Somerset
Somerset - 'the jewel of the South West' is a largely rural county of real contrasts. Home to the ruggedly beautiful Exmoor National Park and three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty - varying landscapes and fascinating history make it a great place to escape to.
You could go walking on the Coleridge Way or the South West Coast Path; cycling on challenging terrain in the Quantock or Mendip Hills or you could spot some wonderful wildlife such as the famous starling murmurations on the Somerset Levels.
Long sweeping beaches and coastal resorts make for perfect family holidays and unique natural features such as the world famous Cheddar Gorge and Caves provide superb days out. There are wonderful attractions of all sizes and for all weathers and ages.
The county is alive with history - Wells, the smallest city in England has a magnificent Cathedral, there are dozens of country houses and gardens to explore and historic towns and villages such as Dunster & Montacute. Mystical Glastonbury Tor is a must see, topped by the tower of a ruined 15th-century church it offers unparalleled views over the Levels and Moors, the historic flatlands of Somerset.
A landscape dotted with cider orchards and traditional farms - no trip to Somerset would be complete without sampling two of the county's most famous exports; Cheddar cheese and delicious cider.
Take a look at the ideas below for more things to do in Somerset, or for detailed information go to the official Visit Somerset website.
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5 Must Sees
Glastonbury Tor
History, myth and legend surround Glastonbury Tor. Rising dramatically from the Somerset Levels the views from the top are spectacular.
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The city of Wells
The smallest city in England with a magnificent cathedral lies sheltered beneath the southern slopes of the Mendip Hills.
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Weston-super-Mare
A great traditional British seaside family resort. Witness the re-birth of the famous Pier or travel further up the coast and stroll along the Victorian Clevedon Pier.
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Cheddar Gorge and Caves
World famous for its wild rugged beauty and spectacular showcaves. Home to Cheddar Cheese, now matured in the caves for the ultimate authentic cheddar!
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Exmoor National Park
Heather-clad moorland with ancient oak woods and sparkling rivers meets a breathtaking coastline of plunging cliffs and sheltered bays.
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5 Hidden Gems
Clevedon
An elegant Victorian holiday town complete with cream teas, paddle steamer cruises, unspoilt architecture and a grade 1 listed pier.
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Somerset Rural Life Museum
Displays of rural life, farming and local crafts in a magnificent mediaeval abbey barn and Victorian farm. Cider orchard and livestock demonstrations from Easter to October.
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The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company
Sample mouth watering speciality cheeses, traditional cheddars and delicious local pickles and chutneys at this shop and working dairy.
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Kilve Beach
Escape from it all at Kilve Beach. A favourite with geologists it has spectacular rock formations and fossils, including ammonites and reptile remains!
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