Somerset – the term stands for an expansive landscape with lush green hills, unspoiled nature, impressive cliffs and fine sandy beaches:
A vacation destination, not just for walkers, with an equally high recreational and adventure factor. Located in the southwest of England, the county of Somerset is one of the larger administrative regions in the country, covering around 4,100 square kilometers.
Somerset literally exerts a magical attraction that hardly any visitor can resist: It is the setting for the Arthurian legend. The focus is on the small town of Glastonbury in the north, which claims to stand on the ground of Avalon; the Holy Grail is said to have last been seen here.
Bath on the River Avon is known throughout the world: Roman baths were created there from hot springs even before the birth of Christ, and the entire ensemble of the city with numerous buildings from the Gregorian period is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
30 kilometers southwest of Bath, in the small town of Wells, there is a cathedral that would meet the standards of a large city: Several hundred statues adorn the almost 50-meter-wide west façade.
The Gulf Stream and the location on the Bristol Channel ensure that the temperatures in Somerset are comparatively mild.In winter, the thermometer rarely drops below zero degrees Celsius, while in midsummer it is usually between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius – ideal weather conditions for long walks or exploring the nature park on the coastal strip between Portishead near Bristol and Weston-Super-Mare.
Weston-super-Mare
The town of Weston-super-Mare is located on the west coast of Great Britain, where the Bristol Channel widens into an estuary. The town is the center of the North Somerset district. The tidal differences on the narrow estuary between Wales and England are among the largest in the world. The city has a population of around 88,000 (as of 2016).
Weston is one of England’s most popular seaside resorts with a long and wide sandy beach that offers a wide range of leisure activities. The coast with its mild climate, where many exotic plants already thrive, is not only an ideal vacation spot for families, but also a popular retirement destination for senior citizens. Particularly impressive is the large pier, which leads far out to sea and offers fantastic views over the beautiful bay.
For a long time, Weston-super-Mare was just a small fishing village with a population of around 100. It was only in the last century, with the onset of tourism, that it experienced a rapid upswing, which is still ongoing today. Very close to Weston is the town of Glastonbury, which, according to numerous legends, was the residence and final resting place of King Arthur.
Portishead
Portishead’s unique location at the mouth of the River Severn makes it a town of contrasts. Look in one direction and you’ll see the industrial landscape of the busy Avonmouth Docks, in the other direction you’ll find peaceful coastal walks, including the Two Lighthouses Walk, green spaces and great views, or look straight out and you’ll have stunning views across the estuary and as far as Wales.
The contrast doesn’t stop there either. There’s a cosmopolitan marina where sleek yachts bob alongside lively cafes and stores, but also a traditional boating lake on the Lake Grounds, a year-round heated outdoor pool and an impressive art and sculpture trail. There are also two of the quirkiest lighthouses to be seen on the British coast. Portishead really is a great place to visit.
Wells
With only around 10,000 inhabitants, Wells is the smallest town in England, which is not to say that the town has little to offer. On the contrary: the medieval townscape is dominated by Wells Cathedral, also known as St. Andrew’s Cathedral.
With its mighty crossing tower, an ornate chapter house and the richly decorated west façade, the cathedral combines much of what is still so impressive about English Gothic architecture today.
Directly adjacent to the church building is Britain’s first terraced housing estate. Vicars’ Close was built back in the 14th century to house church staff and clergy. This is still the case today, which is why the picturesque ensemble of buildings is also the oldest continuously inhabited street in Europe.
Once you’ve had your fill of old walls, you should definitely take a stroll through the garden of Bishop’s Palace. Although the view here is also of old stones, in the form of the ruins of the Bishop’s Palace, the focus is on lush green areas, artfully laid out flower beds and water features on which interesting reflections can be found.
In spring and the early summer months, the pretty front gardens of Vicars’ Close are in full bloom. A stroll through the Bishop’s Garden is also at its best at this time of year.
