– Bobby

From the moment you step onto the boardwalk and into the trees at The Newt in Somerset, you know you are approaching something special. The weaving path and tree canopy quickly settles your equilibrium. Shoulders drop, you take in a deep breath of fresh air and the gentle bustle of nature immediately helps clear your mind.

We’ve been lucky enough to enjoy excursions to The Newt for two years (and counting) via a garden membership. We hop in the car from Bristol and take the road, now familiar, through the Somerset hills, sharing weekends with family on the estate, relaxed Sunday meanderings and even solo mid-week mornings to enjoy a break from the city. 

Even after all this time, there are areas of the estate we are yet to explore but personal highlights include; the yoga studio, the four seasons garden and the set lunch menu at The Farmyard Kitchen. 

Event days such as Apple Day or Easter Sunday are fun to be a part of – exploring all the apple varieties and seeing the cider press in action or seeing newborn lambs enjoying the spring sunshine and hearing a jazz band softly fill the airwaves. These events can be very atmospheric and create a great sense of unity. However, my favourite time to visit is early in the week. Arriving when the estate is just waking up. Staff greet guests and their peers with a gentle ‘good morning’, birds are singing and the sun gradually illuminates the stunning landscape. 

Our first port of call is usually the Threshing Barn to order a coffee and a pastry, maybe if it’s later in the day we’ll pick up a soup of the day and a focaccia toastie; filled with beef, preserves and veggies all reared and grown on the estate. The non-designated driver will likely accompany their snack with a glass of homemade draught cider, Gravity. This is enjoyed in the greenhouse amongst lush greenery and the sound of the coy pond.

We then set off, fuelled and ready for our Newt experience of the day.

The Four Seasons Garden

I discovered this part of the estate in the middle of a heatwave whilst on a search for shade and continue to return when I need respite from busy metropolitan life. It’s a very welcome break from city living, where we don’t have the advantage of a private garden.

A small distance out from the hustle and bustle of the central hub, the Threshing Barn, you head off through the fields, weave through the apple orchard where sheep are grazing and find a manicured haven, seemingly dropped from above, a perfectly imagined garden utopia. Start your Four Seasons Garden journey through a gateway canopy of fragranced jasmine, then into a sea of lilies which guide you to a flowing stream, weaving through topiary trees and opening up to a marble fountain. It’s like something from a film.

In the middle of the Fours Seasons Gardens is a verdigris lawn. The shallow stream which links the gardens opens up into a small pool. And this is where I like to set up camp for a few hours. Throw out the picnic blanket, read a book, play a few matches of Monopoly Deal, dip a toe to cool off and enjoy an iced coffee from the bee hut nearby. All before retreating to the rose garden for some shade.

This area has some scattered benches to admire the impressive rose bushes and the epic centre point, one of the famous George Frampton sculptures of the boy who never grew up (it’s twin is displayed at the one and only Kensington Gardens), which only further adds to the whimsicality of this place in full bloom.

The Four Seasons Gardens is far enough off the beaten path that it feels like a secret garden and has now set some very unrealistic expectations for my future landscaping plans when we eventually buy a house with any outdoor space.

The Yoga Studio

Nestled amongst the main hotel grounds, the yoga studio hides behind a small walled garden. An architectural masterpiece in itself, the limestone exterior and copper shingle roof blends seamlessly with nature yet takes your breath away at the same time. As you enter, you’re enveloped by the beech cladded walls, your eyes drawn up to the singular window, a skylight which frames the trees and sky. 

We booked on for the Yin And Breathwork class and the number of participants was refreshing in comparison to an over populated and functional classes in the city. With only nine people, it allowed everyone to fully extend and indulge in the quiet setting. Some in attendance appeared to be local regulars and others (like us) were taking part as one off treat. 

Practice was easy to follow yet also tailored to the individual. The instructor was attentive to each persons journey and ability. As we moved through physical poses and breath release, I could feel myself letting go of months of tension. I am someone who feels everything deeply, and often becomes overwhelmed by every emotion. This session grounded me and served as a reminder of the importance of letting go, breathing out anxieties and embracing the positive effect of movement. As Baz Luhrman wrote in that song all those years ago “Streeetch”. 

The energy in a yoga studio is very fragile and can easily be affected by the instructor, yet she was able to gently reach each person in the room without intruding on their individual experience. As I write, I realise I need to book another class asap.

The Farmyard Kitchen

Your adventure of The Farmyard Kitchen starts from the moment you arrive at the hotel car-park and you are assigned a golf buggy for the day. No matter how old you are, you can’t deny that the idea of zooming around in a golf buggy doesn’t incite a buzz of excitement and awake your inner child. 

Gear up the golf buggy and enjoy the spectacular sight of Hapsden House from the path, say hi to the cows grazing as you pass and gently inform to whoever is in the drivers seat to “TAKE IT EASY” over the cattle grid. Once you’ve gathered yourself after your journey, enter the Farmyard Kitchen. Although the structure is almost all glass, the open fire keeps it cosy and the signature green tiled kitchen gives plenty of that well known Newt flair.

Lunch is usually a small menu, with the majority, if not all, of the ingredients coming from the estate itself. Even though the food prices are – in my opinion – quite reasonable, the portions are hearty and the ingredients are top tier! We’re usually here on a special occasion so opt for a bottle of The Winston, an extremely light, gently sparkling cider, served in the style of Champagne.  

Starters consist of a flatbread accompanied by estate pickles and cured meat. The mains we’ve had in the past are chicken leg with leek and honey dressing, fish of the day kept simple with fresh parsley and lemon and lamb with winter slaw. Dishes are accompanied with seasonal estate vegetables and some form of potato. For dessert, choose from a classic like an ice-cream sundae or keep it savoury with a cheese board. 

Hop back into your golf buggy and head off back into the estate feeling full and well nourished!

Finishing With The Finer Details

One thing The Newt does well is the finer details. If you haven’t noticed within the first few moments of your visit, good! It’s because they have perfected the art of subtlety – but when you look closer, you’ll see the time and thought put into each element.

It’s all in the details. From the tiny newts embossed on every terracotta plant pot, the wandering hens and apples laced on the ironwork echoing their nearby orchards. Moreover, I think they may have invented the perfect shade of green, once seen, you’ll forever identify it with The Newt.

Now, these are only my top three recommendations of what I’ve experienced on the estate so far. There are so many other things to see and do – the treetop walk, the Roman Villa recreation, homemade ice-cream from the gelataria and a cheese and charcuterie board at the Garden Room whilst looking out over the Walled Garden. A spa day and stay at the hotel is firmly on our bucket list and if it happens, I’ll shamelessly make sure that everyone knows about it!

What I’m really trying to say is – visit The Newt in Somerset at any given chance, you will not regret it.

– Bobby