Somerset
An enchanting county bordering Gloucestershire and Bristol to the north and Devon to the south, Somerset is the place for majestic gorges, rolling hills, mysterious forests and endless wetlands. Covering a wide range of landscapes, there’s so much to explore in Somerset from wildflower meadows, stunning beaches, rivers and waterfalls, quaint villages and ancient wells.
This South West county has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty again and again. Walkers will love following hedgerow trails to traditional country pubs in the rolling Blackdown Hills. Head back into civilization for Saxon market towns nestled on riverbanks, and Bristol Channel beaches with that British seaside charm.
There are hidden gems to be found in addition to well-known landmarks - Glastonbury, Cheddar Gorge, Wells Cathedral or Exmoor, which hold secrets of their own. Visit Somerset's largest city, Bath, or one of the many quintessentially English villages around the county - complete with thatched cottages and ancient bridges.
Somerset is famous for Glastonbury Festival, the biggest outdoor festival of music and performing arts in the world - and this spirit can be found in much of the surrounding area. Small in size but rich in offerings, the creative and alternative town of Glastonbury (also known as the Isle of Avalon) is a centre of New Age culture, rumoured to be the final resting place of King Arthur. Climb the Tor for a stunning view of the surrounding Somerset Levels, land dredged from wetlands over 1000 years ago.
More to see
Cheddar Gorge: Stunning limestone canyon with caves and trails - also the home of the classic British cheese!
Wells Cathedral: Inspiring pilgrims for more than 850 years, this outsize cathedral makes Wells the smallest city in England.
Glastonbury: There is a lot to see in this alternative town - don’t miss Glastonbury Abbey, one of the earliest Christian sites in Britain.
Wookey Hole Caves: For centuries, people have been marvelling at these astounding caves with 60,000 years of human history.
Quantock Hills: An area of wilderness and tranquillity, with panoramic views.
Brean Down: 7 miles of beach with a natural pier, dramatic cliffs and Victorian fort.
Blackdown hills: This timeless, unspoilt area of outstanding natural beauty is a hidden gem on the Somerset-Devon border.
Somerset Rural Life Museum: Explore the social and agricultural history of Somerset.
