The Quantock Hills, Somerset

The Quantock Hills are an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).  They were in fact the first to be designated in the England.

These hills run for 15 miles from Taunton Vale through to the Jurassic West Somerset coast, providing beautiful views of Taunton Vale and beyond, over the sea towards South Wales and views across the Somerset Levels and the Mendip Hills. Stunning scenery.

At West Quantoxhead  the picturesque coastal area of Kilve is a favourite haunt of fossil hunters due to the Jurassic sea bed that is currently being slowly eroded away.  Only four miles from The Old House, this is a very popular area often visited and enjoyed by our guests.

The highest point on the Quantocks Hills is Wills Neck which lies 384m (1261ft) above sea level. On a clear day it is possible to see as far as Glastonbury Tor, to Wales as far as the Gower Peninsula, the Blackdown Hills to the south and across the vale to the Brendon Hills and Exmoor.

Whilst exploring the Quantocks we can recommend:

• The Blue Ball at Triscombe, The Hood Arm at Kilve,  Podshavers,  Combe House Hotel and The Castle of Comfort, all for good eating
• The Coleridge Way
• Children may enjoy Tropiquaria at Watchet, a day trip to Butlins at Minehead or just playing on the beach
• More locally hunting for fossils in Kilve is always popular
• The Steam Train from  Bishops Lydeard to Minehead
• West Somerset Coastal Path or the Quantock Greenway
• Mountain Biking  or cycling on the Quantocks (cycles can be hired locally)
• Horse riding and trekking
• Fishing, coarse and freshwater locally
• Golfing at Cannington ( 2×9 hole )- 2 miles or competition standard at Enmore – 3 miles
• Several swimming pools locally.