Welcome to the Castle Hotel at Taunton. This historic Norman fortress has witnessed over 9…read morecenturies of turbulent history. In 1685 the Duke of Monmouth's officers gathered here on the eve of the Battle of Sedgemoor, where they were defeated by the forces of King James II. The infamous Judge Jeffries held his Bloody Assize in the Great Hall of the castle shortly afterwards. Over 200 rebels from the Monmouth Rebellion were tried, convicted and then hanged, drawn and quartered. A further 800 were transported to the West Indies to work on the sugar plantations. The building we see today is a Grade II listed, 18th century reconstruction of the original Norman castle, but does incorporate the original east gate, Castle Bow, which boasts 13th century features.

Where to begin! Staying here was a highlight of my recent, and first trip to England. I was coming…read moreto do some family history work at the archives in Taunton, as well as visit Glastonbury Tor. When I read this was an actual castle with medieval beginnings, I was immediately drawn in. Then I visited their website and read a few reviews and I booked it! It's a unique experience to say the least. Coming through the front, revolving door had an old world charm that was very welcoming (even though I snagged my luggage). The front desk staff were all super friendly, accommodating, and professional. The room was huge! I don't know how I ended up with a suite but I certainly did not book it nor pay extra so, the only conclusion is they upgraded me because it was available? No matter, I was in awe! I cannot recommend this place enough, it's a castle! Unforgettable.

Overnight I've become a huge fan of this chain of budget hotels which I only discovered by accident…read morewhen surfing the internet. Vastly superior to Travelodges though sometimes almost as cheap, or even cheaper when they offer special deals (three nights for the price of two, etc). The rooms are clean, spacious and comfortable, with plenty of storage and a superior standard of furniture and fittings. Our room had a telephone, large flat-screen TV, tea and coffee making facilities with lots of teabags, hot chocolate and fresh biscuits each day. In addition to the large bed was a plush two-seater settee. The en-suite had a large power shower and, again, the tiling and fittings were of a high standard for a budget hotel. There's a modern lift to rooms (very good disabled access), beautiful carpets and curtains, and a foyer with local information and a sweets and chocolate machine. Breakfast came free with the room rate and was served across a short walkway in the Jack Rabbit pub. It consisted of a continental-style buffet with an excellent choice of cereals, fruit juices, fresh fruit, yoghurt, breads, toast, preserves and croissants. A machine provided good quality teas or coffees. You can eat as much as you wish and there are helpful staff on hand to assist if need be. A free newspaper (Daily Mail) was also available each day. All in all, a superb value package at only £89 for 3 nights (the special offer this month)! Certainly a chain to watch - there are 200 branches around the country and more planned.

I've grown quite partial to Premier Inn over the years. They're my choice for a cheap yet…read morecomfortable chain hotel I found this Premier Inn for a medical conference I was attending at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth. Just off the A38 from Exeter, it was perfect located just a few miles from the hospital It's right next door to a Beefeater restaurant, where the breakfasts are served. Parking can be tight in the evening due to the restaurant. An alternative for food is to nip to the large Sainsbury supermarket just across the road Check in was quick and efficient and the staff were always there with a cheerful greeting every time I walked past reception My room was large with a comfortable bed. I think they're trying to go upmarket a little with a choice of firm pillows on the bed with softer pillows available in the cupboard. I enjoyed watching the Superbowl on the large TV Premier Inn delivers what it promises on the tin

Wonderful place,evocative of another more elegant era. All the main rooms are Art Deco. Quite…read morepricey, but wonderful for a special occasion,all the rooms are like being on an Ocean Liner. Links with Agatha Christie. Can only be accessed by tractor at High Tide,quite an adventure

This place was in my humble opinion one of the finest hotels in the UK - simply because of it's…read moreunique isolated location on top of a cliff. However, due to some shortsighted local planners - it is no more and has been torn down ready for a re-development into Holiday lets A TRAGEDY!!!

Its a shame that such a beautiful place has been soiled by holiday flats approved by some local…read moreplanners. I agree with the previous reviewer unfortunately its too late to do anything - we can only hope that time & the weather will do its best and bring this place back to its previous lovely condition.

