Visiting Somerset – A Charming English County
Are you planning your next trip and looking for a destination with picturesque scenery, historical landmarks, and a relaxed atmosphere? Consider visiting Somerset for a great holiday destination in England.
This charming county in the southwest of England has everything, from tranquil beaches and rolling hills to quaint villages and bustling towns. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just looking to escape the city, Somerset is the perfect destination.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the top attractions and hidden gems that make Somerset a tourist must-visit destination.
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Discover the beauty of the Somerset countryside
One of the main attractions of Somerset is its stunning countryside. With its rolling hills, verdant valleys, and ancient woodlands, the county offers some of the most picturesque scenery in the UK. Whether you’re a keen walker, cyclist, or just looking for a peaceful retreat, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.
Some of the top spots for outdoor activities include the Mendip Hills, the Quantock Hills, and the Blackdown Hills. These areas offer miles of walking and cycling trails and opportunities for horse riding, fishing, and birdwatching. And the parks throughout Somerset are perfect for an afternoon picnic.
Visit historical landmarks and charming towns
Somerset is also rich in history and culture, with many historical landmarks and charming towns to explore.
If you’re a history buff, visit the city of Bath, known for its Roman Baths, Georgian architecture, and literary connections. Another must-see is the ancient town of Glastonbury, which is steeped in myth and legend and is home to the iconic Glastonbury Tor.
Other top towns include Taunton, Wells, and Frome, each offering unique charm and character.
During our visit, we enjoyed the quaint and rural towns of Watchet and Dunster. If you want to visit a quiet and off-the-beaten-path community, consider Somerset gems such as these two towns.
Relax on stunning beaches
If you’re looking for sun, sea, and sand, Somerset has plenty of beautiful beaches to explore. One of the top spots is Weston-super-Mare, which boasts a long sandy beach, a traditional pier, and a range of family-friendly attractions. Other notable beaches include Burnham-on-Sea, Minehead, and Brean. Whether you’re looking to sunbathe, build sandcastles, or try your hand at watersports, Somerset’s beaches are a fantastic destination for a day out.
Sample delicious local cuisine
No trip to Somerset would be complete without sampling some of the region’s delicious local cuisine. Somerset is famous for its cider, made with locally-grown apples, and has a distinct, refreshing taste. Try this drink paired with local cheddar cheese. Other local delicacies include cream teas and traditional West Country pasties.
For an authentic Somerset taste, visit some of the county’s pubs, cafes, and restaurants and try some of the local specialties. We loved the food during our visit to Somerset, which included scones at afternoon tea, excellent curry dishes, and the classic full English breakfast.
We enjoyed lunch at the London Inn’s Seaview Restaurant. The ambiance was quiet as we were the only diners. We enjoyed the vegetarian entrees, including veggie sausages and lasagna. Afterward, nourished by our meal, we had energy for our next walking adventure. Stepping out of the restaurant, we admired the view of the Bristol Channel and stepped momentarily onto Watchet’s shores.
Experience the fun of Somerset festivals
Last but not least, Somerset is home to one of the UK’s most iconic festivals: Glastonbury Festival. Held annually in June, the festival attracts hundreds of thousands of music lovers worldwide and offers a diverse lineup of music, entertainment, and cultural events. From world-class headliners to emerging talent, there’s something for everyone at Glastonbury. As well as music, the festival offers a range of activities, such as circus performances, spoken word events, and workshops on sustainability and social justice.
You’ll also find season events offered throughout Somerset County, such as the Dunster Country Fair – an annual event we enjoyed during our visit to Somerset.
Check the Somerset County Chamber calendar of events to see what’s on during your stay.
10 Great Somerset Towns
- Glastonbury: Known for its namesake festival, Glastonbury is steeped in history and mythology, featuring the iconic Glastonbury Tor and Abbey.
- Taunton: As the county town of Somerset, Taunton boasts a rich history dating back over a thousand years, with attractions like Taunton Castle and Vivary Park.
- Burnham-on-Sea: This classic seaside town offers seven miles of sandy beaches, a charming Victorian pier, and beautiful coastal walks.
- Cheddar: Home to the famous Cheddar Gorge and Caves, this village offers breathtaking natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor activities.
- Frome: With a vibrant arts scene, Frome is a historic market town known for its architecture, independent shops, and monthly artisan market.
- Castle Cary: A quaint, charming market town, Castle Cary is filled with traditional stone buildings and offers proximity to the stunning Stourhead gardens.
- Dunster: Dunster is a picturesque medieval village in the Exmoor National Park in Somerset, England, known for its fairy tale castle, iconic Yarn Market, charming cobbled streets, and rich history.
- Axbridge: Nestled at the foot of the Mendip Hills, Axbridge is a charming medieval town known for its timbered houses and town square.
- Wincanton: A friendly and welcoming town, Wincanton is renowned for its horse racing course and hosts numerous community events throughout the year.
- Bridgwater: Rich in history and culture, Bridgwater features the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal, the annual Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival, and various shops and restaurants.
Find a place to stay in Somerset UK
Top Tours in Somerset
Best of Bath Walking Tours – Georgian Tour (Rated 5 stars on Viator)
This personal walking tour is limited to 12 people. Learn about Bath from a local who mixes a sense of humor with the history and grim realities faced by the ordinary people of Bath.
Bath Walking and Tasting Tour (Rated 5 stars on Viator)
Learn about Bath’s history while sampling gastronomic bites! This walking tour will transport you back to the wonderful years of Georgian Bath. You’ll learn about the Roman heritage of this UNESCO city. During the tour, you’ll sample delicious foods made by local culinary artisans.
Private Guided Ghost Tour of Bath (Rated 5 stars on Viator)
Learn about the haunted side of Bath on this privately guided Ghost Tour. This highly-rated tour can be booked on all nights of the week.
