3 Days in Somerset: The Ultimate Travel Itinerary
From gorging on cheese to ghost hunting, Somerset is packed with exciting adventures
~
Looking to spend a few days in Somerset? Tucked away in the southwestern corner of the UK, this county offers an attractive mix of nature, history and cultural treasures. While researching and putting together a travel plan can be time-consuming and stressful, you don’t have to worry – that’s where Plum Guide's travel experts come in. In this three-day Somerset itinerary, we’ve used the delightful city of Bath as a base. Its handy location means you’re just a short drive away from some of Somerset’s best sights and attractions. Keep reading to find out how to spend three days in this beautiful part of Britain.
Day 1: Kick things off in Bath, the crown jewel of Somerset
Morning: Visit the Roman Baths
Tourists admiring the still waters in the Roman baths of Bath, Somerset
On your first morning in Bath, explore the city's most famous attraction – the Roman Baths. Dating back to 70 AD, this complex of bathing facilities and temples was built around the area's natural hot springs. If you're an early riser, we recommend the Sunrise Tour taking place around 9am before opening to the general public. There is plenty to see here, including the Sacred Spring – the water's source – the Great Bath's columns and walkway, and the Bath House's choice of cold, warm or hot bathing rooms. The complex is also home to a well-preserved temple built in honour of the goddess Sulis Minerva. Don't leave without checking out the museum and its collection of artefacts uncovered at the site. From coins and jewellery to statues, you'll get a fascinating insight into the lives of the ancient Romans.
Afternoon: Shop and sightsee around the city
Cobbled shopping street with old-fashioned signs, bunting, and antique street lamp, Bath, Somerset, England
By the time you’ve finished exploring the baths, it’ll be coming up to lunchtime. The Green Bird Cafe is one of our favourite spots for a light bite, serving dishes like Turkish eggs, seasonal soups and a range of artisan sandwiches. It’s usually pretty packed (a testament to its delicious food), but there’s outdoor seating both in the front and around the back.
Bath is an excellent shopping destination, with a great selection of independent shops and high street stores. After lunch, head down Milsom Street and pop into its speciality shops before checking out the boutiques in the corridors and courtyards of Milsom Place. The markets at Green Park Station are also worth stopping by, from the Saturday farmer’s market to the Sunday flea market.
Not a keen shopper? That’s no problem – there are plenty of museums to while away the afternoon. Fine art lovers should visit the Holburne Museum, while kids will love Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein with its spooky immersive experiences. Look out for treasures at the Museum of East Asian Art, or step back in time at the Jane Austen Centre.
Everything & More, Plum Guide home in Bath, Somerset, UK
Evening: Unwind with a spa treatment
After a productive day of sightseeing and shopping, slow things down with something a bit more relaxing. If this morning’s visit to the Roman Baths has made you fancy a spa day, book a little pampering session at Thermae Bath Spa. This is one of our favourite things to do on our Somerset itinerary for three days. The views from the rooftop at sunset are unrivalled.
For dinner, you have a huge choice of excellent restaurants at your beck and call. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, we recommend Sotto Sotto. Set in atmospheric vaulted cellars, this upscale restaurant serves classic Italian dishes with a contemporary twist.
Day 2: Head to Cheddar for cheese and caves
Morning: Hike the Cheddar Gorge
View of winding road from the top of Cheddar Gorge, Somerset, England
On day two of our three-day Somerset itinerary, it’s time to discover the beautiful natural landscapes that make up this county. Make the fifty-minute drive to Cheddar Gorge, one of Somerset’s most stunning natural wonders. Located within the scenic Mendip Hills AONB, this limestone gorge dates back to the last Ice Age, boasting a million years of history to explore. Some of our favourite things to do here include checking out the exhibits at the Museum of Prehistory and seeing the cave where the 10,000-year-old skeleton of Cheddar Man was found.
The gorge’s dramatic cliffs are surrounded by lush greenery, providing outdoor enthusiasts with plenty of hiking, caving and rock climbing opportunities. Embark on a 5-kilometre Cliff Top Walk along the gorge ridges or take a shorter route to the Pulpit Rock viewpoint. The views from Jacob’s Ladder and the Lookout Tower are equally amazing, but be prepared to climb the 274 steps to get there.
