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Explore Somerset’s medieval cities, cider orchards, limestone gorges, Levels and coastal landscapes across one of south-west England’s most varied counties.

Somerset occupies a broad stretch of south-west England between the Bristol Channel and the chalk and limestone landscapes of Dorset and Wiltshire. Its countryside is varied rather than uniform: the low-lying Somerset Levels and Moors spread across the centre, the Mendip Hills rise to the north, the Quantock Hills form a wooded ridge near the coast, and the western uplands merge into Exmoor. Orchards, wetlands, pasture, cider apple trees and ancient lanes give the county a strong rural identity, while the Bristol Channel coast brings estuaries, salt marshes and historic port towns.

My first-day picks

Use Wells, Taunton or Yeovil as practical bases, but allow extra time for rural journeys across the Levels, Mendips and western hills.
Hire a car or plan carefully around buses if you want to visit dispersed villages, small heritage sites and countryside viewpoints.
Bring waterproof footwear for the Somerset Levels and check path conditions before walking, particularly after prolonged rain.
Sample locally produced cider and farmhouse cheese from reputable producers, remembering that alcohol should not be consumed before driving.
Combine Glastonbury with nearby Wells, but do not assume the two towns provide the same atmosphere: one is strongly associated with pilgrimage and alternative culture, the other with medieval ecclesiastical heritage.
Book ahead for major houses, popular cave and gorge attractions, and specialist festivals, as arrangements vary by season.

When is the best time to visit Somerset?

Best: June–August · 20–22°C

7° Temperature Range for JanuaryLow: 1.1°C, High: 7.2°C Precipitation Range for JanuaryLow: 60 mm, High: 80 mm J

7° Temperature Range for FebruaryLow: 1.2°C, High: 7.3°C Precipitation Range for FebruaryLow: 50 mm, High: 70 mm F

11° Temperature Range for MarchLow: 2.7°C, High: 10.6°C Precipitation Range for MarchLow: 50 mm, High: 60 mm M

14° Temperature Range for AprilLow: 4°C, High: 13.6°C Precipitation Range for AprilLow: 40 mm, High: 60 mm A

17° Temperature Range for MayLow: 7.2°C, High: 17.1°C Precipitation Range for MayLow: 40 mm, High: 60 mm M

Best 20° Temperature Range for JuneLow: 10.3°C, High: 20.3°C Precipitation Range for JuneLow: 40 mm, High: 60 mm J

Best 22° Temperature Range for JulyLow: 12.5°C, High: 22.1°C Precipitation Range for JulyLow: 45 mm, High: 65 mm J

Best 22° Temperature Range for AugustLow: 12.3°C, High: 21.8°C Precipitation Range for AugustLow: 50 mm, High: 70 mm A

19° Temperature Range for SeptemberLow: 10.3°C, High: 19°C Precipitation Range for SeptemberLow: 50 mm, High: 70 mm S

15° Temperature Range for OctoberLow: 7.5°C, High: 14.5°C Precipitation Range for OctoberLow: 55 mm, High: 75 mm O

10° Temperature Range for NovemberLow: 4.1°C, High: 10.2°C Precipitation Range for NovemberLow: 60 mm, High: 80 mm N

8° Temperature Range for DecemberLow: 2°C, High: 8°C Precipitation Range for DecemberLow: 60 mm, High: 80 mm D

Average daytime high and rainfall by month
Month	High (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
January	7	70
February	7	60
March	11	55
April	14	50
May	17	50
June (best)	20	50
July (best)	22	55
August (best)	22	60
September	19	60
October	15	65
November	10	70
December	8	70

Getting to and around Somerset

How to get there

Somerset is reached principally by road and rail from Bristol, London and the south-west. Main rail stations include Bath Spa, Bristol Temple Meads and Bristol Parkway for visitors approaching from outside the county, while Taunton, Bridgwater, Yeovil, Frome, Castle Cary and other stations serve destinations within Somerset. Bristol Airport is outside Somerset but is the most convenient international gateway for much of the county; Exeter Airport, also outside the county, can be useful for western Somerset. The M5 provides access to Taunton, Bridgwater and northern Somerset, while the A303 serves the eastern side.

Transportation

Rail is useful between larger towns and along the main routes, but many rural attractions, villages and landscape areas have limited public transport. Buses connect centres such as Bath, Wells, Glastonbury, Bridgwater, Taunton and Yeovil, although services and operating days vary, especially in the countryside. A car is helpful for the Mendip Hills, Quantocks, Somerset Levels and western villages; allow more time than map distances suggest on narrow rural roads. Cycling is rewarding on quieter lanes and designated routes, while walking is the best way to explore compact historic centres and marked hill or coast paths.

