7 Reasons Why You Should Visit Somerset

Somerset has it all – incredible nature, lively towns and intriguing historic sights. It doesn’t matter what season you’re visiting – there’s always something to do here. Whether you want to learn how apple cider is made or get the adrenaline pumping with abseiling, this South West pocket of England has just what you're looking for. Our travel experts at Plum Guide found narrowing down such a long list challenging, but we pulled it off – read on to discover our top reasons to visit Somerset.

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One of the best things about Somerset is its range of festivals and events throughout the year. No matter when you choose to visit, there’s always something going on. The most famous festival is Glastonbury, a five-day music festival near the village of Pilton. Taking place at the end of June, it's the UK's most significant cultural event and the largest greenfield music festival in the world. Along with contemporary music, the festival also features theatre, dance, comedy, circus acts and cabaret. It can be tough to get Glasto tickets, so if you’re not lucky this time, there’s always the Frome Festival. Taking place over ten days each July, the festival boasts over 200 events, including music, theatre, poetry, comedy and various workshops.

Another favourite is the Bristol Balloon Fiesta, Europe's largest ballooning event. Watch the colourful hot air balloons soar over the city, grab a bite to eat and listen to live music. Then, come nightfall, balloons light up in time to a soundtrack from BBC Radio.

Literary enthusiasts also have plenty to look forward to as well. The Wells Festival of Literature and the Yeovil Literary Festival both have a varied programme of talks and workshops with authors, celebrities and comedians. If you’re visiting towards the end of the year, don’t miss the Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival. Held on the first Saturday of November, it’s one of the world’s largest illuminated processions, with dancers, performers and majestic floats. And we can't forget about the Jane Austen Festival in Bath, where you can expect theatrical performances, immersive balls, and lots of Regency-period costumes.

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One place that you simply can’t miss in Somerset is Bath. This picturesque city is named after its ancient Roman baths dating back to 70 AD. While you can’t actually bathe here, you can still admire the Roman Bath House, the Sacred Spring and the Roman Temple. If you can’t resist getting in the water, Thermae Bath Spa offers indulgent spa sessions and an open-air swimming pool with magnificent city views.

When you feel relaxed and rejuvenated, stroll around the city and admire the stunning Georgian architecture made from local Bath stone. We highly recommend visiting Bath Abbey, an extraordinary building with stained glass windows, exquisite fan vaulting and gorgeous honey-coloured stone. The Royal Crescent is another iconic landmark overlooking Royal Victoria Park.

Pop into the many shops and boutiques, from the ones lining Pulteney Bridge to the stalls in the Bath Guildhall Market. Need a break from all that exploring? Hire a rowboat and (weather permitting) glide down the River Avon to take in the scenery from a different angle – keep an eye out for herons, otters and kingfishers.

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Its fascinating natural wonders are one of the top reasons to visit Somerset. No trip is complete without seeing Cheddar Gorge, a splendid limestone valley tucked away in the Mendip Hills AONB. Formed during the last Ice Age, there are millions of years of history to discover here. One of our favourites is Gough’s Cave, known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Evidence of prehistoric civilisation has also been found here, including Britain’s oldest complete skeleton, affectionately known as the Cheddar Man.

Away from Cheddar Gorge, the Mendip Hills offer breathtaking views of rolling fields, limestone cliffs and lush valleys dotted with sparkling rivers. Somerset is also home to Exmoor National Park, which straddles the border with Devon. It’s known for its remarkable landscapes, from rugged moorland and ancient woodlands to bucolic farmland and pretty coastline. The park also boasts a rich biodiversity and is home to Exmoor ponies, red deer and birds of prey.

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As well as beautiful countryside, Somerset is also home to a magnificent stretch of coastline along the Bristol Channel. With sun-kissed sandy beaches, estuaries and rocky shores, a beach day is never too far away. There’s a wide choice of beaches to choose from, whether you’re after a family-friendly option or somewhere a little more secluded. For a classic British seaside break, the town of Weston-super-Mare offers a 3-kilometre-long sandy beach, a pier with arcade games, donkey rides and watersports.