Paints & Brush, Plum Guide home in Somerset
Afternoon: Sample the area's famous cheese
After such an active morning, you’ve probably worked up an appetite. Just a stone’s throw from the gorge is the village of Cheddar, where you can enjoy a spot of lunch. Lion Rock Tea Rooms is a local favourite, a homely little cafe serving up light bites and baked treats. Afterwards, enjoy a leisurely walk along the river, admiring the village’s ancient architecture as you go.
One thing you can’t miss while you’re here is a visit to the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company. There’s no better place to try cheddar cheese than in its birthplace, and this company has been producing the goods the original way since 2003 – some of the cheese is even matured in Gough’s Cave in Cheddar Gorge. After your tour of the dairy and a tasting session, don’t forget to pop into the gift shop to pick up some cave-matured cheddar to take home with you.
Lilac Wisterias, Plum Guide home in Somerset
Evening: Enjoy dinner and a show
Depending on when you return to Bath, you may have time to fit in a pre-dinner drink. There are many bars and pubs to choose from in the city, but we recommend The Hideout. Tucked away among the historic lanes, this stone-walled bar serves over 300 whiskeys and a fine selection of inventive cocktails.
Feeling peckish? Continue onto Raphael Restaurant for contemporary French fare. This upscale brasserie is just down the street from the Theatre Royal, so it would be rude not to add a performance to your Somerset itinerary for three days. This grand Georgian building dates back to 1805 and is a wonderful venue to enjoy a packed programme of opera, dance, comedy, West End productions and children’s shows.
Day 3: Hit the road and explore Somerset's villages
Morning: Begin the morning in Glastonbury
Aerial view of the early morning sunrise over Glastonbury Tor with fields below, Somerset, England
On the final day of your Somerset itinerary for three days, explore more of the county’s charming towns. Head to Glastonbury first, a fifty-minute drive away and the home of the world-famous music festival.
There’s plenty to keep you busy when it’s not festival season, with tons of history and unique attractions to see. Climb up to Glastonbury Tor, a majestic sandstone hill towering over the Somerset Levels. Legend has it this is where King Arthur's knights of the Round Table gathered. You may need to stop and catch your breath a few times, but trust us, the panoramas are incredible.
For more walks in nature, the nearby Ham Wall Nature Reserve is a tranquil wetland reserve teeming with wildlife like otters, egrets and bitterns. Back in town, intriguing history can be found in Glastonbury Abbey and the Abbot’s Kitchen, while the Chalice Well and the White Spring are steeped in legend and known for their healing properties.
Afternoon: Follow along to Frome
Shops lining the cobbled lane in Catherine Hill, Frome, Somerset, England
When it gets to lunchtime, head to the charming market town of Frome, about forty minutes away. There are some great food options here, including Rye Bakery for mouthwatering dishes made with ingredients from their walled garden and tasty tapas at The High Pavement.
Appetite sated, walk off your lunch with a stroll along Frome's cobbled streets. Find yourself in Catherine Hill, also known as the Artisan Quarter, thanks to its numerous jewellery boutiques, galleries, tailor shops, vintage stores and herbal apothecaries. If you're in town on the first Sunday of the month, browse the stalls at Frome Independent Market, where you can find everything from sustainable fashion and eco-friendly beauty products to antiques, records and street food. Even if you miss this one, there's always the Frome Country Market and the Flea Market & Craft Fair.
The Boathouse, Plum Guide home in Somerset
Evening: End your trip with a Michelin-star dinner
Back in Bath, end your final evening in Somerset with something special. The Olive Tree is the city's only Michelin-starred restaurant, and we can confidently say it’s worth the splurge. Serving up seasonal British dishes with Mediterranean influences, the food here really highlights the best of local Somerset produce.
Before retiring to bed, take a little detour to The Forum for a night of live entertainment. Originally designed as an Art Deco cinema, this stunning venue plays host to a year-round programme of concerts, tribute acts and comedy shows. Now, that's the perfect finish to a three-day Somerset itinerary.
