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A profile of Somerset, England, highlighting attractions, history, and visitor information.
   
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Somerset Travel Guide

Somerset has something for everyone. From the bustle of the historic seaport of Bristol to the quiet rural delight of the Somerset Levels. The enigmatic Glastonbury Tor soars above the Levels like a beacon, gathering about itself legends of King Arthur and the Holy Grail. At the base of the Tor lie the ruins Glastonbury Abbey, reputed burial place of Arthur and Queen Guinivere. Legends aside, the ruins are superb, and the octagonal Abbot's Kitchen is a well-preserved example of a medieval cookhouse.

Roman Baths
The Roman Baths

Just a few miles away is Wells Cathedral, supported by unusual scissor arches. Wells is one of the finest medieval buildings in England, but it has to share the limelight with the Bishop's Palace next door, former residence of the powerful medieval Bishops of Bath and Wells.

Wells lies close to the Mendip Hills, and at the northern edge of the Mendips is Cheddar Gorge, home to the world's most famous cheese, and visitors can explore the caves where cheddar cheese has been stored for centuries. Further along the coast is Exmoor, the wild moorland park which Somerset shares with neighbouring Devon. Exmoor provides excellent walking opportunities, as does the Quantock Hills.

Somerset has its fair share of stately homes; Montacute House is a magnificent Tudor mansion that now houses period paintings from the National Portrait Gallery. Lytes Cary is a delightful 15th century manor with an even older chapel.

Wells Cathedral
Wells Cathedral

And of course there is Bath, one of the great tourist magnets of Britain, and rightfully so. It is less crowded than London, and its attractions are concentrated into an area easily walked in a day of sightseeing. The Assembly Rooms were built by John Wood in 1771 and the elegant chambers now house the thoroughly enjoyable Museum of Costume, which traces the history of fashion through wonderful period displays and over 1000 accessories and jewelry from Tudor times to the present.

Overlooking the Roman Baths is the Pump Room, where you can drink hot spa water (if you can stomach the rather foul-tasting mixture), or take tea to the accompaniment of a string trio. And of course there is the Roman Baths Museum, preserving the memory of the Roman spa that gave this city its name. A World Heritage Site, and well worth a visit.

Our Top 5:
Out of all the places we've visited in Somerset, these are our own personal top 5 - in no particular order and subject to change at a moment's whim!


Top Heritage Rated attractions in Somerset:
Aside from the attractions mentioned above, these historic sites have also been awarded 4 Heritage Rating or 5 Heritage Rating in our Heritage Rating scheme for attractions.

ABBEYS
Muchelney Abbey

CASTLES
Nunney Castle
Dunster Castle

HISTORIC HOUSES
Montacute House
Clevedon Court
Lytes Cary Manor
Combe Sydenham Hall

PREHISTORIC
Stanton Drew Stone Circles



Neighbouring areas:

 

  

HISTORY CORNER

Name the Historic attraction

Name the mystery historic attraction
See larger image



British Heritage Awards

Celebrate the best of British Heritage in our annual
British Heritage awards.

View this year's winners.

British History Quiz

This politician is generally regarded as the first Prime Minister



 Clue

This Day in British History

12 February, 1554

Lady Jane Grey executed

Grey became famous as the 'Nine Days Queen', a pawn in the ambitions of the Earl of Northumberland

Monarch Mayhem

This king led the English to triumph at Crecy in 1346



 Clue




Accommodation
Somerset

Braeburn

Cheddar
Self catering cottage

Hall. Sitting room with gas 'flame effect' fire. Dining room leading to conservatory. Well equipped kitchen. Utility room. Cloakroom/WC. First floor: Master bedroom with 5' … more >>
Sleeps 7

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Somerset

One Fair Place

Crewkerne
Self catering cottage

One Fair Place, which is 18th century in origin, is situated in Fairplace, a particularly picturesque part of the village. The cottage … more >>
Sleeps 4

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Frome (Hotel)

Mendip House Hotel

The Mendip House Hotel is situated in 3 1/2 acres of its own landscaped gardens overlooking the Mendip Hills. The hotel is ideally located for guests to visit Bath, Wells, Longleat, Cheddar Gorge and many other places of interest. All bedrooms are spacious and well equipped with satellite TV, telephone … more >>

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Taunton (Hotel)

Travelodge Taunton

Located by junction 25 of the M5 motorway, this Travelodge provides contemporary quality accommodation and an ideal base for exploring the surrounding attractions and countryside. Spacious en-suite rooms, TV in every room, tea and coffee making facilities and free parking, make Travelodges terrific value. more >>

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