The Newt: A Country Destination in Somerset, England

1. Linger over a true farm-to-table meal

The phrase “farm-to-table” may be overused these days, but at The Newt, it’s not just a buzzword. In summer, up to 90 percent of ingredients are estate-grown, while the rest are thoughtfully sourced with the utmost care. The result? Food that tastes genuinely fresh, vibrant, and utterly alive.

Take, for example, what was meant to be a quick lunch at the bar: a chilled gazpacho made with just-harvested garden tomatoes, served alongside a slice of rustic sourdough—still warm from the oven—with a generous dollop of silky whipped butter. It was the kind of meal I’d expect to savor at a candlelit dinner, not stumble upon mid-afternoon. I was completely blown away. (If I were to describe dinner at The Newt, this would become a short novel!)

Every bite and sip feels deeply rooted in the land, thoughtfully prepared, and seamlessly woven into the overall sense of place.

2. Find a quiet spot to lounge

At The Newt, leisure feels effortlessly luxurious. Shaded groves, wildflower meadows, and sunlit lawns invite guests to slow down. Families sprawl on manicured greens while children explore within view. Solo travelers might settle by a pond—(complimentary) drink in hand—while the day unfolds. Even rainy afternoons are a delight—perfect for curling up with a book in a cozy common room, borrowing one of the board games, or retreating to your own room—all of them unique, but each a light-filled haven.

3. Visit Stonehenge after hours

Just 45 minutes from The Newt, a Stonehenge visit is super easy to add on. Here’s the trick: while most visitors only see the monument from the periphery, there are a limited number of pre-opening and after-hours tickets that grant access inside the iconic stone circle. It’s a magical experience at any time, but at sunrise and sunset, the atmosphere is truly enchanting.

(And, if you’re interested, there are a few smaller stone circles nearby that could be added on to Stonehenge for a really great half-day experience. The monument in nearby Avesbury is walkable from the town.)

4. Visit the Roman villa on the Newt property

Just a five-minute buggy ride through The Newt’s scenic estate, you’ll find a remarkable surprise: a meticulously preserved Roman villa, discovered during the resort’s development. Now an immersive museum, it blends ancient ruins with modern storytelling—including an audio tour from the perspective of a Roman housekeeper. Every detail, from architecture to storytelling, reflects The Newt’s signature commitment to quality and imagination.

The experience culminates in a state-of-the-art virtual reality segment, transporting visitors into the rhythms of daily Roman life. It's engaging for both adults and children, and it’s easy to spend hours here.

5. Roam the gardens

The only question is which garden to start in. Perhaps a wander through the Four Seasons Garden first—four interconnected gardens that each celebrate a season. (Of course, there is a darling little cafe at the entrance in case you need a coffee or tea as you meander.)

Then, venture towards the orchards where the cider apples are grown. Forget your traditional overcrowded apple picking farm—this is an expansive orchard that offers each tree room to blossom (which, in turn, produces the richest, most flavorful apples). Sheep roam the orchard and the ducks waddle around the adjacent pond—a more bucolic country experience cannot be found.

Just when you think you’ve come to the end of the gardens, you may happen upon the Victorian Fragrance Garden, or a little path that leads to one of the (many) water features. Surprises are truly around every corner.

6. Visit Bath, a UNESCO Heritage Site

Bath is under an hour away from the Newt, and full of timeless elegance, Roman influence, and Georgian architecture. Visit the Roman baths—one of the best preserved sites in Northern Europe—dating from 70 AD. Then, take a dip in the UK’s only thermal waters at the Thermae Bath Spa. As you explore the city, you’ll see Roman pavings and mosaics, along with the Georgian architecture made popular in the 18th century by England’s elite society. This charming town inspired Jane Austen and Mary Shelley, and was a filming location for the more recent "Bridgerton" series.

7. The Story of Gardening

"The Story of Gardening" is way more than just an exhibit; it’s a thoughtful, immersive look at how people have shaped—and been shaped—by the land over time. Housed in a beautiful, light-filled space tucked into the woods, it mixes modern tech with real plants, interactive displays, and even a bit of virtual reality. You’ll travel through centuries of garden design, from ancient Persian plots to classic English landscapes, all brought to life in a way that feels fresh and engaging. Whether you’re into gardening or not, it’s definitely worth a visit.

8. Cider, wine, or honey tasting

Let’s focus on cider. The Newt’s cider is crafted from estate-grown apples using traditional methods—no additives, just pure, orchard-pressed perfection. The guided tasting offers generous glasses of a variety of styles, from crisp and dry to delicately floral, all enjoyed with views of the very orchards that made them. You’ll be stunned at the number of varieties that can be produced with apples alone! (I speak from experience when I say, you do not need to have any interest in cider-making to enjoy this experience. The guides are so fun and engaging, absolutely anyone would have fun.)

9. Enjoy the spa

Like everything else at this property, great thought has been put into the spa treatments—each with a little touch of something extra that takes it from good to blissful. Top on my list are the Rasual treatment (with rose and geranium) and a rose quartz facial—but then I look at the menu again and think I might just need to stay a week and try each and every one of the treatments (because how could you really choose just one or two?).

And whether you do a spa treatment or not, the spa pool and adjacent spa garden is a fantastic place to enhance your relaxation. (Note that the property has not just one, but two pools!)

(Here’s a secret: The rooms in the Clock House have a courtyard that opens up to the spa pool area. The Clock House only has four bedrooms, though, so you need to book early to snag one of those!)

10. Exercise

With over 800 acres of rolling countryside, woodland, and gardens, The Newt offers endless ways to explore and move at your own pace. Whether it’s a gentle one-mile stroll or a more ambitious 20-mile bike ride, well-marked paths and maps make it easy to find your perfect route. Morning yoga sessions and forest bathing experiences provide a more meditative way to connect with the natural surroundings. And with gardens as captivating as these, even the most reluctant walkers may find themselves happily logging extra steps just to see what lies around the next corner.

Botanical Room

If elegance in the garden is what you’re after, the Botanical Room is for you. This restaurant is located in the Hadspen Manor House and has a glass enclosure so you truly feel like you’re dining among flowers regardless of the weather.

Farmyard Kitchen

Located in a refurbished barn, the Farmyard Kitchen maintains its rustic flair and still manages to feel casually elevated. When we enjoyed dinner there, the bread for the table was a fire-roasted pita-type bread with a lemon garnish. I watched as it came out of the oven and was brought to our table—truly the freshest meal you could ask for.

Afternoon cream tea

This complimentary offering is the most delightful afternoon treat and allows you to enjoy the beautifully restored Hadspen House.

Garden Cafe

Lighter fare for breakfast and lunch that seems to have come straight from the garden.

The minibar in your room

This may sound silly, but the very well-stocked minibars in each room are complimentary. A far cry from a stale pack of M&Ms and a bottle of water, The Newt minibars offer espresso, hard cider (made on-site of course), sparkling water, and a variety of local, fresh treats so good you’ll think you stumbled into an artisan bake shop.