjack, in the small village of Evercreech south of Shepton Mallet. The cosy spot boasts exposed brickwork, wooden flooring, characterful touches and, of course, a fire to warm up next to.
For simple, honest food cooked well - the Nutterjack boasts a menu bound to get your mouth watering.