Cheddar Gorge
The Cheddar Gorge south of Bristol is one of England’s most spectacular landscapes. With a depth of almost 122 m and a length of 4.82 km, it is the largest gorge in the country and is on the list of the 10 natural wonders of Great Britain. With its weathered rocks and pinnacles, it is certainly one of the most spectacular natural sights in the United Kingdom.
The gorge was formed during the last ice age, around a million years ago, when the meltwater created a river. This gradually carved its way through the limestone cliffs and literally split the landscape in two. The result is the steep rock formations that can still be admired today.
Over the millennia, the water found a new, underground path and also formed the famous Cheddar Caves, which are located at the southern end of the gorge. This is where the oldest fully preserved human skeleton in Britain was found – Cheddar Man. The two main caves are open to the public.
Frome
Highlighted as one of the Times “Best Places to Live in Britain”, Frome is a welcoming, charming and vibrant place to visit, with a wealth of history, culture and natural beauty.
Packed to the rafters with historic buildings, beautiful independent shops and creative people, Frome is a wonderfully eventful town. It is the perfect destination for discerning tourists looking for something just a little bit different on visits to Somerset.
Frome is a town with a charming historic centre and has a wealth of architectural interest alongside a thriving contemporary and performing arts scene. Frome is also the original Somerset Market Town, a hugely important destination hosting a thriving market since the time the ink was still wet on The Domesday Book. This tradition continues today with regular markets every Wednesday and Saturday.
Then on the first Sunday of each month from March to December, the Frome Independent Market comes to town. The Frome Independent is a mini festival that takes over the whole town attracting thousands of visitors. It brings together the best local food and drink, artists and designers, produce, plants, flowers, retro, vintage, collectables, home wares and street entertainment.
Aside from the markets, Frome is full of specialist shops, arts and crafts, antiques and collectibles sitting alongside vintage and unique clothing shops and businesses, the majority of which are independent. Frome is also home to a number of arts venues and galleries in historic buildings.
Glastonbury
There is hardly a more magical place in mystical England than Glastonbury. The small town in Somerset is considered the center of the Arthurian world and is the scene of countless legends. Glastonbury was already a sacred place in pre-Christian times.
However, anyone coming to Glastonbury today will hardly find an island here: Today, the town is surrounded by rolling hills with idyllic fields and meadows. But centuries ago, Glastonbury lay in the middle of a marshland and stood out as an island. The name “Caer Wydyr” is also associated with Glastonbury, one of the names for the Celtic Otherworld.
The name Avalon is also frequently heard in connection with Glastonbury. According to Celtic legend, Avalon was the Otherworld, home of the Celtic god Afallach, who watched over the Otherworld.
When you visit Glastonbury, you can’t miss Glastonbury Abbey, the oldest monastic foundation on British soil.
Legend has it that it was founded by Joseph of Arimathea, the uncle of the Blessed Virgin, when he came to Britain on his trading trips.
To this day, however, the myth that Arthur and his queen were buried in Glastonbury remains alive and the small town, which was once the center of the quest for the Holy Grail, is now a pilgrimage destination for all those who want to feel Britain’s most sacred ground under their feet and walk in the footsteps of King Arthur.
During your visit to Glastonbury, don’t miss the chance to climb Glastonbury Gate. Although the climb is steep and arduous, the view is well worth the effort.
Porlock
Porlock Village is one of the larger villages on Exmoor and is a popular destination with its stores, pubs, cafés and accommodation. The village’s charming appearance and its convenient and extremely beautiful location also contribute to its popularity.
The main street meanders leisurely through the village, past pretty, typically English houses that are lovingly maintained and decorated. The locals are incredibly friendly and helpful, a tourist information center offers useful information material and the stores have everything you need for your daily needs.
Porlock Weir is a small coastal village located to the west of Porlock. It is known for its picturesque harbor, which is used by traditional fishing boats and sailboats. The picturesque setting of the village also attracts many visitors.
