Finding focus & Community
Exploring Local Co-Working Spaces in Somerset & Dorset
‘Inspiring places designed to support the way we work today”
As a small business owner, I’ve spent many hours working from my kitchen table — a space that’s convenient but not always conducive to focus, creativity, or meeting clients. Recently, I began exploring co-working spaces close to home, looking for an environment that balances productivity with connection. What I discovered was more than just desk space — it was a network of inspiring places designed to support the way we work today.
Across the UK, a growing number of thoughtfully designed co-working spaces are opening their doors to freelancers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses who are wanting to leave the isolation of home-working and embrace something more collaborative. These are not just offices; they are creative ecosystems that combine flexibility, professionalism, and a sense of community.
“THE APPEAL OF CO-WORKING”
At its heart, co-working is about shared purpose. These spaces provide an affordable and flexible alternative to traditional office leases while offering much more than just Wi-Fi and coffee. For small business owners and creatives, co-working offers the structure of a professional setting with the energy of a community — a place to connect, collaborate, and be inspired.
Many of these spaces also understand that work-life balance matters and so wellness activities, social events and shared learning opportunities are becoming key features, alongside all the practical essentials you would expect to find.
As part of my journey to embrace this growing movement- I recently visited a number of inspiring spaces to find out how co-working could be beneficial to both my business and my well-being. I discovered that each has its own distinct character and community- nurtured by their respective founders and are deeply intwined with a human need to connect with others in an increasingly digital world.
AT THE FARM, WESTON BAMPFYLDE., SOMERSET.
BEST FOR: RURAL VIEWS, CURATED COFEE AND ARTISAN EVENTS
Set among rolling Somerset countryside, At the Farm is exactly what its name suggests — a beautifully adapted outbuilding that retains its rustic charm while offering a calm and contemporary workspace. Inside, there’s a mix of dedicated desks, private pods, and flexible hot-desking options, all surrounded by thoughtful outdoor spaces and tranquil countryside views. Founder Rachael has perfectly balanced professionalism with a relaxed, creative feel that takes advantage of its rural setting.
Founder Rachael has perfectly balanced professionalism with a relaxed, creative feel that takes advantage of its rural setting. Locally sourced coffee of the highest quality and beautiful cakes from Sugar & Bloom are always on hand and Rachael organises a regular programme of social and networking events including a pizza night as well as a regular market which helps members connect with local producers and artisans too.
DISTIL COWORKING, SHEPTON MALLET, SOMERSET.
BEST FOR: GARDEN WALKS, PODCAST TALKS AND MODERN VIBES
Housed within the historic Kilver Court, Distil Co-working blends design-led interiors with a strong community ethos. Founded by Sam Cunningham, who launched the original Distil space in Bristol, this new Somerset venture carries forward the same values of creativity, collaboration, and wellbeing.
Distil’s rural setting feels refreshingly contemporary — high ceilings, light-filled studios, and a layout designed to encourage both focus and connection. Members have access to private call booths, a podcasting room equipped with Rhode technology, meeting spaces, and even easy access to the adjoining yoga and Reform Pilates studio. The brand new on-site café and landscaped gardens beneath the iconic viaduct make it a truly inspiring place to spend the day.
Beyond the physical environment, Distil stands out for its business support initiatives and regular events programme which is due to expand. The space brings together freelancers, entrepreneurs, and social enterprises, fostering an atmosphere where ideas and opportunities flow easily. It’s a space designed not just for work, but for growth too.
“A UNIQUE SENSE OF PLACE”
HINTON WORKSPACE, HINTON ST MARY, DORSET
BEST FOR: CARBON FOOTPRINT, HERITAGE CHARM & INSPIRED NETWORKING & EVENTS
Tucked away within the historic Hinton St Mary Estate, Hinton Workspace has been painstakingly restored by Founder Alice Plunkett and now offers a distinctive blend of heritage and innovation. The former carpenter’s workshop has been beautifully curated by Alice and her family and has become a contemporary space that champions sustainability and creativity. Its setting — surrounded by countryside, yet connected to a vibrant local network — gives it a unique sense of place and now proudly acts as a welcome board into the village.
Members here benefit from more than just a desk. Each space ebs & flows much like the nearby River Stour providing everything from large open working spaces to separate meeting rooms and call booths for privacy as well as thoughtful break-out spaces for informal chats or quieter conversations. The wider estate also provides access to beautifully designed holiday cottages, perfect for those looking to escape from the city, a historic Tithe Barn for events, and even a newly refurbished village pub — The White Horse — perfect for an after-work drink or two.
Regular events, including the popular ‘Hustle' networking meetings and quiz nights, give the workspace a lively social pulse. With its emphasis on community, environmental responsibility, and connection to the estate’s wider amenities, Hinton Workspace feels like the best of both worlds — rural calm with professional polish.
COLLABORATION IN PRACTICE
Exploring these co-working spaces started as a curios toe dip-into a new way of working but has quickly become an inspiring reminder that creativity and success thrives in community and in an increasingly digital reality we are still looking for ways of human connection.
Each co-working space offers something different — from At the Farm’s peaceful countryside charm, to Distil’s modern energy and Hinton Workspace’s heritage setting they all share a common goal: helping people work better, together.
For a variety of businesses and professionals across Somerset and Dorset, these spaces offer more than an office. They’re places to think, meet, and belong — environments where productivity and connection coexist beautifully.
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