Combe Head House: Food & Wellbeing in Somerset
Tucked into the rolling Blackdown Hills, Combe Head House is the kind of place where time slows, and the pleasures of the countryside are savoured in full. This historic Tudor estate, lovingly restored and brimming with character, is a retreat in every sense: elegant yet unpretentious, private yet warmly welcoming. From the moment you arrive, you know this isn’t just a stay — it’s an experience.
Stay in Style
Whether you stay in The Gatehouse or The Stables your stay is framed by thoughtful design, natural textures, and a sense of calm. Windows open onto quiet gardens, the scent of the surrounding woods, and the distant hills, creating a perfect canvas for a peaceful getaway.
Where to Eat: South West Flavours on Your Doorstep
No stay at Combe Head House is complete without exploring the exceptional local dining scene. From hearty country pubs to innovative modern kitchens, the area around the estate is a food lover’s dream.
- The Cotley Inn – Just 10 minutes from the house, this award-winning pub pairs rustic charm with inventive seasonal dishes, served in a sun-drenched terrace or cosy dining room.
- The Candlelight Inn – A very short drive brings you to this revived gem, where British classics and fresh seafood shine.
- Pips Railway Carriage – For a quirky, unforgettable experience, dine in a restored train carriage serving excellent coffee, cakes, and casual lunches.
- Horrell & Horrell – Warm, communal, and effortlessly stylish, perfect for weekend dinners or Sunday lunches with a sense of occasion.
- Holm – Casual, refined, and nature-driven, this hidden gem is a testament to the best of South West produce.
- The Newt in Somerset – A short drive away, the historic estate boasts multiple restaurant options, including the Farmyard Kitchen, showcasing produce grown on-site.
- The Pig at Combe – Just over half an hour away, this relaxed, characterful kitchen-garden restaurant celebrates micro-seasonal local ingredients.
- Otter Valley Field Kitchen – Casual, outdoorsy, and ideal for light lunches or wood-fired pizza, surrounded by rolling farmland.
- Hive Beach Cafe – A favourite for lunch or a seaside snack, where the views of the dramatic Dorset coastline are as much a treat as the food.
Each stop is a destination in itself, whether you’re craving a leisurely Sunday roast, a fresh seafood lunch, or a relaxed café moment with a coffee and cake.
Wellbeing: Swim, Soothe, Slow Down
While the local food scene excites the senses, Combe Head House nurtures the body and soul. Begin your mornings with a dip in the estate’s spring-fed swimming pond, surrounded by the serenity of the Blackdown Hills. The water is crisp, the light golden — a quiet, restorative ritual that awakens both body and mind.
For ultimate indulgence, book a bespoke treatment during your stay. In-cottage massages, forest meditation, and cacao or sound bath ceremonies are all on offer, blending gentle luxury with a deep connection to nature. There’s no rush here; the focus is simply to breathe, unwind, and enjoy the slower rhythms of the countryside.
The Perfect South West Escape
A stay at Combe Head House is more than a weekend away — it’s an immersion in the best of Somerset life. Walk the hills, discover hidden pubs, feast on the South West’s finest produce, and return to the estate for restorative swims and treatments. Evenings are for curling up by the fire, a glass in hand, reflecting on the day’s adventures.
This is a stay for the senses: for the food lover, the nature enthusiast, and the weary soul seeking calm. South Somerset has never felt so restorative, so delicious, and so undeniably elegant.