The cozy village has been a small port for many hundreds of years, its inhabitants living mainly from fishing, but trade has also always played an important role: the export of goods to Wales and Bristol, as well as the import of food, limestone and coal were handled there.
Nowadays, however, it is the seemingly endless beach, the nearby marshland and Exmoor that attract most visitors. Many activities are possible there: from boat trips and hiking to shopping or relaxing on the beach, there is something for everyone.
Selworthy
Selworthy is perhaps one of the most delightful places in the south of England and was built in 1828 as a model for the exemplary accommodation of old and disabled employees of the huge Holnicote Estate, on whose land Selworthy – like nearby Bossington – was built.
In the main area of the small village, a number of thatched cottages are spread across a large lawn. Some of the cottages can be rented as vacation homes, others serve as a store for the National Trust, the current owner of the Holnicote Estate, or have become a well-known and popular tea room (Perinwinkle Cottage Tea Rooms).
Selworthy is just a few minutes’ drive from Minehead on the edge of Exmoor. The short “main road” leads to the whitewashed 15th century church with its bell tower, which is around a hundred years older, where you can park.
A walk through the village and a visit to the tearoom and tea garden in “Periwinkle Cottage” are a real must! Afterwards, a walk up the 300-metre-high Selworthy Beacon is not to be missed – the wonderful and extensive cream tea in the Perinwinkle Cottage Tea Rooms needs to be digested.
After a fairly easy walk up through the forest and then across open countryside past gorse that blooms yellow in spring, there are fantastic views of both Exmoor and the Bristol Channel and as far as Wales.
Dunster
The dreamy village of Dunster is located on the coast of the English county of Somerset. The village was once a thriving port and is surrounded by the beautiful landscape of Exmoor National Park. It is the largest medieval village in England.
The highlight of the village is the local castle, which sits enthroned on a steep hill above the village. You won’t get bored in Dunster and you will be delighted by a trip along the cobbled streets, past thatched houses and numerous quaint stores.
You should not miss out on this picturesque village on your tour of southern England. Experience the hustle and bustle, tour the colorful gardens and visit the quaint watermill. The stately castle is a real eye-catcher in the village and invites you to linger.
The fortress dates back to the Iron Age and impresses with its medieval castle walls. On the village beach, on the other hand, you can relax and look out over the sea.
Avalon Marshes
Rich meadows, small woods, reed beds, lakes, pools, scattered villages and isolated houses all contribute to the evocative nature of the landscape. The marshes are only just above sea level and are protected from the sea by slightly higher areas of lands formed of clay, known as the levels.
The Avalon Marshes is not only one of the finest remaining lowland wetlands left in Britain but is internationally important. Throughout the year, visitors may see Marsh Harriers, Bitterns and Great White Egrets and in the Spring the reedbeds come alive with birdsong.
The Winter stars are of course the Starlings and flocks of wildfowl and visitors gather in their numbers to witness the murmurations.
This area of the Somerset Levels and Moors has been constantly exploited, altered and managed by humans over the last 10,000 years leaving behind a uniquely rich archaeological heritage, including prehistoric track-ways and lake villages, miraculously preserved in the waterlogged peat.
Evidence of their occupation is provided by many wooden trackways found preserved within the saturated peat. The Sweet Track, the oldest of these, has been dated to almost 6000 years old and is believed to be the earliest man-made roadway discovered anywhere in the world.
Dulverton
There is no better place to begin exploring the glorious Exmoor National Park than Dulverton, its traditional Southern Gateway!
This attractive, small market town situated on the banks of the River Barle is popular with visitors all year round. Dulverton’s delightful streets are lined with over 40 independent shops, cosy cottages and charming tea rooms, pubs and restaurants, such as the multi award-winning Woods Bar & Restaurant located in Bank Square close to the Grade II listed 15th century Church of All Saints.
The town is tucked into a spectacular and steeply-wooded valley where the River Barle meets the River Exe – the ideal place in which to begin a circular nature walk – perhaps through Burridge Woods on the southern riverbank and back via pretty Marsh Bridge.