2nd Time coming here, it was even better from the 1st! The view is incredible, the staff are lovely…read moreand the food, although its a tad expensive, is delicious. The garden at the back of the hotel is kept in pristine condition and it is full of civilised people reading newspapers. It feels straight out of a film from the 60's. The hotel has a lovely calm, quiet and zen feel to it. It is near the sea if you enjoy the beach. Overall I think this is the best hotel/restaurant in the area. I have come here before and I would come here again. Pros: * Lovely garden * Sea view * Bar * Incredible Restaurant * Cozy Cons: * Expensive * Car park is a bit on the small side

Popped in here after a walk round the town and booked up a Dorset Cream Tea for 3 People for just…read moreunder 20 pounds. We sat outside on the deck area overlooking the gardens and cobb, an amazing viewpoint. The tea arrived with three large warm scones, three large scoops of clotted cream and a large dish of Strawberry Jam, a pot of tea, a pot of hot water, rough brown and white sugar chunks. The quality and choice of location to consume your dorset cream tea at the Alexandra Hotel is excellent and second to none. Worth a visit

Ah, Ashwick House. What a delight…read more I hadn't been to Exmoor before, and so was very excited as we weaved our way through its treasure trove of villages, bound for Dulverton. Then we took a turn on to the moor, across a cattle grid, down a single track road, and past the Exmoor Pony Centre. In a wooded Coombe lay Ashwick House, an old shooting lodge tastefully refurbished into a very comfortable country house hotel. The first good point about this hotel became evident immediately - the host came out to meet and greet us with an easy, relaxed air. Staying at Ashwick House feels more like staying with some friends for the weekend, but in luxurious comfort. The host and hostess are very friendly, but also allow you enough privacy to enjoy your weekend. The balance is perfect. When you enter the house you'll encounter the main hall - very much the central room. A grand hall for a grand house, but still cosy enough to enjoy your evening drink in. It also has a very good collection of oriental furniture which manages to blend perfectly with the age and atmosphere of the house. We were then shown to our room. Nicely decorated and a newly refurbished bathroom. I was particularly pleased to see that there was a small fridge in the corner meaning we had been given fresh milk in a jug. (I can't stand those horrible plastic pots of milk.) You have the option to dine in at Ashwick house, and I would strongly recommend trying this at once during your stay. The 5 (or is it 6) course menu is excellent, with a good selection each evening. The price is at the higher end of the scale, but I was perfectly happy to pay for the quality of the food. The chef is also happy to be adaptable, as proved when I asked for plain pasta pre-marathon! The breakfast was also very good. Homemade fruit compote and yoghurt, a selection of cereals and then the delicious full english. I've never seen a full english presented so well, and boy did it taste good! Slightly sad to see the absence of beans, but I think that's more my fault for not asking for them. Ashwick House made me realise the value of a weekend in a country house hotel. Not something I've done that much, but I have now made a mental note to indulge myself in the future. I think I'll definitely be returning to enjoy this magnificent area of the West Country. (I haven't mentioned any of the history of the house, as I'll let you enjoy discovering this when you stay!)

Follow the river,cross the cattle grid : where were we going as we followed the directions across…read moreExmoor to Ashwick House ? It turned out the directions were as well thought out and attentive to detail as Ashwick House itself. The house,beautiful in its individuality and graceful in its decor was at the same time comfortable and welcoming. A nice touch: the host came out to greet us as we arrived and later showed us around some of the private rooms. The food was excellent;the menu varied and we particularly enjoyed sitting in the hall before the wood burning stove savouring the first drink of the evening whilst hearing from our host and hostess about the history of the house. We did not see the red deer this time but we'll be back to this special place

Anyone travelling on the A38 between Taunton and Exeter, or on the M5 which is close by, and…read morelooking for a place to stop would be well advised to call in at 'The Poachers Pocket'. This is a really good pub which also has good food and doubles as a small hotel. The beer, food and rooms are all excellent; the landlord and staff are welcoming and the locals friendly. Having stayed there yesterday, I can also vouch for the quality, variety and quantity of the breakfast which was a great starter for the day. There's only very quiet background music and a small television in the bar, but there is free Wi-Fi for those who need it. Residents have access to a small but comfortable lounge if they wish to relax outside of both their rooms and the bar. There's plenty of parking, both in front and at the rear of the pub via an archway, and a small patio and grassy area at the rear. There's a website at http://www.poacherspocket.co.uk for those who are interested in investigating further or arranging a visit. I'll certainly be going back.

Truly outstanding. The food was fantastic and the service was excellent without being intrusive…read more Well worth a visit if you're in the area.

This place was really nice! Overall I liked it a lot. The staff was friendly and the food was…read moregreat, especially for a hotel! They were really accommodating and the grounds were just gorgeous! The hotel is located right on the sea in the town of Sidmouth. It was a perfect beachy location and the town in super cute with bunting everywhere. The beaches are rocky instead of sandy which is completely foreign to me but I guess that's how the beaches are there. My observation however was that they definitely prefer an "older"crowd which tended to be crabby and openly snarky, which made me feel like I was staying in the world's nicest nursing home hahaha.

Absolute fantastic stay. The hotel is in a great position right on the sea front. If you have a…read morebedroom with a sea view that would definitely be a bonus. The hotel takes pride in it's service, you have to wear a jacket and tie to the evening meals, not used to that, but it was great fun. All the staff are helpful and friendly. Rooms are nice and have everything you need for a good stay. They have good facilities as well including an indoor and outdoor pool and spa. Overall the stay was great and I think we may be going back next year.