Somerset

England

Minehead which includes a sandy beach, general coastal views and a coastal town
Bath Abbey showing a church or cathedral, a square or plaza and heritage architecture
Bath which includes a city, street scenes and heritage architecture
Somerset
Royal Victoria Park showing a garden

Explore the gorgeous countryside of the West Country, relax in luxurious spas and enjoy the culture in the quaint towns.

Rolling, verdant hills, quaint hamlets and a historic spa city make up Somerset. Among its many attractions are the Roman and Georgian city of Bath and the region’s array of vast, undulating parks. Get a sense of the local traditions and customs in the proud and fascinating villages of the West Country.

Stroll through the historic center of Bath to see its many highlights, such as the late 15th-century Bath Abbey. The impressive ecclesiastical structure stands beside the Roman Baths, built by the Romans about 2,000 years ago. Admire the elegant baths and see the open-air Great Bath in this Georgian and Roman building.

The source of the baths is England’s only mineral hot springs. Drink this water in the site’s restaurant. Snap photos of the row of majestic terraced houses that make up the Royal Crescent and cross the exceptional Pulteney Bridge, which is lined with shops.

Visit the Gothic Wells Cathedral in England’s smallest city, Wells. Admire the preserved religious district that includes the Bishop’s Palace and the medieval Vicars’ Close. Just outside the city is the large village of Cheddar, which gave its name to golden cheese. Delve into the caves of Cheddar Gorge.

Make your way through the tiny villages in Exmoor National Park. Somerset also has Quantock Hills and Mendip Hills as well as coastal towns, such as Minehead and Burnham-On-Sea. Listen for the distinctive Somerset accent, which has a rural twang that became known as a pirate accent in modern movies.

Find Somerset County in the so-called West Country on the southwestern tail of Great Britain. Fly to Bristol Airport, which is just outside Somerset’s northern border and drive east for 20 miles (30 kilometers) to get to Bath in about 45 minutes. The drive west from London to the heart of Somerset takes about 3 hours.

A tapestry of Roman history unravels across the swelling hills of Somerset.

Popular cities in Somerset

Wells
Wells
Known for Friendly people, Dining and Cathedrals
Quaint Wells awaits: its cathedral, food, castle, and more!

Reasons to visit

  • Wookey Hole Caves
  • Wells Bishop's Palace
Yeovil
Yeovil
Known for Friendly people, Bars and Small town
Get away to quaint Yeovil! Enjoy the bars, entertainment, and countryside.

Reasons to visit

  • Fleet Air Arm Museum
Minehead which includes a sandy beach, general coastal views and a coastal town
Minehead
Known for Friendly people, Small town and Relaxing
A popular seaside holiday destination since the Victorian era, this attractive town is also the gateway to Exmoor National Park.

Reasons to visit

  • Dunster Castle
Taunton
Taunton
Known for Friendly people, Coffee and Countryside
Escape to trendy Taunton! Enjoy its gardens, countryside, and coffee.
Somerset showing heritage elements
Bridgwater
Known for Countryside, Hills and Secluded
Come to upscale Bridgwater and enjoy its countryside, cocktail bars, and history.
Frome
Frome
Known for Friendly people, Bars and Small town
Get away to quaint Frome! Enjoy the bars, art, and horseback riding.