Nestled in the picturesque West Country, The Newt in Somerset stands as a beacon of refined rural charm, meticulously blending historical grandeur with modern luxury. This sprawling estate, encompassing 360 hectares, offers guests a singular experience that transcends a mere hotel stay, inviting them into a world where agriculture, history, and sophisticated comfort coexist in perfect harmony. From its meticulously preserved Roman villa to its vibrant working farm and exquisite dining options, The Newt curates an immersive retreat, ideal for those yearning for an escape into nature's embrace without sacrificing opulence.

An Idyllic West Country Escape: The Newt in Somerset

Embark on a captivating journey to The Newt in Somerset, easily accessible by a brief taxi ride from Castle Cary station or directly from the A359. This expansive West Country haven provides a distinctive pastoral sanctuary, seamlessly integrating the lavishness of a premium spa hotel with the authentic essence of a working farm. The estate boasts a diverse landscape, featuring a thriving deer park, an ancient Roman villa, a fascinating gardening museum, and a traditional cidery, all contributing to its unique appeal. While day visitors are welcomed, particularly through the 'Great Garden Escape' package, a more profound appreciation of this vast property necessitates either a Newt membership or an overnight stay, with a minimum of two nights recommended to fully immerse oneself in its extensive offerings.

The Newt presents two distinct, yet equally charming, accommodation options on its grounds. Hadspen House, a magnificent Grade II-listed structure dating back to 1687 and later transformed into a Georgian manor, houses 13 stately rooms. An additional 10 rooms are found within the beautifully converted Stable Yard, which includes the secluded Granary hideaway. Guests of the hotel can savor a traditional cream tea daily in the elegant Library. Nearby, the wellness facilities abound, featuring a well-equipped gym, a serene yoga studio, croquet and badminton lawns, and a tranquil spa. The spa boasts an indoor-outdoor pool with stunning views of the medieval herb garden, a hydrotherapy pool, steam room, sauna, and a salt-therapy chamber, complemented by a comprehensive menu of rejuvenating treatments.

A leisurely twenty-minute stroll south from Hadspen, past the serene lake, tranquil goose pond, productive cider orchards, and the vibrant Four Seasons Garden, or a quick ride on one of the complimentary golf buggies or cycles, leads to The Farmyard. This meticulously renovated 18th-century dairy farm embodies a more relaxed, yet equally elegant, side of The Newt. Here, 17 rooms await, each featuring luxurious roll-top baths, inviting four-poster beds, and minibars generously stocked with complimentary Newt delicacies. The Farmyard also offers its own heated pool house, and guests can enjoy a daily afternoon tea in the cozy Garner Bar, which is well-supplied with an array of complimentary Newt ciders and spirits for self-service, perfect for enjoying by the fireplace or while observing the free-roaming chickens outdoors.

Culinary excellence is at the heart of The Newt, with three exceptional restaurants distributed across both sites. Each establishment prides itself on utilizing ingredients cultivated, foraged, and raised directly on the sprawling 800-hectare farm, with preparation handled by the estate's own butchery, bakery, and creamery. Beyond an extensive selection of products from the on-site cidery, the wine lists proudly feature selections from The Newt's sister estates: Babylonstoren in Franschhoek, South Africa, and Vignamaggio in Chianti, Italy. The Farmyard Kitchen, with its rustic wood-fired range, specializes in convivial sharing-style dining. At Hadspen House, the more formal Botanical Rooms offer modern, seasonal dishes. The Garden Café, overlooking the magnificent Parabola planted with 330 heritage apple varieties, presents an outstanding vegetable-centric menu. Access to the Garden Café is exclusive to Newt members, with options starting from £40 per year. Membership offers unlimited visits to explore the gardens, woodlands, and exhibitions for a full 12 months, along with access to partner gardens, complimentary tours, workshops, festivals, and exclusive spa day and online shop offers. A 12-month membership is also included with any two-night or longer B&B stay.

The estate, once owned by the Hobhouse family for over 230 years, saw Hadspen House and its walled gardens transformed by Nori and Sandra Pope before being acquired in 2013 by South African hoteliers Karen Roos and Koos Bekker. Following extensive renovations, they unveiled the house and its surrounding estate as The Newt in 2019, named in honor of the protected great-crested newt, for which they have built dedicated habitats. The Farmyard expansion followed in 2021, with further developments already in the pipeline. A dedicated team of approximately 300 gardeners meticulously tends to The Newt’s vast seasonal and kitchen gardens, cultivating over 350 varieties of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, alongside a 26-hectare orchard featuring 70 apple varieties. A cidery tour and tasting is an absolute must, and guests can participate in a range of courses, from bowl-turning and basketry to butchery. However, it is the gardens, with their myriad free attractions, that truly captivate visitors. Engage in horticultural walks, discover the mythical wyvern in the grotto, feed the red and fallow deer in the deer park, visit the Beezantium for insights into avian life, or ascend the treetop walkway to explore The Story of Gardening, an interactive museum. The most compelling attraction, truly justifying a Newt membership for repeated visits, is Villa Ventorum, an extensive and ambitious recreation of a Roman-British settlement. Ruins dating back to 351 AD were unearthed in 1834 and have since been fully excavated and meticulously reconstructed by the current owners. The extraordinary attention to detail extends from the interactive visitor center to the virtual-reality headsets that guide you through each room of the villa, fully immersing you in the daily lives of both masters and servants.

Before concluding your visit and departing from Castle Cary, a stop at The Creamery is highly recommended. This beautifully restored old cheese factory, originally built next to the station in 1912, has been transformed by The Newt’s owners into a charming café, farm shop, and operational creamery. Its interior is stunningly finished in an industrial Edwardian style, featuring nostalgic touches from the historic Great Western Railway. If you haven’t already done so at The Newt’s main farm shop, stock up on packaged delicacies and fresh produce here, including delectable cheeses and yogurts made on-site from the milk of their own water buffalo herd. Stays typically require a two-night minimum mid-week or three nights from Thursday to Sunday, with rates beginning at £530 per night and ranging up to £1,830 per night during the festive Christmas and New Year period. These rates include breakfast, daily cream tea, a well-stocked in-room larder and bar, access to various on-site experiences, and a complimentary 12-month Newt membership.

The Newt in Somerset stands as a remarkable testament to the harmonious coexistence of luxury, history, and nature. Its commitment to preserving heritage while offering modern comforts provides a unique lens through which to appreciate the beauty and bounty of the English countryside. For any discerning traveler, a visit to this exquisite estate is not merely a vacation, but an enriching journey into a world where every detail is thoughtfully curated to inspire and delight.