Somerset Garden Yurt and Gypsy Caravan

Dogfriendly Magazine Review

Read our comprehensive review of this listing printed in our bi-monthly magazine.

Somerset Garden Yurt by Jo Southway
Photography by the Bearded Snapper
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As you arrive at the Somerset Yurt you feel like you are stepping into a story book. Walking across a little bridge and down the path lined with toadstools and woodland animals just like a fairytale. It is pretty, fun and a true adventure. Children will take delight in the magic of the place, the more they look into the nooks and crannies the more they’ll discover!  

There are various different parts to the holiday setting all enclosed into your own garden. Firstly the kitchen, toilet and shower block. All well equipped and great for even a large family. Sat next to this is the wood-fired pizza oven hut. Then there is the yurt itself, a wonderful wooden hideaway, brightly decorated with sparkles and lights. It is a huge space with two double beds and a bunk bed. Room to sleep a whole family with plenty more space for the dogs.  

Further round you have another building, part enclosed, housing a woodburner and sitting room type setup. Here you will also find the dining table, games and more. All hidden under the natural vines and undergrowth like something our of jumanji.   Then there is the truly beautiful gypsy caravan. Standing proud in the garden providing a totally separate sleeping place, perhaps for your anti social teen or one of the family wanting their own space.  

The garden is fenced the whole way round and a great size for any dogs no matter what their needs. Our boy loved exploring in the hedges, round the trees and sniffing out all the different areas.  

Sat on the lawn is a picnic bench for eating outside and a firepit with natural seating. The firepit makes for a spectacular centre piece in the garden and a great place to bring everyone together in the evening. We spent each night sat around a fire, feeling cosy and warm, toasting marshmallows.  

One evening we really enjoyed using some handmade pizza dough and making our own pizzas to bake in the fabulous pizza oven located in one of the huts.  

Being right next to the canal is a huge bonus. You can walk straight from your garden out to the path canalside. Here you can walk for miles taking in the wonderful tranquility the water and countryside brings. There is also a cafe situated just along the canal called Maunsel lock tea rooms. It is not far from the yurt which means no matter what length of walk you fancy along the canal be it going for a long hike and back to the cafe, or just up for a bite and back to the yurt, it suits everyone. The food was tasty and with both under cover and outside seating options with picturesque views down the canal it is a must.  

Getting tips from the owners there were various woodland walks we were eager to check out for dog walking spots. The first kings cliff was really easy to find with parking right next to the entrance. With various routes around the woods the one we took was quite up and down with fairly steep hills in places. Wellies are a must if there has been any rain. With a handy map app you can find your way round various loops or routes.  

The second day we found Thurlbear woods. The walk here was much flatter and the paths are hard, making it suitable for most abilities. There are smaller paths that venture off from the main route if you want to explore more or you can stick to the main track. This walk can be done from The Farmer’s Arms pub at West hatch. We had a table reserved so we went early parking at the pub to do our walk first. Back at the pub we sat out in the garden. The menu had all the really nice pub food we like to order. Dogs of course very welcome with umbrellas for shade and a water bowl. Service and meal both excellent we left feeling very full.  

From the yurt you can be at the coast in under an hour heading to beaches like Burnham on sea, Brean, Kilve or Minehead. If you are on holiday with children then you can find so much for them in this direction including Butlins and Brean leisure park. Why not have one of you tire the children out at Brean leisure park while another tires the dogs along the miles of sand at Brean down.  

Another great thing about the location is how close to Taunton you are whilst still being in the quiet countryside. This means if you need anything you can easily find it. We went to go outdoors which is located on the outskirts and meant avoiding the busier parts. Dogs are allowed into store with you and even get treats provided. A really handy one stop shop for all your outdoor needs for walking, camping and even supplies for your four legged adventurers.  

You will find a variety of supermarkets to choose from to gather all of your cooking supplies for the pizza oven and fire pit, don't forget your marshmallows!  

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Somerset Yurt. For both dogs and children it really is just perfect with everything you could need for a delightful holiday.

THE SOMERSET GARDEN YURT REVEIW BY JO SOUTHWAYS APPEARS IN DOGFRIENDLY MAGAZINE ISSUE 62. FOR  MORE INFORMATION ON THE DOGFRIENDLY MAGAZINE VISIT WWW.DOGFRIENDLY.CO.UK/MAGAZINE.