Places to stay

‘Wivey is much more than a town to stop in at en route to somewhere else. And many who spend just an hour here then spend the ensuing months trying their hardest to find a way to spend a lifetime in this very special place. It is of course wonderfully friendly and welcoming, and I and my family are still very much newbies - still lapping up kindnesses and care - but it’s a small town that really does seem to have everything. So come and see the beauty, the landscape and the views, to be found here in West Somerset. It was the songs round the Christmas tree with the ukulele orchestra and a pint at The Bear that hooked me in for life. I wonder which parts of Wivey you’ll fall in love with.’

William Sitwell

Editor, writer and broadcaster

Self-catering accommodation

• Pretty 1830s Stone Cottage with private garden in Wiveliscombe. Sleeps two people, no dogs. £65 per night. Book through Air bnb or direct via Lenaholland@hotmail.com

• Croft Way Holiday Apartment is a self-contained apartment in Wiveliscombe, with balcony view of the recreation ground. One double and one single bedroom. No dogs. Minimum booking of two nights from £80 per night plus cleaning fee. To book phone 07807245765 or denise-stanbury@hotmail.com.

• The Studio has a king-size bed and compact kitchen area, plus shower room.  It is one mile out of Wiveliscombe and is surrounded by beautiful countryside.  Contact 07400449749 for availability and prices. Or find us on booking.com

• Orchard House Garden Studio, south side of Wivey. A studio apartment for one or two guests. Distinct sitting, dining and sleeping areas with kitchenette and shower room. Separate external access, outdoor sitting area with garden/rural views, parking. Prices from £100 per night. Book on www.booking.com (2024 rating: 9.9/10 Exceptional)or www.airbnb.com.

• Denhill Cottage in Chipstable near Taunton, is a two-bed, one-bathroom cottage. No pets. Bookings through Cottages.com , property number W4226

• Exmoor Gate Lodges are in the countryside outside Wiveliscombe. Offering eight lodges, with hot tubs, swimming pool and games room. Pets welcome. https://www.exmoorgatelodges.co.uk/ or call 07554 809243

• Hurstone House is a farmhouse in a rural location near Waterrow, with stunning views, available for self-catering holiday let. Sleeps 14 in seven bedrooms. Short says from £1500. Peak season weekend stay £3000. Book via www.hurstone.com or contact 07956510886 /chrys@hurstone.com

• Handley Farm outside Waterrow has three self-catering cottages in a converted cider barn, old stables and diary, with wood burners and hot tub or free -tanding bath. Fishing and play area on the farm. https://handleyfarm.co.uk/ Contact Nicola.hill74@gmail.com or 01398 361516.

Pubs and hotels

• The spacious flat above the Bear Inn sleeps five guests in two bedrooms over two floors, with sitting room, kitchen. 1.5 bathrooms and use of the pub beer garden.
https://www.thebearwiveliscombe.co.uk/accommodation

• The New Inn in Halse is a community -owned pub with a 300 year history. Recently renovated, it offers five guest bedrooms and parking, along with great food and a warming fire. https://www.newinnhalse.com/accommodation/