You may even spot an otter playing in the water on your way! Intrepid walkers might wish to explore a little further afield and discover other unique and important historic places in the area – including the famous, prehistoric clapper bridge at Tarr Steps, one of Exmoor’s highlights, or to the ancient Oldberry Castle site and the iron age hill forts of Mounsey Castle.
A former mill town, Dulverton’s historic leat dissects the town, running parallel with the river – take a short stroll along the leat towards the weir, and imagine the days when the stream used to power four mills!
Taunton
In the county of Somerset, surrounded by the Quantock Hills, lies the romantic town of Taunton. The town is steeped in history with numerous monuments and a trip to the town’s listed almshouses is not to be missed.
There is a museum in the local castle and the theater provides entertaining evenings. There is plenty to discover in this quaint town. The small town has become famous for its dry cider. But the cozy weekly market also invites you to stroll and store.
A detour to Taunton is a must on your round trip through southern England. The town’s castle was once used for defense and is still a real eye-catcher today. Near the center of the pretty town you will find St. Mary Magdalene. The church was founded in the 12th century and the colorful interior is a real eye-catcher. Embark on an exciting journey through time.
Bath
No other city in England has such a long tradition as a spa and health resort as the venerable, magnificent and elegant city of Bath. The city is home to the only hot springs in the whole country. They were already known and used by the Celts. From 43 to 440 AD, England was under the sceptre of the Romans.
They were so impressed by the area around Bath that they had an entire spa complex built around the hot springs. They now paid homage to Minerva in her temple.
However, Bath owes its reputation as a spa town to none other than Richard “Beau” Nash.
As the so-called Master of Ceremonies, he was responsible for social life in the spa town and promoted the development of the city as such. As a result, the city became popular among the English upper classes as a spa and health resort in the 18th century.
The list of regular visitors to Bath reads like a who’s who of the art and culture of the time. They included Jane Austen, Charles Dickens and even George Frideric Handel and Joseph Haydn could not resist the city’s charm.
Since 1988, the old town of Bath with its over 4,000 historic buildings has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is wonderful to explore on foot. Bath Abbey, the abbey church of Bath, stands on a site where a church once stood over 1,000 years ago.
After a century of decay following the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII, it was restored from 1616 and given its current appearance.
Quantock Hills
The Quantock Hills are located in the county of Somerset in the south west of England and cover an area of 38 square miles. It is a national landscape known for its rolling hills, deep valleys, heathland and ancient woodland. The highest point in the Quantock Hills is Wills Neck at 1,261 feet above sea level.
One of the main attractions is the Hestercombe Gardens – a combination of three gardens spanning several centuries and featuring different styles, from Georgian landscape gardens to Victorian shrubberies and Edwardian formal design.
For those seeking outdoor adventure, there are numerous options, including long-distance footpaths such as the Coleridge Way, which stretches for 51 miles through the picturesque countryside along the River Tone; cyclists should try the National Cycle Network Route 3, which passes through the Quantocks and offers scenic views throughout the ride; other popular activities include horse riding or fishing trips along the streams running through the hills.
The best time to visit the Quantock Hills is during the spring and summer months, when the weather is mild, the flowers are in full bloom and you can see wildlife at its best. Autumn is also a great time when the leaves on the trees change color and create a beautiful landscape.
Exmoor National Park
Exmoor National Park in England is known for its rolling hills, pretty valleys, wild rivers and stunning coastline. You’ll find a mixture of vast heathlands, lush woodlands and picturesque villages. Exmoor National Park is also home to moors where you can see free-roaming Exmoor ponies, cows, sheep and other animals. Many visitors come to the area to hike in the vastness of nature, observe animals and experience this beautiful English landscape.
Exmoor National Park in England has a lot to offer: In the villages surrounding the national park, you’ll find charming, quintessentially English tea rooms, traditional pubs and small stores selling local produce.
