The Cotley Inn

Hidden in the folds of the Blackdown foothills near Chard, The Cotley rewards those willing to follow the narrow lanes. It's the kind of inn that regulars guard jealously — a warm, unfussy room, a proper fire, and food that punches well above its remote setting. There's no passing trade here; everyone has come on purpose, and the atmosphere is all the better for it. Walkers and dogs mingle happily, plates arrive generous and true, and the surrounding countryside makes an early booking feel like a small secret shared. Quietly one of Somerset's finest.

An exceptional 4.8 rating for a genuinely off-the-map rural inn signals something special. This is the very definition of a hidden gem — a place worth seeking out and telling friends about.

• Peace & Quiet
• Food Lovers
• Dog Friendly
• Hidden Gem