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Orchard Cottage at Dillington Estate, Ilminster

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Orchard Cottage at Dillington Estate offers a luxury four-bedroom retreat in Somerset's peaceful countryside. This Grade II listed property sleeps eight guests and features three bathrooms and a private hot tub. The cottage sits within the historic Dillington Estate near Ilminster, providing an elegant base for families and friends.

The estate grounds offer miles of walking trails through woodlands and parkland. Somerset's rolling hills and traditional villages surround the property, creating a quintessentially English setting.

Orchard Cottage provides four well-appointed bedrooms across two floors. The ground floor includes a spacious kitchen, dining room and sitting room with period features. Three modern bathrooms serve the property.

About Orchard Cottage at Dillington Estate

Orchard Cottage at Dillington Estate offers a luxury four-bedroom retreat in Somerset's peaceful countryside. This Grade II listed property sleeps eight guests and features three bathrooms and a private hot tub. The cottage sits within the historic Dillington Estate near Ilminster, providing an elegant base for families and friends.

The estate grounds offer miles of walking trails through woodlands and parkland. Somerset's rolling hills and traditional villages surround the property, creating a quintessentially English setting.

Orchard Cottage provides four well-appointed bedrooms across two floors. The ground floor includes a spacious kitchen, dining room and sitting room with period features. Three modern bathrooms serve the property. The private hot tub sits in the garden, perfect for evening relaxation after exploring the estate.

Barrington Court lies 4 miles away (10 minutes). Montacute House sits 6 miles distant (15 minutes). Fleet Air Arm Museum is 8 miles away (18 minutes). Lyme Regis beach is 20 miles distant (35 minutes).

Orchard Cottage combines historic character with modern luxury. Perfect for families wanting space and tranquillity in Somerset's countryside.

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Need To Know

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Local Insights: Dillington Estate

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Ilminster, Somerset

Weather & Local Conditions

12Β°C

Partly cloudy

Updated: 23 Jul 2026, 3:22am

🌑️
12.20Β°C
Temperature
πŸ’¨
5 km/h
Wind Speed
πŸ’§
96%
Humidity
🧳
Packing Tip: UK weather can turn quickly, so pack layers whatever the forecast. A waterproof and sturdy shoes mean the whole group can head out whatever July throws at you.

What to Expect Through the Year

  • βœ“ May - September: Warmest, longest days - ideal for long days out, gardens and BBQs
  • βœ“ October - November: Crisp autumn colour, cosy evenings by the fire, quieter attractions
  • βœ“ December - February: Perfect for a snug winter escape - great for Christmas and New Year gatherings
  • βœ“ March - April: Spring blooms, longer evenings returning, wildlife becoming active
🌧️
Rainy Day Tip: A luxury cottage comes into its own on wet days - board games, a long lunch and a film beats a cramped hotel any day. Check the tabs here for nearby pubs and attractions with indoor options.

Dark Skies & Stargazing

Dillington Estate sits in a location with genuinely dark skies - a real treat for a group, and something you rarely get at home in town.

Bortle Scale Rating

The Bortle scale measures night sky darkness from 1 (darkest) to 9 (brightest urban):

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9
🌌
Class 4 - Rural/suburban transition
This location's dark sky rating

What You Can See From the Cottage

The Milky Way is visible overhead, though light domes may be visible on the horizon towards larger towns.

The Milky Way is visible on clear, moonless nights.

Best Stargazing Conditions

  • βœ“ New Moon periods: Darkest skies, best Milky Way visibility
  • βœ“ Winter months: Earlier darkness, crisper skies, Orion constellation prominent
  • βœ“ After 11pm: Neighbouring lights typically switched off
  • βœ“ Allow 20 minutes: Let your eyes adjust to darkness before looking up
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Pro Tip: Download a stargazing app like "Sky Map" or "Star Walk" before arrival. Mobile signal can be limited, and these apps work offline - a fun activity to share of an evening.

Location & Elevation

49m

(161 feet above sea level)

Dillington Estate sits in a peaceful Somerset setting - space to spread out and the perfect base for a luxury escape.