Somerset England
A county in Southwest England, Somerset has a coastline that faces southeastern Wales and includes National Park green spaces.
Somerset England Map
The Somerset England Map below shows the county highlighted in lighter green in the middle of the map area.
Getting to Somerset
Getting to Somerset can be an enjoyable journey, whether by car, train, bus, or plane.
By Car:
If you’re driving to Somerset, the M5 motorway runs directly through the county, making it easily accessible from all parts of the UK. You’ll typically take the M4 westbound from London, then join the M5 southbound. The journey usually takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic.
By Train:
Train travel is an excellent option to sit back and enjoy the scenery. Direct trains from London Paddington to Taunton, one of Somerset’s largest towns, typically take 1.5 to 2 hours. Other towns in Somerset, including Bath and Weston-super-Mare, are also well connected by train.
By Bus:
National Express provides coach services to Somerset towns, including Bath, Bridgwater, and Taunton. This could be a cost-effective option, although travel times will be longer than by train or car.
By Plane:
If you’re traveling from further afield, the nearest international airports are Bristol and Exeter. You can hire a car from these airports or take a train or bus to reach Somerset.
Once you arrive in Somerset, plenty of local bus services and beautiful walking routes help you explore the county. Before starting your journey to Somerset, checking the latest travel information and planning your route is always a good idea.
Our journey by train took about two hours from Cardiff to Taunton. After leaving Cardiff Central, we changed trains at Bristol Parkway to travel to Taunton. We passed by rolling hills, farmhouses, and tiny villages as we got a glimpse of rural England. Upon arriving in Taunton by train, we switched to bus transport. We planned our midway stop in Watchet – another village where we learned family ancestors once lived.
Family Ancestry Traced Back to Evan Raglan
Our visit to Somerset included an itinerary to travel family roots to Evan Raglan. Julie traced her family tree back to this area in the early 1600s. Much of our planned UK journey was centered on walking in the footsteps of the places where our ancestors once trod.
The story of Evan Ragland traces his life to the village of Watchet. Around 1670, when he was 14 years old, young Evan was abducted from the small village port and taken by ship to Virginia. It was common for young boys to be abducted by ship captains who traveled between the Bristol Channel and America.
Once taken to Virginia, Evan Ragland would serve as an indentured servant to Stephen Pettus in New Kent County, Virginia. His period of servitude likely lasted five to seven years.
The Watchet historical record shows Evan’s baptism occurred in St. Decuman Church in Watchet on March 31, 1656.
Maritime history in Somerset
The maritime history of Somerset is as rich and varied as the county itself, with a legacy dating back centuries. From trade and commerce in the 16th century to the rise of travel and tourism in the 18th century, Somerset’s coastal communities have always been deeply intertwined with the sea.
Trade and commerce were the lifeblood of Somerset from the 16th century onward, with many communities depending on the sea for their livelihoods. A key aspect of this was importing coal from Wales, a vital resource for the industries of the time. The salt trade also grew significantly, particularly with the rise of domestic supplies from Droitwich.
In the 18th century, Somerset saw a shift toward travel and tourism. Historian Sue Berry has uncovered fascinating accounts of early tourists braving the Somerset seaside. Towns like Minehead and Burnham emerged as popular tourist destinations, drawing visitors with their beautiful coastlines and local charm.
However, Somerset’s maritime history is about more than just trade and tourism. For example, the men who operated the ferry across the River Avon played an important role until the motor car’s advent and the Avon Bridge’s construction.
Today, Somerset’s maritime past can be explored in books such as “A Maritime History of Somerset,” edited by Adrian J. Webb and Michael Duffy, which covers over a thousand years of history. This comprehensive series provides an in-depth look at the county’s relationship with the sea, shedding light on the stories and experiences that have shaped Somerset’s coastal communities.
We visited the Watchet Boat Museum during our visit. The exhibits in the small museum were enjoyable during our afternoon exploration of Watchet’s boating history.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ
Somerset is known for its cheddar cheese and cider. The plentiful apple orchards helped make Somerset the UK’s cider capital. The caves of Cheddar Gorge are used to mature the country’s famous Cheddar cheese.
Somerset County offers a range of things to do – from exploring history, strolling nature preserves, and plenty of opportunities for relaxation. Discover the county’s unique coastline, stunning landscapes, incredible food and drink, exciting attractions, vibrant arts and culture, fantastic activities, and more.
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Books about Somserset
We like to learn about the places we visit by reading books. If you’re heading to Somerset, here are a few books to read about the area.
Somerset: Local, Characterful Guides to Britain’s Special Places by Norm Longley
Somerset: One Hundred Years a Town by Lesley Anne Simmons
The Rough Guide to Bath, Bristol, and Somerset
Listen to our Podcast on visiting Watchet – A Somerset Town
Visiting Somerset – Explore the Charm
In conclusion, Somerset is a charming and beautiful destination offering everyone something. From stunning countryside and historical landmarks to beautiful beaches and delicious local cuisine, Somerset is an excellent place for tourists looking for a relaxing and enjoyable holiday. Whether planning a weekend getaway or a more extended trip, visit this wonderful county and discover its many hidden gems. We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this blog post and that it has inspired you to explore the wonders of Somerset!
Read more about places in Somerset
Bath – The Best Places to Visit in Bath
Dunster – Visiting Dunster Castle
Dunster – Dunster Beach
Dunster – Explore Dunster – A Perfect Itinerary
Watchet – The best things to do in Watchet, England
Wells – Spend a Perfect Weekend in Wells, England
Ride the West Somerset Railway
Thanks for reading! We hope to see you at the places where we go.
Julie & Art
#somerset
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