The Quantock Hills are an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the West Somerset coast. Smaller than Exmoor, they are a heady mixture of coast, heather-filled heathland and forest, and the perfect place to spend tranquil days exploring the land and pretty villages dotted about the area. Popular with both locals and tourists, the mixture of landscapes gives it a distinctive look and its geology is of significant interest.
Why visit Quantock Hills?
Not only a wonderful opportunity to discover the fauna and flora of the area, it is the ideal place for walking, cycling and horse riding. This AONB offers a selection of picturesque villages to visit, including Nether Stowey, former home of the Romantic poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge.
Things to do in Quantock Hills:
Nether Stowey was not only Coleridge’s home but is also the starting point of the 51-mile Coleridge Way, famous for its spectacular scenery. Head for the wild gardens and visitor centre at Fyne Court, near Broomfield, or to the coast where you can spend days on the beach, swimming and fossil hunting at Kilve Beach.
Why stay in a Quantock Hills cottage?
One of the many great cottages in the Quantock Hills is a great base to visit its great selection of wonderful historic towns and villages and some great local village pubs. As well as the spectacular stretch of coastline, known as the Bristol Channel’s Jurassic Coast, the area is also home to the longest Heritage Railway in England.
Three must-see things in Quantock Hills:
- Try an event at Halsway Manor, including cider tasting and interesting wildlife walks.
- Walk along the 51-mile Coleridge Way and visit the Romantic poet’s cottage in Nether Stowey.
- Head over to Kilve where you can spend a lazy afternoon fossil hunting and paddle in the shallows.