The Newt in Somerset Membership: a guide

Considering The Newt in Somerset membership? As one of the most exclusive UK destinations, and one of my favourite hotels of all time, you might be considering signing up. Before parting with your hard earned cash, have a read through my guide – I share all you need to know about having a The Newt in Somerset membership, and what to expect from your stay.

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Somerset countryside, The Newt is one of the most exclusive members’ club and lodgings in the UK. A country estate, it has acres of lush gardens, woodland, farmland, and cider orchards. A perfect retreat, no matter what the season, it’s a wonderful place to visit for historic charm and world-class amenities. It offers a luxurious, immersive experience, with gardens, dining options, a spa, and more. If you fancy visiting The Newt, they offer a membership program to enable you to experience the various onsite activities and spaces. As one of my favourite places to visit, in this guide to The Newt in Somerset membership, I share all you need to know about the benefits and offerings of visiting this unique country estate.

What is The Newt in Somerset?

The Newt in Somerset is a luxurious and unique estate located in the picturesque countryside of Somerset. It’s a destination that combines history, horticulture, hospitality, and luxury to create an immersive experience for guests and members alike. The estate is known for its stunning gardens, historic buildings, elegant accommodation, dining options, and spa facilities. Here are a few key features of The Newt in Somerset:

• Exquisite grounds – the estate has a plethora of beautifully manicured gardens, that make it perfect for exploring no matter what the season. You’ll find the Parabola Walled Garden with its gorgeous flowers and vegetables; the Cascades with a series of terraced pools and water features; and the Orchards, with a diverse array of apple trees.
• Hadspen House – a historic Georgian mansion at the heart of The Newt’s estate, which has been beautifully restored and offers a glimpse into the estate’s rich history.
• Excellent dining options – The Newt offers a range of restaurants, including The Botanical Rooms, a restaurant that focuses on locally sourced and seasonal ingredients to celebrate the flavours of Somerset.
• The Newt Spa – the estate features a world-class spa that offers relaxation and rejuvenation through a variety of treatments and experiences.
• Luxurious lodgings – The Newt in Somerset offers luxurious accommodation options for those who wish to extend their stay. The accommodations are designed to reflect the estate’s character and provide a comfortable and immersive experience.
• Onsite shop – there’s a lovely little gift shop on the estate that sells a range of products inspired by the gardens and heritage of The Newt, including some gorgeous homeware. I recommend having a look – you’ll likely want to take some bits home as souvenirs.
• Events and workshops – one really cool thing about The Newt is that it hosts lots of different events and workshops like cider tasting and printmaking. It’s a great excuse to visit the estate.

Where is The Newt in Somerset?

The Newt is in the gorgeous countryside surroundings of Somerset’s west country. A county full of mystery, legend, and farming, Somerset is a wonderful insight into English culture. The Newt is set between the adorable market towns of Bruton, Glastonbury’s Castle Cary, and Wincanton. Located near the charming village of Hadspen, you’ll find The Newt through a concealed valley of apple orchards. You’ll find The Newt in Somerset at:

Hadspen House, Castle Cary Road, Bruton, Somerset, BA7 7NG, United Kingdom.

Looking to explore the local area? Somerset has some beautiful places to visit, including Bruton, Frome, and Somerton. Don’t miss my guide to the best restaurants in Somerset.

How to get to The Newt in Somerset

Getting to The Newt in Somerset is relatively straightforward, whether you’re arriving by car or train. Here’s how I’d recommend getting to The Newt in Somerset:

By car:

• From London: Getting to The Newt by car is probably the easiest option given its rural location. From London, take the M3 motorway westbound, which connects to the A303. Follow the A303 until you reach the A359 exit toward Bruton. Follow signs to Bruton, and you’ll find The Newt along Castle Cary Road.
• From Bristol: Take the M32 southbound, which merges into the A37. Continue on the A37, and then follow signs to Castle Cary and The Newt.

By train:

• The nearest train station to The Newt in Somerset is Castle Cary Station. Trains run from London Paddington to Castle Cary, and the journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. From Castle Cary Station, it’s a short taxi ride to The Newt.

What does The Newt in Somerset membership include?

The Newt in Somerset offers a membership program that offers individuals exclusive access to a range of benefits and privileges. Membership grants you access to a variety of amenities, events, and special treatments. Here are some of the key benefits of The Newt in Somerset membership:

Exclusive garden access

Members can enjoy unrestricted access to The Newt’s beautiful gardens, including the Parabola Walled Garden, Cascades, and Orchards. This also includes garden tours and seasonal workshops, like Harvest and Apple Day, plus access to partner gardens including Kew, Blenheim, and the Eden Project. This is the perfect opportunity to explore these carefully manicured landscapes at your leisure.

