Coleridge Cottage, Nether Stowey, Somerset
Coleridge Cottage at Nether Stowey got its name from the fact that it was home to Romantic Poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge and his family for three years in the late 18th century; Coleridge was just 24 and was considered something of an eccentric by the locals as he wandered the combes and heaths of the Quantock Hills with fellow poet William Wordsworth - Wordsworth rented nearby Alfoxden House at the time. The two men came here for the simple reason that the hills were just so inspiring and it's fair to say that some of their greatest works were composed whilst they were in this part of Somerset.
Back to Coleridge Cottage; it's owned by the National Trust and of course, is open to the public. Even if you've never heard of Samuel Taylor Coleridge you should still go there because it's so utterly charming and so quaint, and you step inside and you can just forget all the bad things that go on in the world. Here it's all open fireplaces and rusticity, a cottage garden and wildflower meadow, and a restored well that you can still draw water from.
When you've had a look around go and have a browse in the little gift shop and stop for a slice of cake or a Poet's Lunch in the quiet tea room tucked away at the back of the cottage.
Opening times vary throughout the year so it's best to check on the website. Large groups should contact the cottage rather than just arrive as it really is rather tiny and can only accommodate certain numbers at one time. Dogs are allowed in the garden.
T: 01278 732662 E: coleridge.cottage@nationaltrust.org.uk
All information correct at the time of writing