One of the most remarkable sights of the national park is the beautiful coastline, which offers particularly spectacular views of the deep blue sea. In many places, you can hike directly along the cliffs and enjoy the view of the vast sea.
Montacute House and Gardens
Montacute is a small village on the south-west wheel of the county of Somerset. The buildings are made of a local stone (“Hamstone”) and therefore have their characteristic honey-gold color and a certain “furrowed” appearance.
The town itself, with just over 800 inhabitants, is unspectacular, albeit quite nice – including the church of St. Catherine and the central square with its pretty houses.
Montacute became famous thanks to Montacute House, which is accessible from here. Like the whole area, it once belonged to the Phelips family and is now owned by the National Trust. Situated on the edge of the village of Montacute, this old Elizabethan estate with its large garden can be visited today.
The “Long Gallery” on the top floor, which stretches over almost 52.5 meters (172 ft), is particularly worth seeing: this is where the ladies of the house could indulge themselves in the best sense of the word when the weather was bad.
Forde Abbey and Gardens
The abbey was founded in 1141 when a noblewoman named Adelicia Fitz Baldwin took pity on a group of homeless Cistercian monks and gave them land to build a monastic community. The monks began to build their new abbey on the banks of the Axe. From these humble beginnings, Forde Abbey developed into one of the richest and most learned monastic communities in Norman England.
The monastery produced many important historical figures, including Baldwin, the third abbot, who died alongside Richard the Lionheart on the Third Crusade.
However, Forde Abbey suffered several severe blows in the centuries that followed.
In 1649, Sir Edmund Prideux bought the abbey and used his fortune to convert it into a rural manor house. He created a house in the style of the 17th century, mixing baroque elements and monastic design.
Since then, the house has hardly changed. At the beginning of the 20th century, the building came into the hands of the Roper family, who made it accessible to visitors.
Today, visitors to the house will find that most of the 17th century furnishings have been preserved. Among the abbey’s greatest treasures are the Mortlake tapestries, which date back to Raphael’s original sketches for the Sistine Chapel.
But it is primarily the gardens, with their careful design and selection of plants, which offer something new every season and thus attract visitors to Forde Abbey time and time again.
Minehead
Minehead is the largest town in the Exmoor region and a typical Victorian seaside town. The town of 10,000 inhabitants is beautifully situated on the Bristol Channel. The beach forms the western end of Bridgwater Bay. Minehead was first mentioned in a document in 1087.
A major fire destroyed almost the entire town in 1791. In the years following the reconstruction, the town developed into a popular seaside resort. A relic from the late century is the railroad line, which is now used by a private museum railroad. The train connection was also the reason why the town developed into a popular seaside resort.
Many people traveled here from the larger towns in the interior of the country. Today, you can still experience this old charm up close on a tour of southern England. The Quay Town right on the beach is reminiscent of the old days. The many thatched houses in the town are also beautiful.
Prior park
Prior Park Landscape Garden is an 18th century landscape garden surrounding the Prior Park Estate south of Bath. It is a National Trust landmark in a valley with panoramic views of Bath. The garden was designed by the famous British poet Alexander Pope and the iconic landscape gardener Capacity Brown, who designed more than 170 18th century English gardens.
The park is the site of a rare Palladian bridge; one of only four of its kind in the world. The 18th century bridge was created by entrepreneur Ralph Allen with the help of his friends Pope and Brown. The park has sections where a wilderness has been created, as well as features such as a Gothic temple; grotto; pools; curtain wall of cascading water; gravel closet and Serpentine Lake.
The Bath Skyline circular walk is a five minute walk from the park and takes you around the park woodlands and fields as well as archaeological Roman remains; 18th century follies and magnificent views. You can take the woodland trail a step further to include the new fern trail along the west side of the park.
There are playgrounds including a musical playground; woodland playground and a natural playground. There is a tea shed where you can buy refreshments or borrow a blanket to have a picnic. The park is home to birds such as peacocks and kingfishers as well as many butterflies.