Get More From Your West Pennard Hot Tub Cottage Break
Booking cottages with hot tubs in West Pennard puts you right in the heart of Somerset's most mystical landscape. This small village sits just two miles from Glastonbury and offers the perfect blend of rural peace and easy access to some of England's most fascinating historical sites. The area around West Pennard has been inhabited since prehistoric times and you'll find ancient monuments dotted across the surrounding countryside.
We think West Pennard makes an ideal base for hot tub breaks because you get genuine countryside seclusion without being isolated from attractions. The village itself is quiet and unspoilt with traditional stone cottages and working farms. You can book everything from boutique cottages with private hot tubs to large holiday houses perfect for groups. Many properties are dog friendly and offer the kind of luxury you won't find in standard holiday lets.
What to do on a family or couple's hot tub break in West Pennard
West Pennard gives you access to Glastonbury's spiritual heritage alongside the natural beauty of the Somerset Levels. The village sits on higher ground which means you get spectacular views across the wetlands towards Glastonbury Tor. This is proper Somerset countryside with narrow lanes and ancient field patterns that haven't changed in centuries.
Whether you're after romantic breaks for 2 or family cottages that sleep a large group, West Pennard delivers. The area works brilliantly for last minute getaways and longer country breaks. You can visit Glastonbury's shops and cafes in minutes or head to Wells and its stunning cathedral. The Somerset Levels offer unique wildlife watching and the Mendip Hills provide excellent walking routes.
Sightseeing in West Pennard
The village itself centres around the magnificent Church of St Nicholas which dates back to the 15th century. West Pennard has retained its agricultural character and you'll see working farms throughout the parish. The surrounding landscape is a patchwork of small fields and ancient hedgerows with the dramatic outline of Glastonbury Tor dominating the western horizon.
Top 5 attractions you have to see in West Pennard
The area around West Pennard offers an incredible mix of ancient sites and natural attractions. From prehistoric monuments to medieval architecture, you'll find places to stay near some of Britain's most important historical locations.
Glastonbury Tor
This iconic hill rises 158 metres above the Somerset Levels and is crowned by the ruined tower of St Michael's Church. The climb takes about 20 minutes and rewards you with panoramic views across Somerset and beyond. Glastonbury Tor has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries and remains one of England's most atmospheric landmarks.
Glastonbury Abbey
The ruins of Glastonbury Abbey tell the story of one of medieval England's most powerful monasteries. Founded in the 7th century, the abbey became incredibly wealthy and influential before Henry VIII dissolved it in 1539. You can explore the atmospheric ruins and visit the spot where King Arthur and Queen Guinevere were supposedly buried.
West Pennard Court Barn
This magnificent 15th-century barn sits right in the village and is one of the finest medieval farm buildings in Somerset. The barn stretches 30 metres long and showcases the wealth of medieval agriculture in the area. It's managed by the National Trust and demonstrates the importance of West Pennard as a farming community.
The Somerset Levels
These unique wetlands stretch for miles around West Pennard and offer exceptional wildlife watching. The Levels are home to huge flocks of starlings in winter and rare breeding birds in summer. You can explore quiet lanes and discover ancient drove roads that cross the wetlands. The flat landscape makes cycling easy and the big skies create stunning sunsets.
Wells Cathedral
Just eight miles from West Pennard, Wells Cathedral is one of England's architectural masterpieces. Built between 1175 and 1490, the cathedral features the famous scissor arches and an astronomical clock dating from 1390. The medieval streets around the cathedral are perfect for exploring and you'll find excellent independent shops and cafes.
Don't Miss These...
| Attraction | What you'll experience | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Glastonbury Tor | Spectacular hilltop views and ancient spiritual atmosphere with ruined church tower | Everyone |
| Glastonbury Abbey | Extensive medieval ruins with Arthurian legends and beautiful grounds | Families |
| West Pennard Court Barn | Impressive 15th-century agricultural building showing medieval craftsmanship | Everyone |
| The Somerset Levels | Unique wetland landscape with exceptional wildlife and peaceful walking routes | Couples |
| Wells Cathedral | Stunning Gothic architecture with famous scissor arches and medieval streets | Everyone |
Visitor FAQs
How do I get to West Pennard?
West Pennard sits just off the A361 between Glastonbury and Shepton Mallet. The nearest train station is Castle Cary which is 8 miles away with direct services to London Paddington. Bristol Airport is 35 miles north and offers excellent road connections.
What family activities are available near West Pennard?
Families love Wookey Hole Caves which combines spectacular underground caverns with adventure activities. The Helicopter Museum at Weston-super-Mare is 20 miles away and Cheddar Gorge offers dramatic scenery and cave tours. Glastonbury has quirky shops that children find fascinating.
Where are the best romantic spots around West Pennard?
Sunset walks up Glastonbury Tor create magical moments and the quiet lanes around West Pennard are perfect for evening strolls. Wells has intimate restaurants and the Bishop's Palace gardens offer peaceful seclusion. A cottage with hot tub provides the perfect romantic retreat after exploring.
What shopping options exist near West Pennard?
Glastonbury offers unique independent shops selling everything from crystals to vintage clothing. Street has the Clarks Village outlet centre with over 90 stores offering deals on major brands. Wells provides traditional market town shopping with excellent delis and bookshops.
Are hot tub cottages suitable for new year breaks?
Absolutely. Hot tub stays are perfect for new year when you want comfort and luxury. Many lodges and holiday homes offer special deals for winter breaks. The hot tub becomes even more appealing in cold weather and West Pennard's rural location means peaceful celebrations.
West Pennard combines genuine Somerset character with easy access to major attractions. Whether you're booking a cheap cottage for 1 night or a luxury retreat for a large family, you'll find self catering options to suit. The village offers the best of both worlds with secluded country breaks and fascinating places to visit within minutes. Remote self catering here doesn't mean missing out on activities.
We recommend booking cottages to rent in West Pennard well ahead for peak times. The area attracts visitors year-round thanks to Glastonbury's enduring appeal. From fishing lodges to villas with swimming pools, the rental options cover every budget and group size. Pet friendly cottages are common and many properties welcome dogs. Forest holiday vibes meet ancient history in this special corner of Somerset.