Top city travel guides in Somerset

The cities of Somerset, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Somerset

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Somerset

Somerset's attractions range from major historic buildings to landscapes best explored on foot. Wells Cathedral and the Bishop's Palace provide a concentrated experience of medieval ecclesiastical power, while Glastonbury Abbey and the Tor connect archaeology, Christian tradition and enduring legend. Dunster Castle, Montacute House and Barrington Court reveal different chapters of aristocratic and domestic history, and the county's parish churches often contain remarkable medieval or later craftsmanship. In the Mendips, Cheddar Gorge and the associated cave systems showcase the region's limestone geology, while the Somerset Levels offer birdwatching, nature reserves, waterways and long views rather than conventional sightseeing. The Quantock Hills and western Somerset support walking, cycling and riding across open heath, woodland and farmland, with Exmoor extending the upland character westwards. Museums and heritage sites in Taunton, Frome and other towns add local stories of farming, military history, industry and crafts. Families may prefer caves, farms and wildlife sites, while walkers can build itineraries around the Mendip Way, Quantock Greenway and sections of the South West Coast Path. The strongest visits balance well-known places with time spent understanding the working countryside between them.

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Best landmarks in Somerset

Wells Cathedral is Somerset's most prominent ecclesiastical landmark, with a distinctive west front, soaring interior and adjacent medieval precinct. The Bishop's Palace, surrounded by a moat, reinforces Wells's unusual concentration of surviving church architecture. Glastonbury Tor rises dramatically above the surrounding Levels and has become a symbol of the county, although its significance combines landscape, archaeology, religious tradition and later legend rather than a single proven story. Cheddar Gorge is Somerset's defining natural landmark: its limestone cliffs cut through the Mendip Hills and provide a visible record of geological erosion. Dunster Castle occupies a wooded hill above the medieval village and marks the strategic importance of the route towards Exmoor. Montacute House, built in the late Elizabethan period from distinctive golden Ham stone, is one of the county's clearest expressions of Tudor and early modern wealth. The Somerset Levels themselves form a less monumental but equally important landmark landscape, where church towers, drainage channels, reed beds and wide skies reveal the long relationship between people and wetlands. Along the Bristol Channel, Watchet's harbour and the coastal cliffs provide reminders of Somerset's maritime and geological position.

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Explore Somerset on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Somerset

Somerset's food culture is closely connected to dairy farming, orchards, agriculture and the Bristol Channel. Farmhouse cheeses, particularly Cheddar-style cheeses from the county's western districts, are found in specialist shops, farm producers and restaurant kitchens, while apples appear in both traditional cider and a range of cakes, juices and desserts. Rural pubs and village inns commonly offer British regional cooking, local meats, seasonal vegetables and generous baked dishes; larger towns such as Bath, Wells, Frome and Taunton provide broader choices, including vegetarian, international and contemporary menus. The coast supplies seafood in places such as Watchet, Minehead and other channel-facing communities, though availability is seasonal and varies by establishment. Farmers' markets and farm shops are useful for Somerset cider, cheese, chutneys, preserves, bread and produce. Look for local distinctions rather than assuming every Somerset dish is ancient or exclusive to the county: some foods are part of wider south-west English traditions, while the particular combination of orchard, dairy and wetland agriculture gives Somerset its recognisable culinary character.

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Best bars in Somerset

Evening life in Somerset is centred more on pubs, restaurants, music and theatre than on a large nightclub scene. Wells, Frome, Taunton, Bath and Yeovil have the broadest choice of bars, with independent pubs, wine bars, cocktail venues and live performances alongside more familiar national styles. In smaller towns and villages, historic inns and contemporary pubs remain important social spaces, while cider houses, breweries and farm-based producers offer ways to explore the county's drinks heritage without turning an itinerary into a drinking tour. Glastonbury has an unusually diverse evening character, influenced by its religious history, independent shops and alternative cultural scene, though its atmosphere changes considerably outside major events. Larger festivals can transform rural locations temporarily, but dates, access and accommodation should be checked in advance. In coastal and rural Somerset, expect quieter evenings, early closing in some places and greater reliance on pre-booked taxis or designated drivers.

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Best nightclubs in Somerset

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Best shops in Somerset

Shopping in Somerset is strongest in its historic market towns and independent centres rather than in large-scale retail districts. Wells offers small food, book, craft and clothing shops around its cathedral quarter and market streets, while Frome is known for a concentration of independent retailers, galleries, vintage goods and creative businesses. Glastonbury has a distinctive selection of spiritual, alternative and locally made products, alongside ordinary daily shopping, and Taunton provides the county's broadest conventional retail choice. Rural farm shops and food halls are useful for Somerset cider, farmhouse cheese, preserves, apples, bakery goods and seasonal produce; buy from established producers and check whether products can be carried safely through the rest of an itinerary. Galleries and craft shops sell ceramics, jewellery, textiles, artwork and furniture, with quality and provenance varying between businesses. Markets differ by town and day, so verify current arrangements locally. In historic villages and smaller communities, shopping is generally limited to essentials, antiques, crafts and food rather than extensive fashion or luxury retail.

