One of the joys of walking in South West England is seeing how the landscapes and architecture change from region to region. We are lucky to have an extremely varied landscape over a relatively small area. Cottages in particular have their own local look and feel as these rural homes were built from the local materials available (stone, cob, slate and reeds). Here are some of our recommendations on where to see the best cottages in the South West.
The Cotswolds – In the Cotswolds, cottages are built of honey‑coloured limestone that seems to glow warmly even on cloudy days. Roofs are steep, quirky and topped with slate while mullioned windows catch the sun in small, leaded panes. If you’re looking for storybook villages that make you feel like you’re stepping back in time, then the Cotswolds is hard to beat.
Wiltshire – For classic, chocolate box cottages with stunning thatched roofs, we recommend heading south to the counties of Wiltshire, Somerset and Dorset. In Wiltshire, the cottages feel wonderfully rural, shaped by the land and the people who lived there. Thatch is much more common here with strong and sturdy combed wheat reed often used. Wiltshire is one of our favourite places to wander quiet country lanes, through rolling farmlands, sweeping chalk downs and timeless villages. It’s a real hidden gem!
Somerset – Somerset is a land of ancient myths and legends. And its cottages reflect this rich heritage. Built from local stone, thatch and rough rubble, they create a patchwork of tones and textures from village to village. Their thick walls, small windows and low ceilings give them a cosy, earthy feel. They are places where you can imagine putting your feet up in front of a crackling fire after a day out walking the ancient Somerset landscape.
Dorset – Dorset’s cottages carry a softer, more rustic charm, built from cob or textured rubble stone. Thatch is especially iconic here, curving generously over deep eaves. In chalk valleys and coastal villages, these cottages seem to settle naturally into their surroundings. We love Dorset for its unchanged charm. It’s an unchanged landscape where you can imagine Hardy’s Tess or Bethsheba stepping out from a humble thatched cottage and setting out on their way to market.
Exmoor – In Exmoor, cottages take on the character of the moor itself. Built from red sandstone, slate or mixed rubble stone, they feel rugged and weathered, shaped by wind, rain and salty sea air. Many began as farmworkers’ homes or shepherds’ dwellings, and it’s easy to imagine smugglers hiding their ill-gotten gains in thatched roofs or under floorboards before setting out across the wild moor.
If you’d like to wander the paths less travelled in South West England and discover these hidden gems for yourself, visit our All Trips page or send us an email. We’d love to hear from you.
