Top things to do in the Quantock Hills

Coastal, Days out, Rural

Posted by Clare on 8th November 2021

Quantock Hills

A romantic landscape of heath, combe and coast, the Quantock Hills became England’s first recognised Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1956 and is a playground for walkers, nature lovers and those looking for a peaceful retreat.

We’ve put together this guide to the Quantock Hills to help you make the most of your time in this incredibly beautiful corner of the UK. Read on to discover some of the best things to do in the Quantock Hills or if you already have your heart set on this glorious destination in Somerset, click the button below to browse our full collection of Quantock Hills cottages.

Cottages in the Quantock Hills


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Where are the Quantocks?

Before we begin our guide, you may be wondering where the Quantock Hills are located. This vast natural wilderness can be found to the west of the town of Bridgwater in Somerset. Measuring 38 square miles, the southern tip rests in the Vale of Taunton Deane, while the northern ridge of hills stretches to the sea at the Bristol Channel.


Horses in the Quantock Hills

Go walking in the Quantocks

The perfect way to enjoy the diversity of landscapes on offer in the Quantock Hills is on foot. Pull on your walking boots and head out to explore. Try the circular route around Kilve and Quantoxhead to take in Tudor villages and a section of the stunning Jurassic Coast.

Alternatively, enjoy the vibrant heathland of Lydeard Hill as you walk to Wills Neck, the most elevated point of the Quantocks. For easily accessible coastal views, try the meandering path through woodland over Beacon Hill starting from Staple Plain.

Enjoy the forested landscapes of the Hills on a wander through the sessile oak woods at Holford Combe, the former haunt of William Wordsworth. Ramscombe is one of the best places to visit in the Quantock Hills for families, with a BBQ area and a selection of woodland trails to choose from.

For more hiking trails in the local area, read our guide to Walks for all abilities in scenic Somerset. Wherever you go, make sure to take a camera to capture those scenic views and wild ponies!


Quantock coast

Discover fossils along the Quantock coast

One of the top places to visit in the Quantock Hills for fossil hunting is the stretch of coast between Kilve and East Quantoxhead. Ammonites can frequently be found here and the occasional discovery of large fossilised marine reptiles is also made. The rocks here were formed up to 200 million years ago from sediment deposits on what was then the sea floor.

Limestone alternates with soft layers of shale, from which oil was once extracted in brick constructions known as retorts. One still stands today at Kilve Pill, providing an interesting insight into the history of the area.

Uncover 10 more beautiful beaches in Somerset with our informative guide.


Activities in the Quantock Hills

Get active in the Quantock Hills

Besides walking, there are several other exciting things to do in the Quantocks if you're feeling adventurous. Mountain biking is a popular sport in the area and the picturesque trails winding up and down over open moorland offer some fantastic terrain. There are routes catering for all abilities and several places where you can hire bikes, so don’t feel you have to be a seasoned rider to give it a go.

If you’re looking for more sedate Quantock Hills things to do, a round of golf at Cannington Golf Course is the perfect option for you. There’s a driving range and a nine-hole, 18-tee course offering gorgeous views, so take your pick!

Equestrian enthusiasts can take the opportunity to explore the Quantocks on horseback along a network of bridleways. Horse riding centres cater for beginners and expert riders alike, so if you’ve never tried it before, riding through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty makes for a fantastic first experience.

Continue your adventures throughout the county with our guide to 15 brilliant things to do in Somerset.


Dining out in the Quantock Hills

Enjoy the local produce

For foodies, one of the biggest Quantock Hills attractions is that you’re never far away from a fabulous culinary experience. Clavelshay Barn on the edge of the Quantock Hills offers the best of local produce in a gorgeous riverside setting. Combe House in Holford has a fantastic local menu, including a selection of great wine, beer and Somerset Cider.

If it’s a charming local pub you’re after, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Whether you head for Blue Ball Inn in Triscombe, The Rising Sun Inn in West Bagborough, The Hood Arms in Kilve or any of the other great establishments in the Quantocks, you’re sure to find a delicious meal.

Our guide to food and drink in Somerset highlights some more exceptional places to dine locally.


Bolts Barn

Rest and relax

The tranquillity and natural beauty of the Quantock Hills make for the most relaxing of holidays. Make your getaway one to remember with a stay in one of our beautiful holiday cottages in Somerset.

In the Quantock Hills Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty, Bolts Barn (sleeps 2) is a gorgeous timber-framed retreat ideally located for exploring the area. Relax under the oak beams and beside the glowing wood burner with a glass of wine, or drink in the far-reaching views from the decked terrace over to the Bristol Channel.

Book Bolts Barn

Find further inspiration for scenic spots to call home for a while in our guide, the best places to stay in Somerset.


Book a staycation in Somerset

The gorgeous property above is just one example of our self-catering cottages in the Quantock Hills. If you fancy exploring the wider area, why not click the button below and browse our full collection of Somerset cottages? You’ll find everything from cosy romantic hideaways to large, luxurious group properties, ensuring the most memorable of staycations.

Holiday cottages in Somerset

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.