What’s Montigo Resorts Somerset at Charlton House like?
This Grade II listed country house hotel and spa makes for a great luxurious retreat. Parts of the estate date back to the 1600s and the King of Thailand and Duke of Edinburgh are said to be among the past guests. The Somerset estate was given a makeover in the the mid-1990s by the founders of the Mulberry brand and much of their design work has been retained. The towns of Frome, Wells and Glastonbury are close by.
How dog-friendly is Montigo Resorts Somerset at Charlton House?
Good. The hotel’s pet policy says it welcomes dogs under 10kg, but I think there is a bit of wiggle room on this as both Ernie and Stan are just over 11kg and it was no problem. Beds and bowls are provided in the rooms – although these are definitely for dogs who are on the smaller side as they’re dinky!
The large grounds are great for exploring and if you fancy pampering your pooch, the KD Pet Spa is also onsite. It is run by dog groomer Kelly Davis, who won BBC show Pooch Perfect in 2021. Guests travelling with dogs will need to read and sign the Pet Policy upon arrival. There is an additional £50 charge for pets to stay as well as a £25 refundable damage deposit.
Tell me more about Montigo Resorts Somerset at Charlton House
There are 28 unique rooms at the hotel spread across the historic main property and a more modern extension. We stayed in the Garden Lodge during our visit which, as the name suggests, overlooks the vast garden, tennis court and orchard. It even has its own outdoor furniture for two, so you can soak up those lovely views with a glass in hand.
The standalone lodge is more like an annexe than just a room, with a small kitchenette – complete with sink, kettle and fridge – and sitting area. It also has an enormous bathroom with rolltop bath, his-and-hers sinks and a wet room-style shower cubicle, complete with complimentary Elemis toiletries. Essentially, it’s a great choice if you’re travelling with dogs as it’s away from the other hotel rooms and guests!
With its dark walls, dark wooden furniture and heavy curtains, the sumptuous lodge feels like a cosy cocoon. The claw-foot mahogany bed is incredibly comfortable, and the squishy sofa looking out over the garden is the ideal place to kick back and relax. There is also a feature fireplace and lots of storage, plus air conditioning – which we loved as we visited during the summer months. Magazines with information about the local area are provided, too.
There’s a big focus on wellness at the hotel and all guests will have free access to its thermal spa, which has been inspired by Bali’s natural springs and Somerset’s Roman Baths. It’s not huge, but it’s lovely and boasts a swim-in swim-out pool, outdoor jacuzzi, steam room and sauna. A wide range of spa treatments can also be booked and there’s a spacious fitness centre too, if you’re keen to work up a sweat.
What’s the food like at Montigo Resorts Somerset at Charlton House?
Really tasty. You can choose to dine at one of three different venues at the hotel and while dogs are not allowed in the formal eatery – the Charlton House Restaurant, in the conservatory – they are welcome in Bobo’s Bistro and Tiigo, where you can eat al fresco in a walled courtyard. There are also a handful of chilled out lounges where you can enjoy a drink or bite to eat with your dog throughout the day.
Local produce is the main focus of all the menus though, with salmon fresh out the Severn and lamb reared amongst the Mendip Hills. Less formal meals, like burgers and curries, are also available and the Sunday roasts – where the vegetarian option is a butternut squash and lentil wellington, pictured above – also come highly recommended. At the time of visiting, a three-course meal from the a la carte menu cost £52.
Where are the best walks near Montigo Resorts Somerset at Charlton House?
The grounds of the hotel itself, pictured above, make for a lovely stroll at any time of day – but there are lots of other options nearby. Collett Park, just down the road in Shepton Mallet, is beautifully landscaped and has lots of well-established trees, pathways, play areas, a cafe and a boating lake. There is even an annual day of events held to celebrate John Kyte Collett, who gifted the park to the town in 1906.
Orchard Park Farm, a short drive from the hotel in Hornblotton, is also well worth visiting as it is home to Emma’s Orchard, where you can let your dog run free. This secure 3.2-acre field, surrounded by cider orchards, has won several awards and has even been nominated for the British Dog Field of the Year 2025. It costs £10 to hire the field exclusively for an hour, with time slots available from 6am to 9pm.
Are there resident dogs at Montigo Resorts Somerset at Charlton House?
No, but you may well meet some other four-legged guests when you stay.
What Ernie and Stan loved about Montigo Resorts Somerset at Charlton House
Having such a good vantage point from the Garden Lodge, the sausages for breakfast
What I loved about Montigo Resorts Somerset at Charlton House
The beautiful old building, the comfortable room, the friendly staff
How to book Montigo Resorts Somerset at Charlton House
Overnight stays start from £182 per night, including breakfast. For more information or to book, call 01749 717751 or visit the Montigo Resorts Somerset at Charlton House website.