Priority reservations

Members have priority access and reservations for dining at The Botanical Rooms, The Newt’s restaurant. This means you’ll never miss out!

Exclusive event invitations

The Newt hosts lots of events, workshops, and masterclasses, from cider tasting to printmaking. Each of these events allow you to get involved in The Newt community, engaging with the culture and lifestyle of the estate. You’ll receive an annual programme of workshops and events.

The Newt Spa access

One of the best features of The Newt in Somerset membership is access to the indulgent The Newt Spa. Here, you can enjoy relaxing and rejuvenating with luxurious treatments inspired by the surroundings of the estate. You’ll gain access to exclusive members’ spa days.

Restaurant Access

With membership, you can access all estate eateries, including The Botanical Rooms, Garden Cafe, Farmyard Kitchen, Cyder Bar, Gelateria, Farm Shop, and House and Garden Shop.

Exclusive offers

With a The Newt in Somerset membership, you can enjoy special offers and discounts at the onsite gift shop, complimentary guest passes, and exclusive news and special offers for experiences and promotions at The Newt.

Digital library access

With a membership, you gain exclusive access to The Newt’s digital library of workshops and masterclasses, hosted by chefs and gardeners.

How much is The Newt in Somerset membership?

Here’s how much The Newt in Somerset membership currently costs:

Signing up with direct debit also includes a £20 voucher for the online gift voucher. You’ll continue to receive a £10 voucher each year you renew.

Can you go to the Newt in Somerset without being a member?

Unfortunately not, no. Much like other members’ estates like Soho House membership and Estelle Manor membership, you need The Newt in Somerset membership to visit. This is because The Newt believes that you cannot experience the best of the estate in a day – a membership instead allows you to experience the estate in its full glory. Membership is open to everyone, and offers unlimited access to the estate and facilities for a year. The Newt focuses on the seasonality of its grounds, and so a membership allows you to experience it all through the seasons. You may purchase a day guest pass, but only if you are visiting with a member and are accompanied by them throughout your visit. These guest passes can be purchased for £20.

Is The Newt in Somerset membership worth it?

This is a pertinent question, and one I really considered myself. Let’s start with the positives – there’s no denying the incredible facilities and surroundings of The Newt. Luxurious lodgings, numerous restaurants, a delectable spa, and acres of beautiful grounds to explore throughout the year. It’s seriously impressive, and perfect for visiting with family and groups of friends for the weekend. That said, at £75 per adult before any hotel stays or bookings, it’s one to consider.

Comparing it to Soho House’s One House membership at £100 per month plus joining fee, and Estelle Manor’s £300 per month plus joining fee, I think The Newt in Somerset membership is actually very reasonable. There is plenty to do, and the emphasis on visiting all year round to experience the seasonal changes of the estate make the membership seem somewhat more fulfilling and considered. For me, I think yes, The Newt in Somerset membership is worth it – provided you live close enough to Somerset to visit at least once a season. As I’m based in the Cotswolds, luckily this isn’t too far. If you’re much further away, I’d really think twice about signing up.

The Newt in Somerset Membership: FAQs

Here are the answers to some of the questions you might have about visiting or becoming a member at The Newt in Somerset.

Who owns the Newt in Somerset?

The Newt in Somerset first opened back in 2019, the project of South African couple, Koos Bekker (a telecoms billionaire), and Karen Roos (former editor of Elle Decoration). Between them, they brought the perfect blend of business acumen and interior design to refurbish the beautiful Georgian manor house and its acres of farmland and gardens. The Newt’s country house hotel is not, however, their first rodeo – the couple’s first property, Babylonstoren in South Africa, is another beautiful estate with acres of vineyards.

Why is the Newt in Somerset called the Newt?

It’s a good question. The Newt quite literally takes its name from the small protected amphibians that roam the estate. The country house hotel actually takes great care to look after and protect their onsite newts. The namesake was chosen because of newts’ powerful regenerative properties, living half on land and half on water throughout the year. The estate also regenerates and sustains itself – and so, The Newt was born.

Does the Newt have a swimming pool?

It sure does, and what a swimming pool it is! When heading to The Newt Spa to unwind, you’ll discover the indoor-outdoor pool. It’s heated, and ideal for getting in some lengths. Outside, there are sun loungers for soaking up the sun on Britain’s balmier days. Near the pool, you’ll also find a sauna, steam room, and a salted room.

Can RHS members visit The Newt for free?

Yes! The Newt in Somerset is a RHS Partner Garden. This means that RHS members can visit The Newt’s glorious gardens free of charge on Tuesdays.

Are dogs allowed at The Newt in Somerset?

Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed at The Newt, unless they are assistance dogs. This is because there is a working farm and deer and fowl are kept in the grounds.

That’s my guide to The Newt in Somerset membership. I hope you found it useful! If you have any other questions, let me know in the comments and I’ll try my best to help.