Picture-perfect Somerset showcases England’s most enchanting countryside with its lush rolling landscapes where time seems to slow down. Friendly cricket greens and cozy country pubs nestle alongside wild, drama-filled vistas – a harmonious blend of tamed elegance and untamed nature that makes this corner of southwest England truly special.
Must-Visit Somerset Highlights
Bath
Bristol
Glastonbury
The Mendips
Wells
Venture beyond the country lanes to discover Bristol, Somerset’s vibrant urban heart. This buzzing cultural hub buzzes with creative energy – from its historic harborside whispering tales of maritime adventures to its cutting-edge street art scene. Don’t miss the legendary culinary offerings and lively nightlife that make this city pulse with excitement.
Just a stone’s throw away lies Bath, where golden Georgian terraces glow in honeyed perfection. Wander through awe-inspiring Roman Baths that have soothed visitors for millennia, then relax in one of the city’s charming tea rooms watching the world go by.
History buffs and nature lovers alike will adore the medieval marvel of Wells Cathedral or the mystical allure of Glastonbury Tor, said to be the legendary Isle of Avalon. Underground adventures await in the Mendip Hills’ incredible cave systems at Wookey Hole and Cheddar Gorge, where you can explore ancient rock formations and taste world-famous cheese. Use Taunton as your base to roam the wild Quantock Hills, or cross into Devon to experience Exmoor’s breathtaking coastal cliffs and sweeping moorland views.
Discover the best of Somerset with these recommended experiences:
Bristol tours: Uncover the city’s street art, maritime history, and food scene
Bath experiences: Walk through Roman history and enjoy luxury spa days
Countryside adventures: Explore mystical Glastonbury and the Mendip caves
Birdwatchers’ paradise at Shapwick Heath Nature Reserve
Exmoor: Where Wild Beauty Reigns Supreme
Picture a landscape that changes personalities with the weather: one moment a windswept plateau draped in mysterious sea mists, the next a sun-drenched patchwork of purple heather and golden gorse. This is Exmoor National Park, where raw natural beauty meets extraordinary wildlife encounters.
Here, prehistoric echoes roam free. The sturdy Exmoor ponies – a living link to ancient horse breeds – graze openly across the moor. While fewer than 1,200 exist worldwide, you’ll often spot these shaggy-coated survivors around the park’s treeless heartland. More camera-shy are Exmoor’s majestic red deer, England’s largest wild mammals and a rare success story – the park shelters the country’s only truly wild population of nearly 3,000.
Walking Through Living History
With over 600 miles of footpaths carving through the landscape, Exmoor calls adventurers to explore. Feel the crunch of ancient tracks beneath your boots as buzzards circle overhead. For equestrian lovers, horseback riding offers an unforgettable perspective of this rugged terrain.
Four charming bases make perfect starting points for your moorland adventures:
- Dulverton: The park’s information hub in the southeast
- Simonsbath: The historic heart of Exmoor
- Exford: Nestled near Dunkery Beacon (the park’s highest peak)
- Winsford: A picture-perfect village framed by rolling hills
Coastal Magic and Historic Charm
When you’ve had your fill of heather-clad moors, Exmoor’s dramatic coastline awaits. The South West Coast Path begins its epic journey at Minehead, but the real showstoppers lie west – the clifftop villages of Lynmouth and Lynton offer breathtaking sea views and charming Victorian character.
Taunton: Somerset’s Hidden Cultural Gem
Gateway to the Quantocks and guardian of Somerset’s heritage, Taunton rewards visitors with delightful discoveries. The reimagined Museum of Somerset breathes life into local history within the dramatic walls of Taunton Castle.
Architecture enthusiasts will adore the soaring towers of St. James Church and St. Mary Magdalene Church, where Gothic splendor meets Victorian craftsmanship. Look closer to spot fascinating details – medieval remnants hiding in plain sight among 19th-century restorations.
The Quantock Hills: A Secret World of Wooded Valleys
Just north of Taunton unfolds Somerset’s other great wilderness – the Quantock Hills. These secluded hills create a lost world of secret “combes” (steep wooded valleys) where red deer roam and crystal streams trickle through fern-covered rocks.
Follow winding lanes through timeless villages like Nether Stowey (Coleridge’s former home) and discover why these hills inspired Romantic poets. With landscapes ranging from dense oak forests to open heathland, the Quantocks offer tranquil beauty at every turn – perfect for walkers seeking quieter paths.
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