Sweetings Barton Barn

This spacious, dog-friendly getaway near Taunton is a relaxed base for a family of four, with two en-suite bedrooms, a hot tub and a large, enclosed garden. Head into Taunton (4 miles) for a morning at the Museum of Somerset, followed by cake and coffee in the castle courtyard before giving the kids a run around Vivary Park.

For a day in the Quantock Hills National Landscape, start at Triscombe Stone (6 miles) and follow the 2-mile circular route up to Wills Neck, the hills’ highest point, with far-reaching views before dropping back through towering woodlands. Continue outdoor adventures in Hestercombe Garden House and Gardens (5 miles), where paths wind between lakes and woods.

Other attractions include the steam train at Bishops Lydeard (1.5 miles), and animal encounters at Tropiquaria Zoo (11 miles). Admire the facade of this beautiful stone property as you make your way through the front garden and into the kitchen via the stable doors.

Chic units and quality appliances mean you can whip up any dishes the group wants with ease, then sit down to dinner in the lounge/diner. Get cosy by firing up the wood burner and relax on the sofa with a film on the Smart TV.

The bright and welcoming double-aspect lounge benefits from both north and south-facing French doors, flooding the space with natural light. Step outside to the enclosed south-facing garden, ideal for relaxing in the sun, while the north-facing doors lead directly into the beautifully maintained shared grounds.

Completing the ground floor accommodation is a utility room which can be found off the kitchen with a washing machine and WC offering space to store walking gear. Upstairs, two bedrooms make up the sleeping arrangements.

The first is a charming king-size bedroom with an en-suite shower room and WC, and the second is a spacious twin zip-and-link bedroom with an additional day bed. The twin beds and the day bed can both be converted upon request.