πŸ”οΈ
49m
Elevation
πŸ“
Ilminster
Nearest Village
🌲
Rural
Setting

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

  • βœ“ Fresher air: Expect it a touch cooler than coastal areas - bracing walks and restful sleep
  • βœ“ Clearer air: Less pollution and haze, better views and stargazing
  • βœ“ Morning mists: Valley fog sometimes forms below, creating magical sunrise views
  • βœ“ Walking access: Higher starting point means shorter climbs to hilltops and summits
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Driving Note: The roads to Ilminster are typical Somerset lanes - narrow in places with passing spots. If the group is arriving in several cars, share the postcode and a meeting point in advance.

Coordinates

Latitude: 50.9334361Β° N | Longitude: 2.8822802Β° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Ilminster (Friday, 31 July 2026):

4:23am

Sunrise

7:12pm

Golden Hour

8:12pm

Sunset

πŸŒ…
4:23am
Sunrise
πŸŒ‡
8:12pm
Sunset
πŸ“Έ
7:12pm
Golden Hour

Planning Your Days by Season

  • βœ“ Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunset around 9:30-10pm - long days for group walks, days out and late alfresco dinners
  • βœ“ Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunset 5-7pm - perfect timing for an after-dinner drink as the stars come out
  • βœ“ Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunset around 4pm - cosy early evenings by the fire, ideal for stargazing
  • βœ“ Spring (Mar-May): Sunset 6-9pm - watch the evenings grow longer each day
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Golden Hour: For the best light, plan your group photo or evening walk around golden hour (7:12pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

July Daylight

This month in Ilminster, you have approximately 15.83 hours of daylight. The long summer days mean plenty of time for group adventures before a relaxed evening back at the cottage.

Practical Essentials

Everything the group needs to know before you arrive at Dillington Estate.

Mobile Phone Signal

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Signal Strength

Good

Mobile signal is generally good in this area across most networks.

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Signal Tip: All major networks should work well here.

Nearest Essentials

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Arrival Tip: Fill up with fuel before you arrive - petrol stations can be sparse in rural Somerset. With a larger group it's worth doing one big supermarket shop on the way, especially if arriving late.

Family & Fun

Data updated: 23 Jul 2026 | Location: 50.9334361, -2.8822802

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their stay at Dillington Estate

Private Hot Tub

The outdoor hot tub provides the perfect spot for groups to unwind together after days exploring Somerset's countryside and attractions.

Historic Character

Grade II listed features throughout create an authentic period atmosphere whilst modern amenities ensure comfortable stays for larger families.

Estate Grounds Access

Miles of private walking trails across Dillington Estate offer groups exclusive access to woodlands and parkland right from the doorstep.

Spacious Layout

Four bedrooms and three bathrooms mean larger groups have plenty of space without feeling cramped during extended family gatherings.

Peaceful Location

Rural Somerset setting provides tranquil escape from busy life whilst remaining within easy reach of coastal towns and historic attractions.

Modern Kitchen

Well-equipped kitchen allows families to prepare group meals together, making self-catering easy and enjoyable for eight guests.

Getting To Dillington Estate

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach Orchard Cottage by car, take the A303 towards Ilminster and follow signs to Dillington Estate. The cottage is easily accessible from major routes and you'll have convenient off-road parking upon arrival.

By Train

For those travelling by rail, the nearest station is Crewkerne, approximately 7 miles away. From there, it's a short taxi journey to Dillington Estate and your Somerset countryside retreat.

