Shepton Mallet, Somerset
Somerset's Most Stylish Country Escape
Where Soho House cool meets the unhurried rhythms of the English countryside.
Tucked into the rolling Somerset countryside, Babington House is Soho House's masterful answer to the great British escape — a honey-stoned Georgian manor where city sophistication meets genuine rural soul. The house carries that unmistakable Soho House ease: rooms furnished with the kind of considered, lived-in elegance that feels effortlessly expensive, and a social energy that hums from morning coffee to late-night drinks by the fire. This is not a place that asks you to slow down so much as it simply makes slowing down irresistible.
The facilities are nothing short of exceptional for a countryside retreat. The Cowshed spa invites long, unhurried afternoons of treatment and steam, while both the indoor and outdoor pools cater to every mood and season. Farm-to-table dining draws on the walled kitchen garden, so what arrives on your plate feels genuinely connected to the land surrounding you — a rare and quietly moving thing. When evening falls, the on-site cinema beckons with the kind of cosy, convivial atmosphere that makes even a familiar film feel like an occasion.
Babington House occupies that rare sweet spot where couples seeking a romantic retreat and families chasing a stylish, activity-filled break can coexist in perfect harmony. A dedicated kids' club means parents are genuinely free to unwind, while the broader social atmosphere draws a creative, convivial crowd who understand that the very best staycations should feel, in every possible sense, like a holiday abroad.
Notable Features
What Sets It Apart
- Indoor and outdoor pools
- Cowshed spa
- Cinema
- Kids' club
- Walled garden
Gallery
Inside & Out
Guest Voices
What They Say
“I stayed at Babington for the first time last week and had the most fantastic experience. The suite was beautiful ; I even had my own Christmas tree and the attention to detail was second to none. A real highlight was the spacious bathroom, along with the gorgeous dog bed they provided for my golden retriever. While the house itself isn’t the largest, it feels wonderfully cosy. What truly made the stay so special, however, was the staff. They were incredibly accommodating, attentive, and genuinely helpful. They even heated up vegetables and stored my dog’s special food in a refrigerator, which was such a thoughtful touch. The level of care was impressive, and I would highly recommend a stay for anyone looking for a truly bespoke experience. The staff really are outstanding; always polite and eager to accommodate every need. The only areas for improvement would be the indoor and outdoor pools, which were a bit too busy at times due to outside members also using the facilities. Additionally, the menus were the same across all the restaurants, so a little more variation would have been nice. That said, overall it’s an amazing place and a stay I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.”
“Lovely location for a Christmas meal. Good quality of food and a nice selection on the menu. Open for sirloin and it was delicious. The lads doing the serving were superb!”
“Be wary! My wallet got left there with a lot of cash in it. The receptionist (female - lovely) confirmed the money was there and I could come and pick it up. When it was picked up it was empty and my card has been used online. The manager said they did an internal investigation and no more is to be done. Essentially accusing me of trying to con them? I've opened a police report but obviously the staff member is still there. Utterly disgusting and disappointing.”
“Stunning place,beautiful surroundings, buildings and layout. Exceptional,friendly service and superb place to eat,work, stay and unwind/relax. Would Highly Recommend.”
“As a Soho House member (and ex–First Class cabin crew who’s no stranger to polished service), I finally ticked Babington House off my list and it absolutely soared past expectations. I knew it would be lovely, but I didn’t expect to feel quite so instantly at home, or quite so reluctant to check out. The house itself is set in the most idyllic Somerset countryside, with grounds so beautiful they deserve their own passport stamp. From wildflower meadows to ancient trees and that gorgeous outdoor pool, it felt like a rural escape with all the little city comforts dialled in. There’s a sense of ease here—stylish but not showy, with staff who are warm, attentive and genuinely friendly. Not a trace of pretension, which, let’s be honest, can sometimes sneak into members’ clubs. Now, let’s talk food because I’d fly long haul for that seafood linguine. Everything I ate, from the garden-fresh salads to the rich, comforting puddings, was absolutely spot-on. The cocktails were equally impressive. I’m partial to a classic, and their house martini was stirred to perfection smooth, cold, and just the right amount of crisp. A proper pre-dinner take-off, if you will. The Cowshed spa is worth writing home about too. I booked in for a massage and genuinely floated out. I might’ve logged a few thousand air miles in my day, but even I was grounded in the best possible way after an afternoon there. All in all, Babington House is the first class cabin of country escapes: stylish, comfortable, quietly luxurious and full of heart. The kind of place where you instantly feel looked after and like you might just extend your stay.”
Babington House
Charity Ln, Frome BA11 3RW, UK
Guest Rating
Based on 554 reviews
Category
LuxuryLocation
Shepton Mallet, Somerset
Price Range
£400+/night
Style
Country Club
Best For
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