Travel Haven: The Newt in Somerset, England, Emerges as Our Top Picked Vacation Spot
In the picturesque Somerset countryside, The Newt has emerged as a unique destination that blends luxury, history, and nature in a breathtaking 360-hectare estate. While membership is required for independent access, The Newt warmly welcomes guests of members to experience its enchanting offerings.
The Newt's general access policy is exclusive, with non-members only able to visit the gardens, spa, or farm estate as guests of members or by purchasing a guest pass. There is no day-ticket option for the general public [1][2]. However, there are several ways for non-members to immerse themselves in the estate's charm.
One such opportunity arises during The Newt's summer festival, "Gather & Grow," which caters to both members and non-members, provided they have tickets. This festival features a diverse lineup of panel discussions, wellness sessions, workshops, and farm-to-table feasts, with each day offering a unique theme and guest speakers [3]. Prices vary, with a panel discussion and garden feast costing £90 per person, while daily events are £35 [3].
For families with children, The Newt offers a summer programme called "Newtlings," which includes a range of activities like toad trails, tree climbing, falconry meet-and-greets, forest school sessions, family workshops, storytelling, and pop-up games. However, non-members must have a member purchase a guest pass for them, and there is no standalone access for non-members without a member host [1].
As a guest of a member, non-members can enjoy the extensive formal gardens, including the Parabola, winter garden, grotto, tree-top walkway, and Roman villa replica. The estate's restaurant serves produce grown on-site, and there is a farm shop for purchasing local goods. Additionally, guests have access to good parking, transport to main attractions, toilets, and a small gift shop. Some workshops and tours may also be available, depending on the event or as part of the guest experience [2].
In summary, while The Newt offers a rich array of experiences, non-members are largely dependent on being hosted by a member or attending specific ticketed events to enjoy the estate’s amenities and activities [1][2][3]. This charming estate, owned by Karen Roos and Koos Bekker since 2013, boasts a luxury spa hotel, working farm, deer park, Roman villa, gardening museum, and cydery, making it an unforgettable destination for all who visit.
References: [1] The Newt in Somerset. (n.d.). Non-members can experience The Newt. Retrieved from https://www.thenewtinsomerset.com/non-members/ [2] The Newt in Somerset. (n.d.). Access policy. Retrieved from https://www.thenewtinsomerset.com/access-policy/ [3] The Newt in Somerset. (n.d.). Gather & Grow. Retrieved from https://www.thenewtinsomerset.com/gather-grow/
- For those interested in wine and food, The Newt's summer festival, "Gather & Grow," offers a unique opportunity to attend panel discussions and enjoy farm-to-table feasts, making it a must- attended event for wine news and lifestyle enthusiasts.
- For travelers looking to incorporate The Newt into their home-and-garden or travel itinerary, traveling as a guest of a member or attending specific ticketed events such as "Gather & Grow" would be the ideal way to experience the estate's elegant blending of gardens, history, and luxury accommodations.