Off-road parking available
Crewkerne station (7 miles)
Easily accessible from the A303

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Barrington Court
Distance: 4 miles
TA19 0NQ
Montacute House
Distance: 6 miles
TA15 6XP
Fleet Air Arm Museum
Distance: 8 miles
BA22 8HT
Dillington Estate Trails
Distance: On-site
TA19 9EG
Ham Hill Country Park
Distance: 7 miles
TA14 6RW
Forde Abbey Gardens
Distance: 9 miles
TA20 4LU
Ilminster Town Centre
Distance: 2 miles
TA19 0AX
Chard Shopping
Distance: 6 miles
TA20 1AF
Crewkerne Shops
Distance: 7 miles
TA18 7AB
Crewkerne Station
Distance: 7 miles
TA18 8BW
Yeovil Town
Distance: 10 miles
BA20 1EY
Lyme Regis Beach
Distance: 20 miles
DT7 3JF
Barrington Court
Distance: 4 miles
TA19 0NQ
Montacute House
Distance: 6 miles
TA15 6XP
Fleet Air Arm Museum
Distance: 8 miles
BA22 8HT
Dillington Estate Trails
Distance: On-site
TA19 9EG
Ham Hill Country Park
Distance: 7 miles
TA14 6RW
Forde Abbey Gardens
Distance: 9 miles
TA20 4LU
Ilminster Town Centre
Distance: 2 miles
TA19 0AX
Chard Shopping
Distance: 6 miles
TA20 1AF
Crewkerne Shops
Distance: 7 miles
TA18 7AB
Crewkerne Station
Distance: 7 miles
TA18 8BW
Yeovil Town
Distance: 10 miles
BA20 1EY
Lyme Regis Beach
Distance: 20 miles
DT7 3JF

Is Dillington Estate Right For Your Group

Discover why this cottage is the one for your party or family reunion...

For Families
Dillington Estate's extensive grounds provide excellent outdoor space for children to explore safely. The private garden at Orchard Cottage offers room for games and activities. Nearby attractions include Fleet Air Arm Museum with interactive exhibits and Lyme Regis beach for fossil hunting. Ham Hill Country Park features play areas and open spaces. The cottage's spacious layout gives families room to spread out comfortably during their stay.
Groups Will Love...
The private hot tub at Orchard Cottage creates the perfect focal point for group gatherings and special occasions. Set in the garden, it provides a relaxing space for up to eight guests to unwind together. Evening soaks under the stars offer memorable moments for celebrations, family reunions or friends' getaways. The combination of historic cottage interiors and modern outdoor luxury makes this an exceptional choice for milestone birthdays and anniversaries.
Pet Friendly
Orchard Cottage does not accept pets. The property operates a strict no-pets policy to maintain high standards for all guests and protect the historic interiors. Guests with dogs should look for alternative accommodation within the region. Somerset offers many pet-friendly cottages nearby. The estate's livestock and wildlife also make this unsuitable for visiting animals. This policy ensures the Grade II listed property remains in excellent condition.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Dillington Estate

The Shrubbery Hotel

Located 2 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: TA19 9AR

The New Inn Dowlish Wake

Located 3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: TA19 0NZ

The Ilminster Arms

Located 2 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: TA19 0AA

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Dillington Estate

How many guests does Orchard Cottage sleep?
Orchard Cottage sleeps eight guests across four bedrooms. Three bathrooms serve the property, making it suitable for larger families or groups of friends.
Is Orchard Cottage pet-friendly?
No, pets are not permitted at Orchard Cottage. The property operates a strict no-pets policy to maintain standards for all guests.
Does the cottage have a hot tub?
Yes, Orchard Cottage features a private outdoor hot tub in the garden. This facility is exclusively for guests staying at the property.
What facilities are included at Orchard Cottage?
The cottage includes a fully equipped kitchen, dining room, sitting room and three bathrooms. Period features throughout complement modern amenities for comfortable group stays.
Where is Orchard Cottage located?
Orchard Cottage sits within Dillington Estate near Ilminster in Somerset. The property enjoys a rural setting with access to estate grounds and walking trails.
What attractions are nearby?
Barrington Court is 4 miles away, Montacute House 6 miles and Fleet Air Arm Museum 8 miles distant. Lyme Regis beach sits 20 miles from the cottage.
Is there parking at the property?
Yes, off-road parking is available at Orchard Cottage. The property provides convenient parking facilities for guests arriving by car.
What makes Orchard Cottage suitable for groups?
Four bedrooms and three bathrooms provide ample space for eight guests. The large kitchen and dining areas facilitate group meals and socialising together.

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