We’ve handpicked ten friendly places, for all budgets, where you won’t be penalised for going it alone, where you (and in many cases your four-legged friend) will receive the warmest of welcomes.

What is the best thing about travelling on your own; peace, freedom to do what you want when you want, go wherever you like and take your time to completely unwind?  The Somerset and Exmoor Coast is relatively undiscovered and offers unbelievably beautiful villages, historic harbour towns, unspoilt scenery and miles of golden beaches to explore.  Go to the cinema, theatre, swimming, off-road cycling, trail walking, star gazing, shopping or simply enjoy the most delicious local food and drink (our cider is legendary!).  This area is also more accessible than you might think, with four train stations and bus links you have the freedom to leave the car behind.

Quiet, Cosy B and Bs

1. Yew Tree House, Berrow, dates back to the 17th Century and is ideal for a peaceful escape.  Anne your host knows everything there is to know about the area and will be happy to help plan your day, she also cooks a great breakfast with the best locally sourced ingredients.  When you are full it is just a short stroll to seven miles of sandy beach to explore at Brean.  Alternatively, hire a bike to enjoy the birdlife and scenery along the off-road Brean Down Way.  Everything you need is within walking distance, a cream tea or cocktails/cuppa watching the sun go down on the beach.  All the traditional, farmhouse bedrooms are doubles or twins but you will get a discount for single occupancy.  Getting there: train to Weston Super Mare then the number 20 bus nearly to the door.
2. Montrose B and B, Minehead, is located on a peaceful tree-lined avenue a short walk from the bustling seaside town full of interesting independent shops. Helen will welcome you warmly and can advise on the best places to eat and explore, which must include a ride on the heritage West Somerset Railway.  Mornings start with a delicious home-cooked breakfast with an excellent choice of full English (vegetarian & vegan choices available), omelettes, kippers, smoked salmon, berries and yoghurt.  Relax in the comfortable guest lounge complete with a TV and small library, perfect for unwinding after a busy day exploring.  All five rooms are doubles or twins (one has its own conservatory and courtyard garden patio), call to get a reduced rate for one.  Getting there: train to Taunton then the number 28 bus to Minehead.

Family Run Guest House with Exceptional Views

3. The Royal Clarence Hotel, Burnham-on-Sea, has been welcoming guests since 1796. It is the only hotel overlooking the beach and has the best views, great for people watching or curling up with a good book.  The spacious bedrooms (including a single) have been lovingly restored, many with views over Bridgwater Bay, and you are just a few steps away from the sandy beach.  No breakfast here, but everything is within walking distance, bars, restaurants and cafes or pick up a takeaway, sit on the veranda with a glass of something and enjoy the spectacular sunsets over the bay.  Within a five minute stroll is the Ritz cinema, an indoor pool and the Princess Theatre.  Getting there: train to Highbridge or Weston-super-Mare then a bus to the door.

Get Off The Beaten Track – Dogs and Horses Welcome

4. At Pardlestone Farm, near Kilve it’s not unusual for guests to be visiting alone, although a fair few are accompanied by their horse!  This B & B (which also has self-catering cottages) has carved out a name for itself for horse holidays, with hours of off-road riding in the Quantock Hills on its doorstep. What could be better than a solitary break with your horse – fresh air and miles and miles of spectacular landscape to explore.  Some of the farmhouse’s single visitors prefer hiking or mountain biking, or simply visiting the sights of Somerset and all will be warmly welcomed, personally assisted with routes if desired and cooked a hearty, farmhouse breakfast.  Rooms are discounted for single occupancy; B & B for singles from £83.  Getting there: you will need a car to discover the area.

