Explore Cheddar Gorge, village life, and the Mendip Hills from Winscombe Court — a February retreat in Somerset made for quiet adventure.
February has a particular charm in Somerset. The crowds have thinned, the air feels clearer, and the landscape reveals itself with an honesty that summer sometimes conceals. For guests staying at Winscombe Court, this quieter season invites a different rhythm — one of unhurried exploration, local discoveries, and returning each afternoon to the warmth and comfort of an exclusive-hire country retreat.
Perfectly placed for exploring the Mendip Hills and beyond, Winscombe Court offers a refined base from which to experience one of Somerset’s most compelling landscapes, with Cheddar Gorge and village just moments away.
Cheddar Gorge: Somerset at Its Most Dramatic
Few landscapes in England command attention quite like Cheddar Gorge. Britain’s largest limestone gorge is striking at any time of year, but in winter it feels especially powerful — quiet, expansive, and almost theatrical in scale.
February walks here are invigorating rather than demanding. Paths are calmer, viewpoints uninterrupted, and the sense of space unmistakable. Whether you opt for a gentle stroll along the valley floor or a more bracing climb to the clifftop trails, the reward is perspective: wide skies, layered rock faces, and views that stretch across the Somerset Levels.
It’s the kind of place that invites reflection as much as movement — a reminder of the natural forces that have shaped this landscape over millennia.
Cheddar Village: Character, Craft, and Comfort
Just below the Gorge lies Cheddar itself — a village with a strong sense of identity and a welcome that feels all the warmer in winter.
February is an ideal time to explore at an unhurried pace. Independent shops, cosy cafés, and traditional pubs offer natural pauses between walks, while local producers showcase the best of Somerset’s food heritage. A visit here is as much about atmosphere as itinerary: browsing, lingering, and enjoying the village as it lives and breathes beyond peak season.
For guests staying on a self-catering basis at Winscombe Court, Cheddar is also a rewarding place to gather supplies — thoughtful provisions that elevate evenings back at the house.
The Mendip Hills: Open Space and Quiet Adventure
Beyond Cheddar, the Mendip Hills unfold in gentle contrast to the drama of the Gorge. Rolling farmland, ancient stone walls, and wide-open footpaths make this an area best explored slowly.
Winter walking here feels purposeful yet peaceful — the sort of outdoor time that clears the head before the pleasure of returning indoors. It’s easy to shape days around the weather and the group: a longer ramble followed by an afternoon swim in the indoor pool, or a short morning walk before retreating to the spa and fireside comfort of the house.
Returning Home to Winscombe Court
One of the joys of exploring Somerset in February is knowing what awaits at the end of the day. Winscombe Court offers the rare balance of grandeur and ease — a historic mansion retreat that welcomes muddy boots as readily as dressed-up evenings.
Guests return from local adventures to warm water in the indoor pool, space to stretch out across generous reception rooms, and the pleasure of gathering again for supper. For large groups, family retreats, or corporate stays seeking a sense of place without pressure, the house becomes both anchor and reward.
A February Retreat Rooted in Place
Staying at Winscombe Court is not about ticking off attractions. It’s about inhabiting Somerset — its landscapes, villages, and quieter winter moods — from a house that feels deeply connected to its surroundings.
In February, Cheddar Gorge feels wilder, village life more intimate, and the Mendip Hills refreshingly open. Together, they offer a local experience that is both grounding and quietly uplifting.
Discover how a winter stay at Winscombe Court can open up Somerset at its most authentic, and begin planning your own February retreat at winscombecourt.co.uk.