Spectacular Somerset: Where to Stay For the Perfect Getaway

Somerset is a land of charms. You have dramatic cliffs, golden beaches and secluded bays along the coast, while inland, the sweeping moorlands and rolling hills capture your attention. With everything from vibrant cities to chocolate-box villages, there are so many incredible places to use as a base for your stay in one of the most beautiful regions in the South West of England. Struggling to choose a place? Fear not, for the travel experts at Plum Guide have all there is to know about the region. We've spent plenty of time here, sipping on famous local cider and traversing the countryside (not in that particular order). To help you plan your trip, take a look at our guide to where to stay in Somerset.

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The stunning city of Bath is one of the best places to stay for those who love history. Taking its name from the famous Roman baths in the town (built as recently as 70AD), it would be rude not to spend some time here. Take a tour and explore the different parts of the museum – the Sacred Spring, the Roman Temple and the Roman Bath House. Unfortunately, you're no longer allowed to bathe here, but you can head to Thermae Bath Spa, the UK's original natural thermal spa. After a full spa session, including massage and facial, enjoy the open-air rooftop pool that offers stunning views of this historic city.

The city is not short of shopping, arts and crafts too. Try Pulteney Bridge, Victoria Art Gallery, Bath Guildhall Market, Bath Street Food Market or the Saturday Antique and Flea Market. Literary fans will love visiting the Jane Austen Centre, the city's most famous residence. Find out more about her life and discover what it would’ve been like to live in Regency times by dressing up in period costumes. If you’re visiting on a sunny day, a must-dos is hiring a rowboat and making your way lazily down the River Avon. There'syou'rewould've an abundance of wildlife to see on the river, including swans, herons, kingfishers and even otters.

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Famous for hosting the legendary Glastonbury Festival, this lively market town has plenty to keep visitors happy. It's long been steeped in history and legend, and those interested in all things spiritual will find many New Age shops, healing centres and spiritual sites. Another mystical place is the atmospheric ruins of Glastonbury Abbey, considered the burial place of King Arthur and the Holy Grail. Next, continue your spiritual journey to Glastonbury Tor which rises majestically from the Somerset Levels. It's a little steep, but it's worth it for the magnificent countryside views.

If you are lucky enough to bag tickets, the Glastonbury Festival takes place each June and features a varied mix of music, theatre and other performances. If not, don't despair – a visit outside of the festival season means enjoying the town and the surrounding nature without the crowds. Take the many walking and cycling trails which lead you through meadows, forests and over green hills. One of our favourite places to soak up the tranquil nature is Ham Wall Nature Reserve, a wetland reserve full of wildlife, from bitterns and egrets to otters and noisy Iberian water frogs.

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Those wondering where to stay in Somerset for outdoor adventures will love the pretty village of Cheddar. It's home to Cheddar Gorge, one of Britain's most famous natural landmarks. This extraordinary limestone gorge is the largest in the UK, descending almost 120 metres at its deepest point. Take a scenic drive through the ravine or explore on foot via the footpaths that run along the cliffs' top. From up here, you're treated to remarkable panoramic views of the Mendip Hills. The area has plenty more walks, including Cheddar Reservoir and the Strawberry Line, a popular walking and cycling route just under 16 kilometres. If you have young kids with you, a day out at Cheddar Caves is an exciting adventure deep underground where Britain's oldest skeleton was once found.

The village of Cheddar itself is well worth exploring with its quaint cottages, riverside views and a handful of shops, cafes and tea rooms. And now, for the question that's been playing on your mind – yes, Cheddar is the birthplace of cheddar cheese, and yes, eating your body weight in it while you're here is acceptable. Head to the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company to learn how they make their cheese, some aged in Gough's Cave. At the end of the tour, pop into the shop to sample and buy the famous goods.

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With its location in the heart of the countryside, Taunton is a popular destination for a holiday in Somerset. You have the best of both worlds here – a bustling town centre offers endless entertainment, while serene nature is just a stone's throw away. Walk down the High Street to browse the independent boutiques and artisan shops. Taunton has a rich history which goes back to the Saxon era, so there are many historic buildings to see in between shopping, such as Taunton Castle (home to the Museum of Somerset), the St. Mary Magdalene Church and the Brewhouse Theatre. Meanwhile, sports enthusiasts can catch a match or a race at the Somerset County Cricket Club and the Taunton Racecourse.

When the weather's good, the beautiful Vivary Park is a fantastic place for families with its boating lake, model railway and miniature golf course. There is also the award-winning French Weir Park and the ornamental Victoria Park (both lovely spots for picnics). Stroll down the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal – you can even kayak, canoe or ride a narrowboat down it. There is plenty to do further afield, such as rambling or cycling through nearby villages and scenic countryside like the Quantock Hills, the Blackdown Hills and the Exmoor National Park.

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For a quintessential Somerset town, look no further than Frome, with its cobbled streets and Georgian and Victorian architecture. It's particularly popular with shoppers who come for excellent retail options. Wander down Catherine Hill, where artists, musicians and entrepreneurs have set up shop. Dubbed the 'Artisan Quarter', there is everything from vintage emporiums to tailor shops, as well as galleries, herbal apothecaries, bespoke jewellery boutiques, cosy tearooms and vinyl record stores. There is also a great choice of markets, from the Frome Independent street market, which showcases the best produce and crafts from the South West, to the Vegan Market, Country Market and the Collectors and Flea Market.

Frome also has a flourishing arts and culture scene, with plenty of galleries, studios and theatres where you can catch shows from local artists and performers. With a packed calendar of events throughout the year, don't be surprised if you arrive during the middle of a festival. One of the most anticipated events is the Frome Festival which takes place each July and features music performances, art exhibitions, theatre shows and more. Autumn time calls for the delicious Frome Agricultural and Cheese Show, whereas the Literary Festival takes place each November and features talks, workshops and readings from authors and poets.

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When it comes to where to stay in Somerset for a seaside holiday, Minehead is a beautiful town with a long and sandy beach that stretches for almost 2 kilometres. Riding a vintage steam carriage on the West Somerset Railway is the best way to take in the coastal views. Running between Minehead and Bishops Lydeard near Taunton, the railway takes you through the picturesque Quantock Hills and along the Bristol Channel Coast. Stop at the various stations along the way, where each has something different, from historical sites to famous filming locations.

Minehead is located right on the edge of the Exmoor National Park and boasts breathtaking coastal scenery, heather moorland, lush woodlands and steep combes. With its reputation as one of Britain's most peaceful national parks, this is a great place to spend some downtime in nature. You won't run out of activities here, from watersports along the coast to walking, cycling, and horse riding trails inland. The Valley of the Rocks is a particularly scenic part of the park, a dramatic section of coastline known for its stunning views and herds of feral goats. Those seeking something different should wrap up warm and head out after dark for some stargazing. With Exmoor being an International Dark Sky Reserve, expect to witness some of the country's darkest skies and brightest stars.

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