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Somerset essentials

Currency and Payment

Somerset uses the pound sterling, written as GBP or £, like the rest of the United Kingdom. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in towns, hotels, attractions and most restaurants, but a small amount of cash remains useful for some rural cafés, community shops, car parks and market stalls. Payment practices are national rather than uniquely Somerset-specific. Check whether small independent businesses accept contactless payment before ordering, particularly in remote areas where mobile reception may be inconsistent.

Safety

Somerset is generally straightforward for visitors, but ordinary precautions remain sensible in busy towns, car parks and large events. On the Levels, take care near drainage channels, uneven paths and rapidly changing weather; do not walk onto apparently solid wetland or mud. Limestone terrain around the Mendips and Cheddar can be slippery, and coastal paths may have steep edges and exposed sections. Drive cautiously on narrow lanes, especially when meeting agricultural vehicles, and check conditions before longer walks on Exmoor and the Quantocks.

Emergency Situations

For police, fire or ambulance emergencies in Somerset, call 999; 112 also works throughout the United Kingdom. Ask for the service required and give the precise location, including a postcode, road name, landmark or what-three-words reference if available. For incidents at sea or on the coast, ask for the Coastguard. On remote walking routes, provide a grid reference or recognised path name and avoid leaving an injured person unless remaining there creates further danger. For non-urgent medical advice, NHS 111 is the appropriate national service.

Do's and Don'ts

Close gates after passing through fields, keep dogs under control around livestock and follow signed access arrangements on farmland and nature reserves. Do not climb walls, enter ruins or photograph private interiors without permission, and follow restrictions at churches and working heritage sites. Queueing and quiet consideration on buses, trains and in shops are expected across the United Kingdom. Tipping is discretionary rather than compulsory, with around 10 to 12.5 per cent customary when service is not already included in a restaurant bill. Drink responsibly and never drive after drinking.

Local Tips

Somerset is easier to understand when its towns and landscapes are combined rather than visited as isolated stops: pair Wells with Glastonbury, or Taunton with the Quantocks and the western countryside. The Levels are especially atmospheric in clear, cool weather and at dusk, but drainage roads can be narrow and viewpoints are dispersed. In cider-producing areas, ask whether a drink is still, sparkling, dry or sweet before ordering. Market days, rural attractions and seasonal house openings vary, so confirm arrangements locally rather than relying on assumptions about year-round access.

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics

English	Local	Say it
Hello	Alright, me duck?	[Ahl-rahyt, mee duh-k?]
Goodbye	Ta-ra!	[Tah-rah!]
Yes	Yup	[Yup]
No	Nah	[Nah]
Please/You're welcome	Please	[Pleez]
Thank you	Cheers!	[Cheerz!]
Excuse me/Sorry	S'cuse me	[S'kyooz mee]
How are you?	How’s it goin’?	[Howz it goin'?]
Fine. And you?	All good, you?	[Ahl gud, yoo?]
Do you speak English?	Can you talk proper?	[Kan yoo talk prop-er?]
I don't understand	I ain't got a clue	[I aynt got a kloo]

Eating & Drinking

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to see the menu, please	Can I have a butcher's at the menu, please?	[Kan I hav a boo-chaz at the men-yoo, pleez?]
I don't eat meat	I don't do meat	[I don't do meet]
Cheers!	Cheers!	[Cheerz!]
I would like to pay, please	Can I settle up, please?	[Kan I set-ul up, pleez?]

Emergencies

English	Local	Say it
Help!	Help!	[Help!]
Go away!	Clear off!	[Cleer off!]
Call the Police!	Ring the coppers!	[Ring the cop-pers!]
Call a doctor!	Get a doc!	[Get a dok!]
I'm lost	I’m all turned around	[I’m awl turnd aroun-d]
I'm ill	I’m not well	[I’m not wel]

Shopping

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to buy...	I fancy buying...	[I fan-see buy-ing...]
I'm just looking	Just having a gander	[Just hav-ing a gan-der]
How much is it?	What’s the damage?	[Wot's the dam-idge?]
That's too expensive	That’s a bit steep	[That’s a bit steep]
Can you lower the price?	Can you knock it down a bit?	[Kan you nok it down a bit?]

