A shepherds hut or a double decker bus? A hobbit house or a tree tent? Discover some of the more unusual ways to spend your holidays in Somerset.
E-dens, Glastonbury
Imagine waking up to a perfect view of the mystical Glastonbury Tor across an apple orchard and rolling hills. You can do just that in one of Middlewick Farm’s three E-den camping cabins, called Adam, Eve and Apple.
These cute cabins have even appeared on television, on C4’s George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces a few years ago.
Each one is fully insulated and double glazed so will keep you snug all year round. They have a full-size double bed, with crisp white bedding and fluffy towels, a Velux window for stargazing and a little covered deck to the front, furnished with table and chairs, from which to enjoy the spectacular view. They also have their own private shower rooms.
Guests have use of all the facilities at Middlewick which includes a swimming pool and a fabulous farm shop and café. But BBQs are provided if you want to do your own cooking.
READ MORE: All you need to know about the history of Glastonbury
Rex the Bus, nr Yeovil
All aboard this charming double-decker bus for a unique holiday experience. ‘Rex the Bus’ has been lovingly converted into a luxurious and stylish holiday let and sits in its own paddock on the owners’ small-holding a couple of miles outside Yeovil.
The ground floor houses the kitchen, shower room and cosy living area, complete with cushioned seating and a dining table. There is also an original bus seat paying homage to Rex's past. Up on the top deck, there is sleeping accommodation for four people with bunk beds at the front of the bus and a comfy king size bed to the rear. There is also a loo and basin on this floor.
Meanwhile, step outside to dine al fresco on the decking and take in the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Just to note, because Rex the Bus is situated on a working farm with livestock, dogs are not permitted.
READ MORE: Yeovil: The perfect place for an active breakaway
A Hobbit House, Radstock
This is a surprise! For something completely different, how about staying in a whimsical hobbit house?
The Little Shire is made up of three homely hobbit houses buried underground. But don’t let this fool you. There is nothing dark or dingy about these dwellings. They are all comfortably furnished and enjoy luxurious touches such as a private patio area with a stove heated hot tub, a Smart TV, underfloor heating and ceiling Bluetooth speakers.
The Wabbit is the largest house with three bedrooms (two kingsize beds and one bunk bedroom) and a walk-in shower. Quackers has two kingsize bedrooms whilst The Charm Inn, which opened last year, is a cosy one-bedroom studio house.
The Little Shire is nestled at the back of Rookery Farm, a converted old working farm which now houses different independent businesses. This means guests can enjoy a lovely range of shopping and eating experiences during their stay, right on the doorstep.
The Tree Tent, nr Shepton Mallet
If you fancy getting right back to nature and escaping into the outdoors, perhaps a magical weekend in The Tree Tent at Pennard Farm is just what you’ve been waiting for.
This suspended spherical pod is strung between two ancient trees, overlooking the Mendip Hills and moving gently in the breeze to rock you to sleep. It is fitted out with a comfortable double bed, which folds back into a sofa, there is solar powered LED lighting and even a wood burning stove for cosy evenings throughout the year.
Step out of the pod and cross a rope bridge to the elevated, rustic but fully fitted kitchen along with washroom facilities which include a loo and private outdoor shower. A wonderful, decked fire pit area is nestled amongst the trees with views over the canopy which really comes to life in the evening when it is festooned with fairy lights.
READ MORE: 5 reasons to love Shepton Mallet in Somerset
Shepherd’s Hut, Kilve
For the ultimate countryside experience, how about a stay in a shepherd’s hut at an award-winning site? Old Rectory House near Kilve was recently presented with a Silver in the South West Tourism Excellence Awards for Glamping Business of the Year, and it’s not hard to see why.
There are two luxury, oak clad shepherd huts, Dotty’s and Charlotte’s, made by the master craftsmen at Blackdown Shepherd Huts. Both are beautifully decorated with a double bed, well equipped kitchenette and bathroom with electric shower. Outside, each hut has its own private area complete with a wood-fired hot tub from which to enjoy the wonderful countryside and coastal views, with just the farm’s flock of Herdwick sheep for neighbours.
There is an onsite farm shop, The Pantry, stocked with seasonal produce and its own breakfast pack. Guests are also free to explore the grounds which include a walled orchard and a wildflower meadow.