Dog-Friendly Hotels

5. The stylish, quirky Old Vicarage Hotel, Bridgwater, offers a warm and welcoming retreat in a 15th-century Grade II listed building. As the second oldest building in town it is steeped in history and bursting with character and individual charm.  Candy and her team have created a relaxing oasis, tucked away in the centre of Bridgwater, with a pretty walled cottage garden, oak panelled dining room, great food and drink, cosy bar and lounge where you and your four legged friend will be made to feel right at home.  Choose from 18 individually designed rooms (including three singles), many with original features, beams, a quirky wig cupboard and even a ghost or two!  It is an ideal base for exploring the unspoilt Somerset countryside, with a theatre, museum, multi-screen cinema and England’s oldest arts centre nearby.  Getting there: train to Bridgwater then a short taxi ride.
6. The Ibis, near Bridgwater, is conveniently located for a holiday exploring the coast, just a mile from Junction 23 of the M5 and two miles from Bridgwater.  This contemporary hotel has comfy sofas where you cuddle up with your dog – they are very welcome here.  Keepers Kitchen and Bar is open all day for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks and is a stylish spot to enjoy a drink before heading up to your spacious supremely comfortable bed – all doubles or twins, room only from £99.  And if you join the loyalty programme you’ll get extra discounts and perks!  Privacy and security are paramount to ensure that every guest has the best stay.  A short drive away are the golden sands at Burnham-on-Sea great for walking, most of it is dog friendly too, or feeling more energetic join the fun, friendly 5km Saturday Park Run.  Getting there: ideally, you will need a car to discover the area (there are electric chargers), or a train to Bridgwater and a taxi.
7. The Yarn Market Hotel is a three star family run hotel set in the unbelievably beautiful medieval village of Dunster. The friendly team hosts year-round special interest, small group tours, which are particularly popular with solo travellers (many with no single supplement) eg Dark Skies Stargazing, Exmoor Villages and Churches and Guided Walking Holidays on the famous South West Coast Path.  They also hold choral singing and jazz breaks and many of their regular guests come on their own.  The Yarn Market Hotel doesn’t have “single” rooms, single guests are accommodated in comfortable double or twin rooms some with great views of the village and castle.  There is no charge for dogs and most importantly of all you will be assured of a really warm welcome.  Getting there: train to Taunton then number 28 bus to Dunster.
8. The Porlock Weir Hotel has been completely refurbished to the highest standards and is the place to stay for a luxurious, peaceful escape right on the harbourside. Their focus is on wellness, relaxation, friendly service and great locally sourced food.  Solo travellers, especially walkers, are drawn to its prime location, with the South West Coast Path right on the doorstep.  Hire a bike, visit numerous galleries nearby, or simply unwind in the gardens or the stylish guest lounge – all with fabulous sea and countryside views.  At the end of the day enjoy a delicious supper in the attractive restaurant, alfresco dining on the terrace or room service.  Dogs are warmly welcomed in most of the rooms, all beautifully designed with your comfort in mind and many with coastal views.  Getting there: train to Taunton then several buses via Minehead and Porlock.

Friendly Pub – Dogs Very Welcome

9. Dunstan House Inn, Burnham-on-Sea is just back from the beach and you (and your four-legged friend) will get a genuinely warm welcome (and treats!). The pub has open fires, a great menu and selection of beers and wine and cute nooks and crannies to enjoy your time after exploring the beach.  There is a huge garden for basking in the sun or snuggle up in the undercover seating with cosy blankets for those chilly evenings.  Dogs will be treated like royalty and can sleep with you in a super snug single room with the most comfortable bed to ensure you awake feeling refreshed and ready to explore.  Getting there: train to Highbridge then a bus.

Tranquil Dog-Friendly Camping and Glamping

10. At Burton Springs Holidays you can bring your dog, along with a tent or campervan or enjoy the ease and simplicity of staying in a glamping pod looking over the fishing lakes. Your hosts Jennifer and Gareth will make sure you have everything you need and have a great time.  Walk from the gate along the coast in peace for miles and miles, head to the local pub or pop over the road to join the Yellow Door supper club for friendly, convivial company.  For fishing enthusiasts – or complete beginners – the lakeside pods provide the ideal base.  You can book a fishing break here or hire all the gear on-site if you want to give it a go.  This peaceful place is perfect for getting close to nature, switching off and completely unwinding.  Getting there: you will need a car to explore.

On this remarkable coast you are spoilt for choice with activities and experiences perfect for one, plus your furry friend.  To find out more contact our friendly, knowledgeable teams at the tourist information centres who will be happy to help.

• Burnham Information Centre and Rescue Support
• Bridgwater Town Council
• Watchet Visitor Centre
• Dunster National Park Centre
• Porlock Information Centre

This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with Somerset Council being the lead local authority for UKSPF in Somerset.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.  For more information, click here.