Time & Numbers

English	Local	Say it
What time is it?	What’s the time?	[Wot’s the time?]
It's one o'clock	It’s one o’clock	[It’s wun o'clok]
Half past (10)	Half past ten	[Half past ten]
Morning	Mornin’	[Mornin']
Afternoon	Afternoon	[Af-ter-noon]
Evening	Evenin’	[Eve-nin']
Yesterday	Yesterday	[Yes-ter-day]
Today	Today	[To-day]
Tomorrow	Tomorrow	[To-mor-row]
1	One	[Wun]
2	Two	[Too]
3	Three	[Three]
4	Four	[For]
5	Five	[Five]
6	Six	[Six]
7	Seven	[Seven]
8	Eight	[Eight]
9	Nine	[Nine]
10	Ten	[Ten]

Transport & Directions

English	Local	Say it
Where's a/the...?	Where's the...?	[Where's the...?]
What's the address?	What’s the address?	[Wot’s the ad-dress?]
Can you show me (on the map)?	Can you point it out for me?	[Kan you point it out fer mee?]
When's the next (bus)?	When’s the next bus?	[When’s the next bus?]
A ticket (to ....)	A ticket to...	[A tik-it to...]

History of Somerset

Prehistoric Somerset and the Somerset Levels

The wetlands of central Somerset were occupied and managed long before the modern drainage landscape emerged. Archaeological discoveries, including trackways and the Iron Age settlement known as Glastonbury Lake Village, show how communities adapted to shallow lakes, reed beds and seasonally flooded ground. The Sweet Track, constructed across the Levels during the Neolithic period, is one of Britain's earliest known timber trackways. These remains are important not simply as isolated artefacts but as evidence of sophisticated movement, woodland management and wetland economies. Ancient field systems and settlements continue to shape understanding of how Somerset's landscape developed.

Roman Roads, Towns and Industry

Roman control brought roads, administrative organisation and new markets to the area. Aquae Sulis, present-day Bath, became a major religious and bathing centre, while the road network connected the Bristol Channel, inland settlements and military routes. The Mendips were valued for lead extraction, and Roman workings and artefacts reveal the economic importance of the hills. Although much Roman activity has disappeared beneath later towns and fields, roads, archaeological sites and museum collections preserve the period's influence. Somerset's position between the south-west peninsula and the rest of Britain made it a useful corridor for movement and trade.

Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms and Christian Foundations

After Roman rule, Somerset became part of the developing Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, particularly Wessex. Christian foundations grew in importance, with Glastonbury emerging as a major religious centre and later Wells developing around its cathedral community. The county's place names, church foundations and earthworks reflect successive phases of settlement and political consolidation. Medieval traditions surrounding Glastonbury's early Christianity and links with King Arthur became influential parts of the town's identity, although legend and documented history should not be treated as identical. By the Norman period, Somerset was firmly integrated into England's feudal and ecclesiastical structures.

Medieval Castles, Abbeys and Market Towns

From the eleventh to the fifteenth centuries, Somerset's landscape was shaped by castles, monasteries, bishopric estates and expanding market towns. Wells Cathedral and the Bishop's Palace expressed the authority of the medieval church, while Dunster Castle guarded an important settlement beside routes into Exmoor. Glastonbury Abbey became one of England's wealthiest religious houses before its dissolution in the sixteenth century. Towns such as Frome, Taunton and Bridgwater developed through wool, cloth, agriculture and regional trade. Their street plans, churches and surviving buildings still reveal the county's medieval economic and political geography.

Civil War and the Changing Tudor Landscape

Somerset was deeply involved in the political and military upheavals of the seventeenth century. Taunton endured important sieges during the English Civil War because of its strategic position and parliamentary allegiance, while nearby royalist and parliamentary forces contested roads and strongholds across the county. The later Tudor period had already transformed religious and landholding structures through the Dissolution of the Monasteries, which ended Glastonbury Abbey and redistributed its estates. Country houses, parish churches and fortified residences record the changing power of families who acquired land during and after these upheavals.

Agriculture, Cloth and Industrial Change

For centuries Somerset's economy depended on farming, wool and cloth, cider orchards and local trading networks. Frome became an important centre for woollen cloth, while paper-making and other small industries developed alongside rivers and established transport routes. The draining and improvement of the Somerset Levels gradually altered wetland farming, though flooding remained a recurring reality. Canals, turnpike roads and later railways connected market towns with Bristol, the Midlands and London. The county did not industrialise on the scale of northern England, but its mills, quarries, cider businesses and transport infrastructure produced lasting changes to work and settlement.

Modern Somerset: Heritage, Farming and Rural Tourism

During the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, Somerset combined agricultural traditions with new forms of conservation, manufacturing, education and tourism. Orchards and cider remain prominent cultural markers, while wetland restoration and nature reserves have increased appreciation of the Levels as an ecological landscape rather than simply reclaimed farmland. Historic houses, cathedral cities, village festivals and walking routes draw visitors across the county, and Glastonbury has become internationally associated with contemporary music through the festival held at Worthy Farm near Pilton. Modern Somerset therefore balances working landscapes and established communities with heritage and visitor economies.