Ilminster

Ilminster is a market town in south Somerset, just east of the junction of the A303 with the A358. The parish had 5,964 people at the 2021 census. That road position matters for a cottage stay: it makes the town an easy stop on a drive to or from the south-west, as well as a base in its own right.

The Minster, St Mary’s Church, is the town’s landmark. The Hamstone building dates from the 15th century and is Grade I listed, so it is worth a look even if you are only passing through. The name of the town comes from the River Isle and the church, and the surrounding countryside is gentle farmland rather than hills or coast.

At the town’s eastern entrance is Dillington House, an arts venue and accommodation that dates to the sixteenth century and was once the home of Lord North. It is Grade II* listed.

For longer outings, the A358 runs from Taunton past Ilminster towards Chard, and a cycle path links Ilminster with Chard, a useful car-free option for those who bring bikes. Choose Ilminster for a quiet, inland week in south Somerset, with market-town simplicity and the road network on hand when you want to move on.