Somerset
Somerset - 'the jewel of the South West' is a 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.
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.
The county is alive with history - Wells, the smallest city in England has a magnificent Cathedral, and Mystical Glastonbury Tor, topped by the tower of a ruined 15th-century church, offers unparalleled views.
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 on this page for more things to see and do in Somerset, or for detailed information and booking online go to the official Visit Somerset website.
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5 Must Sees
England's Smallest City
Wells, the smallest city in England, lies sheltered beneath the southern slopes of the Mendip Hills. There's plenty to see and do, but the jewel in its crown is the magnificent Cathedral built between the 12th and 14th centuries.
Exmoor National Park
Nestling on the West Somerset / North Devon border, Exmoor is rich in hidden haunts, deep valleys, ancient oak woodland, England's highest sea-cliffs, sparkling rivers and waterfalls. Its landscapes and seascapes are dotted with medieval towns, villages, harbours and resorts full of character and timeless charm.
Glastonbury Tor
History, myth and legend surround Glastonbury Tor. Rising dramatically from the Somerset Levels, the Tor is topped by the tower of a ruined 15th-century church. The views from the summit are spectacular.
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.
Cheddar Gorge and Caves
Dramatically carving its way through the Somerset landscape - Cheddar Gorge is a place of wild and rugged beauty. Inhabited by our ancestors up to 40,000 years ago, the caves are world famous for their spectacular stalactite and stalagmite decorations.
Open-top double-decker bus sight-seeing tours, a museum of pre-history and a lookout tower providing stunning views of the limestone countryside make this a must-see attraction.
For a gentle cycling holiday, the Somerset Levels and Moors provide a beautiful landscape criss-crossed with small dykes and dotted with picturesque villages and towns.
The West Somerset Railway is one of the best preserved heritage railways in the country. Operating between Minehead and Bishop's Lydeard, near Taunton, this is the longest independent railway in Britain.
5 Hidden Gems
Clevedon
Clevedon is a charming seaside town rich in Victorian architecture whose elegance and appeal has plenty to offer all ages - a great spot for a spot of traditional British seaside holidaying.
You'll find cream teas, paddle steamer trips and stunning coastal walks. The restored Grade I listed pier dates from 1869 and is recognised as one of the finest in the country.
The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company
Sample mouth watering speciality cheeses, traditional cheddars and delicious local pickles and chutneys at this shop and working dairy.
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!
Stay on a Working Farm
If you are after a different kind of holiday experience why not try staying on a working farm?
In recent years many farms have diversified to offer accommodation in some magical rural locations - kids will love meeting, feeding and cuddling the animals and the fresh country air will do everyone the world of good. You could even lend a hand and really earn your breakfast!
Somerset Secrets
Somerset residents and celebrities alike have all added their tips to a new free guide designed to help you discover the lesser known corners of the county.
A Giant's Chair, Poet's Walk and a traditional smokery are just some of the secrets inside, along with suggested itineraires. Other Secrets include local watering holes, award-winning restaurants, woodland walks, breathtaking views and unusual shops.