Hotel Review: The Newt in Somerset – A Luxurious Countryside Retreat in Bruton

Oh, The Newt. A little slice of paradise nestled in Bruton, Somerset, The Newt should absolutely be on your list if you’re seeking a relaxing countryside escape in the UK. This stunning luxury country estate offers not only impeccable service and food but a deeply immersive experience in nature, history, and design.

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History of The Newt

The name, The Newt, came about during restoration works on the Grade II-listed Hadspen House, which was purchased in 2013 by South African hoteliers Koos Bekker and Karen Roos. Renovation was briefly halted upon discovering a colony of over 2,000 protected great crested newts—and so the estate found its name.

Dating back to the 17th century and remodelled in Georgian times, Hadspen House is now the centrepiece of an 800-acre working estate with beautifully landscaped gardens, orchards, woodlands and farmland.

The Experience at The Newt

We stayed for just one night, though I wish we’d booked two! There is so much to see and do, making it an ideal location for wellness, nature-lovers, foodies, and design enthusiasts alike.

Activities and Experiences

Guests can dip in and out of a wide range of daily activities including:

• Bee Safaris

• Cyder Tasting

• Garden Tours

• Workshops and Classes

There’s also a world-class spa on site—be sure to book ahead, as treatment slots do fill up quickly.

Location

The Newt is ideally located in South Somerset, between the charming market towns of Bruton and Castle Cary. The easiest way to get there from London is by train from London Paddington to Castle Cary, followed by a short taxi ride to the estate.

Grounds and Main House

The gardens and grounds are genuinely breathtaking. From meticulously kept walled gardens and orchards to thatched cottages, every corner is picture-perfect. The interiors of the Main House strike a beautiful balance between heritage and modern luxury.

Accommodation at The Newt

There are 23 individually styled rooms spread across:

• The Main House

• The Clock House

• The Stable Yard

• The Hadspen Lofts

All were designed by Karen Roos, former editor of Elle Decoration South Africa. We stayed in the Hadspen Lofts—originally the servants’ quarters—with stunning views of the estate and charming features like exposed wooden beams. The blend of Georgian architecture and contemporary design was absolutely spot on.

Perk: Each room includes a complimentary mini-larder and breakfast.

Dining

Dining at The Newt

Garden Café

We enjoyed lunch at the glass-walled Garden Café, which overlooks the orchards and parabola walled garden. It was true farm-to-table dining, with seasonal produce grown right on the estate.

The Botanical Rooms

Dinner and breakfast were served in the elegant Botanical Rooms, where we had a tasting menu that was nothing short of exquisite. Breakfast was equally impressive—think fresh estate produce and flaky, buttery croissants.

Other Dining Options

• The Cyder Bar – An alfresco spot for casual bites like sausage rolls and estate-made cyder.

• Greenhouse Café – A light-filled space perfect for a coffee or tea.

Every dish we had included something grown, foraged, or crafted on the estate—a real highlight.

The Spa

The spa has 7 treatment rooms, sauna, salt steam room, hammam, rasul chamber, swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool and gym.

I opted for a back, neck and shoulder massage which was really dreamy and spent some time in the sauna, steam room and pool.

Cyder Tasting

We opted for the Cyder tasting activity (which is free) and we learned so much about Cyder and got to taste some really excellent varieties of Cyder. It totally changed my perception of Cyder all together and I really loved the Fine Cyder. Highly recommend booking this if you are staying there.

Whether you’re craving a digital detox, a countryside weekend getaway, or a romantic spa break in Somerset, The Newt is a perfect escape. From strolling through historic gardens, indulging in exceptional food, and exploring artisan experiences, it was the kind of trip that leaves you recharged and inspired.

Aside from the occasional bug (it is a working farm, after all), I genuinely couldn’t fault a single moment.

Plan Your Stay

✅ Book a stay at The Newt in Somerset
✅ Browse other luxury hotels in the UK countryside
✅ Explore things to do in Somerset

Find out more: thenewtinsomerset.com

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