What Are the Best Tourist Attractions in Somerset, UK?: A Complete Guide

Some of the most fascinating tourist destinations in England include Somerset which offers a perfect blend of heritage, breathtaking scenery, quaint towns, spectacular coast and cultural sites. This amazing location is situated in South West England and is popular among families, history lovers, nature fans, photographers, and those seeking relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of urban areas. There are numerous attractions ranging from stunning architecture in Bath to spectacular landscapes near Glastonbury. Exploring the best tourist attractions in Somerset will ensure that your trip will be memorable whatever type of vacation you plan to have.

When planning a visit to Somerset, tourists traveling from the rest of the United Kingdom might consider the journey to be a part of the experience. Usually, they arrive at main airports in the country and travel onwards via car or train. For example, tourists arriving from Scotland can book Glasgow Airport Taxis and then proceed to south. With well-developed road infrastructure, tourists will not have problems exploring attractions within the county. In addition, they may find it helpful to hire the right transport beforehand to facilitate their trip, especially if they travel with children or in groups.

1. Explore the Historic City of Bath

Bath has to be one of the most notable locations within Somerset and definitely deserves high priority in the list of things to do there. Being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is well-known for its rich Roman history, Georgian-style architecture and thermal hot springs. Strolling around the historic part of the city gives an opportunity to appreciate its beautiful architecture and streets.

One of the most important sights of Bath is the Roman Baths. Being an excellent-preserved ancient bathhouse, it offers a great chance to get acquainted with the Roman Britain and its culture. It allows visitors to explore its bathing facilities, exhibition halls and historical artifacts and learn about the city's development.

An example of impressive Georgian architecture is the Royal Crescent, a semi-circular row of Georgian houses overlooking a spacious park. Other sites that can be visited are the Circus and Pulteney Bridge.

2. Discover the Mysteries of Glastonbury

There are many reasons why Glastonbury is such a well-known place. First, it has a rich history full of mystery, spirituality, and unique atmosphere. Second, the city attracts people who are fond of myths, medieval history, music, and culture.

The first thing that catches the attention is Glastonbury Tor – the famous landmark of the town. It is a large hill from which one can enjoy the amazing panorama of Somerset. It is worth visiting Glastonbury Tor and going up there on sunny days. This hill is surrounded by many legends. Thus, it is a good place for those who like folk tales.

The second interesting landmark is Glastonbury Abbey. Even though the building is partly ruined, it still impresses with its architecture and huge territory. In addition, people can visit many shops and cafés in the city center.

3. Visit Wells and Its Magnificent Cathedral

Despite Wells being considered to be the smallest city in England, this definitely does not suggest that the city lacks things worth seeing. In fact, the most prominent place in Wells is Wells Cathedral, which is considered to be one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in the whole country.

In addition to that, the cathedral boasts beautiful stained glass, interesting stone carvings, beautiful interiors and an amazing medieval clock. At the same time, it is highly recommended to pay attention to the Bishop's Palace located next to the cathedral surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Another remarkable place in Wells is the Vicar’s Close – the well-preserved medieval street. This place is definitely worth visiting if one wants to feel the history of the city.

4. Experience the Natural Beauty of Exmoor National Park

Nature enthusiasts will not want to miss Exmoor National Park, which covers portions of Somerset and neighboring Devon counties. Exmoor is known for its rolling hills, forested valleys, wide expanses of moors, stunning coastlines, and quaint villages.

There are many activities visitors can indulge in when in the national park including hiking, cycling, taking photos, nature watching, and sightseeing drives. Exmoor ponies, known locally for their distinctiveness, may be found freely grazing around the region.

The coast in particular features stunning scenery with panoramic views of the Bristol Channel. Places like Porlock and Lynton offer great views of the natural features of the region. For visitors looking for some peace, Exmoor provides a break from the historical cities and towns of Somerset.

5. Enjoy Luxury Travel and Explore Somerset in Comfort

Getting around from one attraction to another in Somerset can prove to be far more simple for tourists with good transport arrangements. Those tourists who are traveling from another part of the United Kingdom will already be aware of top class travel services like Chauffeur Service Glasgow, especially when comfort and punctuality matter greatly. There are many cases where similar private transport can be helpful when on vacation in Somerset.

In this regard, being able to travel easily will mean that the tourist is able to arrange his or her schedule without having to rely completely on public transport timetables.

6. Step Back in Time at Dunster Castle

Another interesting place to visit in Somerset for those who love history is Dunster Castle. Located above the village of Dunster, this medieval castle boasts a rich history.

Over the years, there have been major modifications to the castle, making it an amazing mix of medieval architecture and other architecture styles. Tourists can tour through historical rooms, beautiful gardens, and parts of the castle’s estate.

It is worth visiting not only the castle but also the village of Dunster. There you will see traditional buildings, individual shops, historical streets, and picturesque countryside.

7. Explore Cheddar Gorge and Its Spectacular Caves

Cheddar Gorge is among the most spectacular natural landmarks in Somerset. The limestone gorge offers breathtaking cliffs, roads, walkways, and viewpoints.

Cheddar Gorge is especially popular among tourists for its numerous caves, such as Gough’s Cave, where tourists can witness amazing geological formations and gain more knowledge about the geological history of the region. Moreover, Cheddar Gorge was an important place in human history, thus, appealing to tourists interested in history.

In addition, tourists can visit the nearby village of Cheddar, where tourists will have a chance to shop in typical stores and try local cuisine. Cheddar Gorge is especially famous for Cheddar cheese.

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8. Discover the Somerset Coast

The Somerset coast presents an entirely different attraction from the rest of its inland destinations. Coastal towns and villages afford people a chance to go for a stroll and take pictures, as well as relax by the seaside and enjoy the traditional British scenery.

Weston-super-Mare is among the well-known coastal destinations of the county, which features a long stretch of beach, a historical pier and all kinds of entertainment activities for families. This destination is perfect for visitors who would like to have a typical British seaside experience.

There are other places farther along the coast where visitors will get a chance to enjoy breathtaking views across the Bristol Channel.

9. Visit the Bishop’s Palace Gardens in Wells

This is another building worth seeing due to the fact that its gardens are among the most beautiful historic gardens in Somerset. The complex of the palace features not only gardens but also ponds, walls, and places where one may take a walk.

The setting is perfect for spending a wonderful day there. People who are interested in architecture and gardening may visit the palace along with Wells Cathedral and medieval streets of Wells.

10. Enjoy Local Food and Somerset’s Countryside

A visit to Somerset would not be considered complete without tasting the food and farming tradition of Somerset County. Some of the known products of this county include the traditional cheese, cider, apples, and local farm produce.

There will be plenty of farm shops, traditional pubs, marketplaces, cafes, and restaurants to visit while you are in Somerset County. There are also many chances for taking scenic drives and walking through the countryside of Somerset.

Visiting the small villages can help in discovering the quiet face of Somerset County that often goes unnoticed by tourists who just visit the main sites of interest.

Plan Your Somerset Adventure

There are many things Somerset can offer visitors, including ancient Roman history and architecture, stunning scenery, and coastal landscapes. Bath offers heritage attractions known all over the world, Glastonbury – mythology and history, Wells – architectural magnificence and a relaxing ambience, and Cheddar Gorge – magnificent scenery. Exmoor is great for outdoor activities, while Dunster is another great opportunity to have a look at English history.

A good way to explore Somerset is to visit famous landmarks along with little-known villages, country locations, and food attractions.

No matter whether your preferences include history, nature, architecture, food, photography, or children's entertainment, there is something in Somerset that will suit you.

Somerset is definitely one of the best places to visit in South West England and spend your holiday in the UK.