A Dreamy Weekend in Somerset & Dorset: Castles, Countryside and Hidden Gems

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The drive from London to Somerset takes just over two and a half hours, but it’s anything but dull. With coffee in hand and playlists on, I cruised down winding roads, even catching a glimpse of Stonehenge along the way - a little unexpected moment of wonder before the weekend had even truly begun.

From Cobbled Streets to Castle Views and Literary Landscapes

My first stop was Frome, a place I’d heard of but had never explored. I’d been to Bath before, but Frome felt different, more intimate, more quietly cool. I wandered the streets with a pastry in one hand, coffee in the other, soaking in the buzz of independent shops tucked along Cheap Street and the High Street, the latter perched charmingly on a hilltop. Its cobbled floors and heritage storefronts made it feel like a scene from another time, especially on a warm and sunny day like this one.

After a slow morning soaking it all in, I hopped in the car and headed to Nunney, a tiny village that instantly stole a piece of my heart. At the centre is Nunney Castle, owned by English Heritage, but honestly, you can see everything you need to from the quaint wooden bridge that crosses the moat. The reflections in the water, the worn stone ruins, the absolute stillness of the place - it was a picture-book scene.

Just a short walk away, I discovered The Cafe, tucked into a rustic stone building. Inside, bookcases reached from floor to ceiling, and dried flower garlands hung above cosy tables. It felt like a quiet invitation to linger - and linger I did.

To end the day, I made my way to Stourhead, a National Trust treasure and a location that Pride & Prejudice fans may recognise from the 2005 film adaptation. Walking the lake-side paths where that rainy proposal scene was filmed added a cinematic touch to an already beautiful setting.

There were classical temples peeking through trees, mirror-like water, and lush gardens with hidden corners. I wandered with an ice cream in hand and even caught sight of a wedding taking place, which looked utterly romantic, and had the most perfect setting imaginable.

Before heading out, I stopped at the Stourhead Farm Shop to stock up on local produce, and then made my way to my Airbnb, feeling grateful, peaceful, and already dreaming of what was to come for the rest of the weekend. 

After a gentle drive, I arrived in Sherborne and checked into the dreamiest cottage. With tall ceilings, exposed beams, and windows that framed the soft evening light just so. The perfect country hideaway.

Though the shops had already closed for the evening, I took a stroll through town, admiring the heritage shop fronts and winding lanes. That night, I followed my host’s recommendation and had dinner at The Plume of Feathers, a tapas-style pub with delicious small plates and a relaxed terrace. Sipping my ginger beer, soaking up the last of the golden rays, I felt completely at peace.

Tucked into bed later that evening, Netflix playing in the background, I wondered how the rest of the trip could possibly top this magical day.

But somehow - it did.

The next morning, after a homemade breakfast in the cottage, I set off to explore Sherborne properly. My first stop: Sherborne Abbey. Its gothic architecture, soaring interiors, and incredible stained glass left me in awe. Cathedrals like this are uniquely moving because there’s a kind of reverent stillness that just stays with you. Next to the Abbey, I found a charming tearoom nestled within the old buildings, perfect for a peaceful pause.

By midday, I made my way to Mapperton House, a spectacular estate tucked in the Dorset hills. The gardens were something out of a dream; elegant topiary, a romantic pergola, and even two swimming pools that Julie Montagu, Countess of Sandwich reportedly swims in daily!

The house tour was equally fascinating. Because it’s a lived-in home, no photography is allowed inside, which made the experience more personal, more present. I learned that the estate had historically been passed down through daughters - not sons - a rare and refreshing piece of history.

I finished the visit with a cup of tea and a slice of cake before heading back on the road, winding past fields dotted with sheep and dairy cows. Pure countryside bliss.

On my final morning, I had a slow breakfast before checking out of the cottage. But before saying goodbye to Sherborne, there was one more place I had to see: Sherborne Castle.

Originally built for Sir Walter Raleigh, the castle and its grounds are steeped in history. Though I didn’t venture inside, walking the peaceful paths where such a historic figure once stood gave me goosebumps. In the distance, across the river, I spotted the ruins of Old Sherborne Castle, a ghost of the past still standing proud. Sadly, the ruins are closed to the public as it goes through restoration, but please check out the website to see when that changes. 

A weekend in Somerset and Dorset gifted me quiet charm, historic beauty, and countryside bliss in every moment. From the cobbled streets of Frome to the fairy-tale village of Nunney, the grandeur of Stourhead, the timeless appeal of Sherborne, and the elegant grounds of Mapperton House, each stop was a reminder of the magic found in slow travel. Winding lanes, ginger beer in pub gardens, gothic abbeys, and hidden gardens…this was a trip filled with gentle joy and unforgettable character. A truly blissful escape in the English countryside.