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Somerset

Somerset is a ceremonial county in Southwest England, offering adventures that are too good to miss. With its deep and rich folklore history dating back to before England became a country, Somerset presents a series of historic churches, magnificent buildings, and unique museums.

The Sweet Track is one of Somerset's destinations, considered the oldest engineered roadway in the world. Located on a crossing in the Somerset Levels, this track is believed to have been built between 3807 and 3806 BC.

Somerset also boasts many museums to explore, such as the Boat Museum in the old port of Watchet, the Willows and Wetlands Centre located in the Levels, the Fashion Museum in Bath, the Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury, the Somerset Museum in the County Town, Taunton. Interestingly, Somerset has museums about coal mining in Radstock, aviation in Chard, and another one about America in Bath.

Somerset has many parks open to the public, perfect for nature lovers. Some feature collections of rare plants like The Walled Garden of Cannington. There's also a collection of rare animals at the largest zoo in the Southwest, Noah's Ark in Wraxall.

Moreover, there are several ancient churches, ranging from St. Mary’s Church to Wells Cathedral. Don't miss a visit to the Grand Pier with its distinctive Victorian style, the iconic Willow Man, the beautiful Minehead Beach, Montacute House as the mansion and garden of Queen Elizabeth, and the charming Exmoor.

Meanwhile, for shopping enthusiasts, there is no place like Catherine Hill with its highly Instagrammable street. Lastly, for culinary enthusiasts, try to taste the delicious cheese and apple cider, signature dishes of Somerset and renowned worldwide.

Explore Somerset

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Travel Tips for Somerset

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Somerset

A guide to Somerset's local transportation

Bicycles

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Train

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With quiet rural roads, Somerset is perfect for cycling. Popular scenic routes include the 14.5-kilometer route from Wells to Glastonbury, the 61.2-kilometer Cheddar Burnham Loop, and the 65.7-kilometer Axbridge Weston-Super-Mare Loop.

Practical Tips for Somerset

Things to prepare and best way to visit

When is the best time to visit Somerset?

Like much of the South West, Somerset has a temperate climate and is cooler than the rest of the country. As with the rest of the UK, the summer months of July and August are the region's hottest with a recorded average temperature of 21°C. It is the best time to visit Somerset.

What are the famous tourist destinations in Somerset?

There are numerous popular tourist destinations in Somerset, ranging from natural sights and historical sites to family-friendly attractions, such as the Boat Museum, Willows and Wetlands Centre, Fashion Museum, Rural Life Museum, and Somerset Museum. St. Mary’s Church, Wells Cathedral, Willow Man, Grand Pier, Minehead Beach, Montacute House, Exmoor, Catherine Hill, Taunton Castle, Sheppy’s House of Cider, The Stables Restaurant at Hestercombe Gardens, and The Pump Room Restaurant are also must-visit attractions when in Somerset.

How to get to Somerset from London?

From London, travelers can take a train for about 3 hours and 4 minutes. Alternatively, buses from Bristol with a travel time of around 4 hours and 45 minutes or bus number 502 with a travel time of about 4 hours and 10 minutes are available. For a more comfortable option, driving with a rented car is also possible, with a distance of approximately 253.3 km taking roughly 2 hours and 45 minutes.

What are the typical Somerset foods to try?

The area is renowned for its cheese and apple cider, even serving enthusiasts of both at the Cheese, Cider, and Moozic Somerset Festival. As an apple cider producer, Somerset is home to well-known brands like Blackthorn and Thatcher's. Besides cheese and apple cider, other Somerset specialties include Bath Cap (non-halal), often used as a snack or delicious sandwich filling. Somerset’s crab is considered one of the best in England, with its flagship dish being the traditional crab salad.

What attractions does Somerset have?

One of the most famous attractions in Somerset is Cheddar Man, the name given to the oldest complete human skeleton found in Gough's Cave in Cheddar Canyon. Apart from that, Somerset is also famous for The Sweet Track, the oldest engineered road in the world. Located on a causeway in the Somerset Levels, it is believed to have been built between 3807 and 3806 BC.