Our Stay at Courtyard Cottage (Upper Vobster Farm) with Premier Cottages

We recently spent a few days at Upper Vobster Farm, staying in the charming Courtyard Cottage. It was just the kind of break we needed to step away from the usual daily routine. Surrounded by nature, fresh air and peaceful countryside views, the farm gave us a calm and quiet space to slow down. We returned feeling relaxed, refreshed and ready to take on the world again!

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We found Upper Vobster Farm through Premier Cottages while planning a trip around Cheddar Gorge. We were looking for a quiet and peaceful place to stay nearby and after a bit of searching and shortlisting, we chose Upper Vobster Farm. And what a brilliant choice it turned out to be!

Before our trip, the farm had emailed us all the important details, which made everything really easy. When we arrived, our first thought was how calm and quiet the place felt - just what we were hoping for. Natalie, the Manager at Upper Vobster Farm, gave us a warm welcome, showed us around and made sure we had everything we needed for a comfortable stay.

Courtyard Cottage

Upper Vobster Farm is a peaceful countryside retreat located in Somerset, set across 55 acres of beautiful land, including a six-acre wood that's home to a variety of wildlife and birds of prey.

Upper Vobster Farm offers a range of lovely accommodation options, from spacious cottages like Lavender and Rosemary, to stylish retreats like Somerset Soul (pictured below), a luxury house that sleeps eight with plenty of space to relax and unwind.  Somerset Soul is the most special property at the farm, beautifully decorated for guests who enjoy comfort, peace and a touch of luxury. It’s a spacious and elegant place that makes you feel truly looked after. There's also a private outdoor swimming pool in a lovely walled garden, along with a large pool house that has a steam room and a relaxing sitting area.

There are also cosy hideaways such as The Dovecote, Valley View, and The Dairy—each thoughtfully designed with comfort and nature in mind. 

We stayed in the Courtyard Cottage, a peaceful and well-equipped two-bedroom cottage with beautiful views over the farm, and it was perfect for our stay.

Courtyard Cottage felt more like a home than a holiday rental. It’s spread across two levels, with one bedroom upstairs and the other downstairs - both spacious, with beds that can be set up as either super king or twin, depending on what suits you. There’s plenty of room to unpack and settle in, and having a bathroom on each floor made things really convenient. The upstairs bathroom had a lovely bath (great for a soak after a long walk!), while the downstairs one had a walk-in shower. The layout worked perfectly for us, giving a good mix of together time and privacy.

The cottage had everything we needed for a relaxed and comfortable stay. The kitchen was fully equipped - we even cooked a couple of meals. The living room was one of our favourite spots, with big windows, comfy seating and an electric log burner. Downstairs, the second bedroom had a quiet little sitting area with a bistro table, ideal for morning tea or a bit of reading. There was also a handy utility area with a washer-dryer, and even a separate entrance for muddy shoes and coats after countryside walks. 

With fast Wi-Fi, good heating and lovely views across the valley, it was a peaceful place to unwind and I could easily imagine staying longer, even working from here if needed.

The Farm Experience

One of the highlights of our stay at Upper Vobster Farm was joining Adam (who is the Animal Caretaker and also manages the grounds) for the morning animal feeding. 

It’s a farm, so there’s always something going on - and guests are welcome to get involved. We spent around two hours with Adam, who was so kind and patient, answering all our curious questions as we went along. We got to meet the adorable pygmy goats, ducks (who live in their very own castle!), rare North Ronaldsay sheep, and a cheerful mix of hens. It was a lovely way to start the day, and such a fun and memorable experience - especially if you enjoy being around animals.

We also did the woodland walk, which turned out to be absolutely magical. The path took us through peaceful woods where the ground was covered in a soft carpet of wild garlic and bluebells in full bloom - the colours and scent were just beautiful. 

There are plenty of places around the farm to explore or simply sit and take in the surroundings. We loved the two small lakes - one with a little beach and the other near a charming old stone bridge that leads to a historic drovers’ path. It’s the kind of place where time slows down and every little detail in nature feels special.

On one of the days, we packed a picnic and sat by the lake. It was utterly peaceful, with the only sounds being birdsong all around us. A truly magical moment we won’t forget.

 

Peace and Privacy

One of the things we loved most about staying at Courtyard Cottage was how quiet and peaceful it was. There were no traffic sounds or city noise - just the gentle rustle of leaves, the occasional bleat of a sheep and birdsong. It felt like we had truly stepped away from the busy world.

Each morning, we woke up to calm views from the window - abundant greenery and wide open skies. It was the kind of stillness that makes you pause and take a deep breath. 

One evening, we were in for a lovely surprise when two hot air balloons floated by. One came so close we could hear the whoosh of the fire as it passed by. It eventually landed somewhere in the green space behind the farm - such a magical moment!

 

Location and Surroundings

Upper Vobster Farm is in a great spot for exploring the Somerset countryside. It’s surrounded by peaceful farmland and pretty villages, yet many wonderful places are just a short drive away. Whether you enjoy history, nature or simply pottering around charming towns, there’s something for everyone.

During our stay, we visited Nunney Castle - a small but beautiful ruined castle with a moat, right in the middle of a quiet village. 

We also spent time at Wells, where the stunning Wells Cathedral and the medieval Vicars’ Close completely won us over. 

Another highlight was climbing Glastonbury Tor for sweeping views of the countryside. It’s a short walk uphill, but so worth it!

We also enjoyed birdwatching at RSPB Ham Wall, spotting herons and swans among the reeds and an elver too!

The dramatic cliffs of Cheddar Gorge made for a brilliant walk, with great views and wild goats along the way. 

We also loved the little village of Mells, with its stone cottages and laid-back charm. There’s lots more to see in the area, plus loads of walking routes if you prefer to explore on foot straight from the farm.