One of our favourite places along the coast is Berrow Beach. It’s found towards the southern end of Berrow Flats, a long stretch of coast with just under 10 kilometres of sand. There’s plenty of space for ball games, walks and sunbathing, with a few places of interest like Burnham-on-Sea Low Lighthouse and the eerie Berrow Shipwreck. Another must-visit is St Audries Bay, a magical beach near the Quantock Hills. As well as fossils and rock pools teeming with marine life, you’ll also find two spectacular waterfalls cascading down the red sandstone cliffs.

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With all that natural beauty on your doorstep, the toughest decision you’ll have to make is deciding how to explore it all. For walkers and hikers, there are plenty of routes that take you through some of Somerset’s most incredible landscapes. For example, the Cheddar Gorge Circular Walk is a great way to admire the panoramic views of the valley, while the West Somerset Coast Path winds you through pretty seaside villages and coastal landscapes.

For those who prefer to explore on two wheels, many cycling trails pass through the countryside. For beginners, the Somerset Levels and Moors are a great place to start. The Yer Tiz trail in Leigh Woods is best for mountain bikers, while the routes between Bridgewater and Taunton suit those who like a challenge.

More adventurous folk will be pleased to hear that climbing and caving are popular activities in Somerset, with dramatic crags, caves, rock faces and quarries waiting to be explored. If you prefer a more relaxed approach to admiring the views, you can’t go wrong with a steam locomotive. The West Somerset Railway chugs its way through 32 kilometres of Somerset’s finest landscapes, going between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead.

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Foodies are in luck, as the county’s culinary delights are among the best reasons to visit Somerset. Cheddar cheese is its most well-known product, originating from the town of Cheddar. But this rich and sharp favourite isn’t the only cheese produced in the county – you’ll also find brie, ricotta and goat’s cheese. The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company offers behind-the-scenes tours, which include a tasting of their award-winning cheeses.

Somerset is also known for its apples, most of which are grown to produce traditional cider. You’ll find several farms and breweries where you can learn how this sparkling fruity drink is made – we particularly like the Sheppy’s Cider Farm tours. They include a visit to the orchards, the vat house and the on-site rural life museum, ending, of course, with a guided tasting.

You’ll also find a calendar packed with food festivals. Eat Festivals is a series of events across the southwest, including Somerset towns like Yeovil and Taunton. Meanwhile, Wells Food Festival has over 200 local traders selling artisan food and drink, as well as English winemakers and cookery workshops for kids. If there isn’t anything going on while you’re visiting, don’t worry. Explore artisan markets like Frome Independent Market, where you can get your fill of delicious bread, cheeses, cured meats and fish, as well as international street food.

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As well as Bath’s attractions, there are plenty of other historical sights to discover in Somerset. Don’t miss Dunster Castle and Watermill, a majestic fortress with lovely interiors and amazing views over Somerset, Exmoor and the Bristol Channel. It’s one of our favourite reasons to visit Somerset, where you can explore the well-manicured grounds and tour the castle to discover what it was like to live and work here. Another historic home to add to the itinerary is Montacute House, an Elizabethan Renaissance mansion where you can live out your Bridgerton and Jane Austen fantasies.

Over in Glastonbury, the ruins of its ancient abbey are rumoured to be where King Arthur and the Holy Grail are buried – whether it’s true or not remains a mystery, but they're still a fascinating place to visit. While you’re here, take a walk to Glastonbury Tor for photogenic views of the rolling hills. For something a little more unique, how about a trip to a disused prison? Shepton Mallet Prison was opened in 1625, and although it’s no longer in use, you can still visit and hear stories about what it was like to be locked up there. Last but not least, the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol is a must-visit. The icon of the city, the views from the bridge and the surrounding area are hard to beat.

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