The information guide in the cottage was super handy - it had a full list of nearby pubs, restaurants, cafés, local shops and tourist attractions. Everything was clearly laid out and it made planning our days really easy and saved us a lot of time.

Hosts and Hospitality

Tricia and Michael Nicholson are the warm and welcoming hosts behind Upper Vobster Farm. When they first moved in, the place was derelict, but Tricia saw its true potential and dreamed of turning it into a peaceful retreat for others to enjoy. Over the years, the couple lovingly restored the buildings and land, creating a space that feels homely and full of heart. Today, they open their doors to guests from all over the world, and it’s clear how much care and thought they’ve put into making everyone feel at home.

We had the pleasure of meeting Tricia and Michael during our stay and they were both so warm and welcoming. It was lovely chatting with them about the farm and the journey behind it. Natalie was also around and always happy to help with anything we needed. What we really appreciated was that while everyone was friendly and approachable, they also respected our space and privacy.

A thoughtful touch that made us smile was the welcome hamper waiting for us in the cottage. It included a pack of freshly baked brownies - soft, rich and made with duck eggs from the farm. It was such a sweet gesture and a perfect way to settle in after our journey.

The hospitality at Upper Vobster Farm was truly top-notch and went above and beyond what we expected. Every little detail had been thought of and we felt genuinely cared for throughout our stay.

Who It’s Best For

From our experience, Courtyard Cottage is perfect for all kinds of travellers - whether you’re a couple looking for a romantic escape, a family wanting quality time together or someone in need of a peaceful break from busy life. 

Nature lovers will feel completely at home with the open fields, woodland walks and wildlife all around. Writers or creatives looking for inspiration will love the quiet, calm setting and with superfast internet, it’s also a brilliant spot to work remotely or enjoy a digital detox, whichever suits your mood.

We’d happily recommend Upper Vobster Farm for both short breaks and longer stays. It’s also a lovely venue for weddings or special celebrations, with space to accommodate large groups across several charming cottages. Families with young children will especially enjoy the farm animals, safe open spaces and the chance to get involved in daily farm life - it’s an experience they won’t forget.

Final Thoughts

One of our favourite parts of the stay was simply the setting - peaceful, surrounded by nature and full of charm. The views from the cottage, the walks through woodlands dotted with bluebells and wild garlic and the quiet evenings made it all feel quite special. The hospitality truly stood out too—warm, thoughtful and never intrusive. And of course, being part of the morning animal feeding session was a highlight. It gave us a wonderful glimpse into farm life and we loved every minute of it.

We’d definitely return to Upper Vobster Farm - it gave us the breather we didn’t know we needed. If you’re planning a visit, one key piece of advice would be: take your time to explore the grounds. Don’t rush. From the quiet corners by the lake to the woodland trails, there’s so much beauty to soak in. Give yourself the space to unwind - you’ll come away feeling refreshed, just like we did.

Practical Information

Upper Vobster Farm | Upper Vobster, Radstock, Somerset, BA3 5SA.
Phone | 01373 812 166

Book your stay at Premier Cottages – Courtyard Cottage.

Premier Cottages features around 850 luxury self-catering properties across the UK, ranging from small, romantic boltholes to large family-friendly country estates. The collection includes pet-friendly and glamping accommodation as well as the widest range of accessible properties in the UK. Properties often have onsite facilities like swimming pools, gyms, spas, indoor games rooms and children's play areas.

Unlike many large holiday rental websites, Premier Cottages charges no booking fees, meaning guests can save 15% or more with their "Inclusive Pricing" policy - no hidden charges, cleaning fees or service costs. In peak periods this can save hundreds of pounds. Premier Cottages is a membership organisation of property owners committed to the highest standards, with most properties graded 4 & 5 Star by national tourist boards. You book direct with owners, many of whom live onsite and can share local knowledge of events, restaurants and attractions.

Best Time to Visit Upper Vobster Farm | Spring and early summer are particularly lovely, with bluebells and wild garlic carpeting the woods. Autumn offers vibrant foliage and crisp walks. But honestly, we think it would be a great spot year-round.

Visitor Tips

• Don’t miss the morning animal feeding session – it’s a lot of fun, especially if you love animals. We learned so much and really enjoyed getting up close with the farm residents.
• Try the free-range duck eggs – they were delicious! We enjoyed them so much that we even bought a couple of packs to take home.
• If you're planning to visit Cheddar Gorge or Longleat, check with the Farm Office – they offer discounted tickets for guests. Just remember to book at least a day in advance!

Nearby Must-Dos (under an hour)

• Nunney Castle & Village – A charming moated castle ruin in a picturesque village.
• Wells Cathedral & Vicars’ Close – Stunning medieval architecture and the oldest residential street in Europe.
• Glastonbury Tor – A short hike rewards you with panoramic views.
• RSPB Ham Wall – A haven for birdwatchers, with herons, swans and more.
• Cheddar Gorge Walk – Dramatic cliffs, wild goats and breathtaking views.
• Village of Mells – Stone cottages, a historic church and the delightful Talbot Inn for a cosy meal.
• Fleet Air Museum - Europe's largest collection of Royal Navy aircraft.
• Frome - Historic market town with a vibrant atmosphere.
• Shepton Mallet Prison - Established in 1625, it is the UK's oldest operating prison and now serves as a heritage-led tourist attraction.
• Wookey Hole Caves - A series of limestone caverns steeped in history and legend.

There’s plenty more to explore, including local walks, hidden gems and peaceful spots to unwind.

Overal, we loved our time at Courtyard Cottage. Everything from the peaceful setting and beautiful surroundings to the warm hospitality and cosy accommodation made it a memorable break. It was the perfect mix of comfort, nature and charm. We would recommend Upper Vobster Farm without hesitation.