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Somerset
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Explore Somerset for cider orchards, medieval Wells, Glastonbury legends, limestone landscapes, coastal walks and the wetlands of the Levels.

Somerset occupies a broad stretch of south-west England between the Bristol Channel and the limestone country of the Mendip Hills, with the Quantocks and the edge of Exmoor rising towards the west. Its landscapes change quickly: tidal flats and reed-fringed wetlands give way to cider orchards, low farmland, wooded combes, limestone gorges and open hilltops. The county is rural in character, yet its market towns and historic centres provide a varied cultural framework for exploring it.
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Wells, England’s smallest city, is defined by its cathedral, medieval Bishop’s Palace and compact streets of historic buildings. Glastonbury has a different atmosphere, shaped by the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey, the conical summit of Glastonbury Tor and enduring associations with Arthurian and Christian legend. Taunton, the county town, combines a castle, museums and modern services, while Frome is known for its historic streets, independent businesses and creative scene. Smaller places such as Bruton, Somerton, Langport, Watchet and Dunster reveal different aspects of Somerset’s past and present.
The county’s heritage ranges from Neolithic monuments and Roman remains to medieval monasteries, Tudor houses and industrial sites. The Somerset Levels, one of the country’s most distinctive wetland landscapes, preserve a long relationship between people, drainage, peat, grazing and seasonal flooding. Along the western coast, Minehead, Watchet and Blue Anchor provide access to beaches, cliffs, coastal paths and maritime history. Inland, Cheddar Gorge cuts dramatically through the Mendip limestone, while the Quantock Hills offer open ridges and wooded valleys close to the Bristol Channel.
Food and drink are central to Somerset’s identity. Cider orchards occupy much of the county’s imagination as well as its landscape, and farmhouse cider, Cheddar cheese, apples, seasonal produce and West Country baking appear in farm shops, markets, pubs and restaurants. Touring Somerset works best at a measured pace: distances are moderate but many rural roads are narrow, public transport is uneven, and major heritage sites are spread across the county. The reward is a region of deep local character, where myth, agriculture, geological history and living communities remain closely connected.

When is the best time to visit Somerset?

Best: June–August · 20–22°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January770
February760
March1155
April1450
May1750
June (best)2050
July (best)2255
August (best)2260
September1960
October1565
November1070
December870

Getting to and around Somerset

How to get there

Somerset is reached principally by road and rail from Bristol, Exeter, London and the Midlands. Main railway stations include Taunton, which has frequent long-distance services on the route between London and the south-west, as well as stations serving places such as Yeovil, Frome, Bridgwater, Weston-super-Mare and Highbridge; some of these are in neighbouring or separately administered areas rather than the county itself. Bristol Airport, outside Somerset to the north, is the most practical international gateway for much of the county, while Exeter Airport can serve western and southern Somerset. Bristol, Exeter and Plymouth also provide wider rail connections.

Transportation

Rail links are most useful along the Bristol–Taunton–Exeter corridor and on selected branch routes, but many villages, heritage properties and hill landscapes are not easily reached by train. Local buses connect larger towns, although rural services can be infrequent and may not run late or on Sundays. A car gives the greatest flexibility for the Levels, Mendip villages, the Quantocks and the western coast; narrow lanes require patience and considerate passing. Walking and cycling are rewarding on the county’s lanes, towpaths and designated trails, but hills, exposed weather and limited roadside space should be taken into account.

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Best attractions in Somerset

Somerset’s attractions range from prehistoric landscapes and ruined abbeys to caves, gardens, wildlife sites and long-distance walking routes. Wells Cathedral and the Bishop’s Palace form the county’s most concentrated medieval ensemble, while Glastonbury Abbey and Glastonbury Tor combine archaeology with powerful religious and literary associations. Cheddar Gorge offers dramatic limestone scenery and cave experiences, and the Mendip Hills provide opportunities for walking, climbing and caving. The Somerset Levels are better understood through wetland reserves, viewpoints and quiet lanes than through a single landmark, with birdwatching and seasonal water landscapes among their principal rewards. Historic houses such as Montacute House, Barrington Court and Dunster Castle reveal different periods of elite architecture and estate management. Hestercombe’s gardens near Taunton are notable for their layered design history, while the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Yeovilton presents the development of British naval aviation. Along the west coast, Minehead, Watchet and Blue Anchor provide access to beaches, coastal paths and maritime heritage. The Quantock Hills and the Somerset edge of Exmoor add open countryside, wooded valleys and expansive walking country.

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Best landmarks in Somerset

Wells Cathedral is Somerset’s most commanding medieval landmark, celebrated for its early English Gothic architecture, west front sculpture and historic setting beside the Bishop’s Palace and Vicar’s Close. Glastonbury Tor forms a recognisable silhouette above the Levels, while the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey preserve the physical remains of one of medieval England’s most influential monasteries. Cheddar Gorge is the county’s defining natural landmark, its cliffs cut through Mendip limestone in a landscape shaped by water and geological time. Dunster Castle dominates the historic village of Dunster from its elevated position, reflecting centuries of regional lordship. Montacute House is a particularly fine Elizabethan country house with a distinctive golden Ham stone façade, while the medieval ruins of Muchelney Abbey and Cleeve Abbey record the scale of monastic life before the Reformation. On the coast, Watchet’s harbour and Minehead’s seafront express Somerset’s maritime character. The Levels themselves, with their drainage channels, reed beds and wide horizons, are a landscape landmark whose significance lies in the relationship between water management, farming and wildlife.

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Best restaurants in Somerset

Somerset’s food culture is closely linked to its farms, orchards and dairy country. Cheddar cheese is the best-known local product, while farmhouse cheeses, apples, chutneys, seasonal vegetables and West Country baking appear in farm shops, delis and market stalls across the county. Somerset cider ranges from traditional farmhouse styles to modern craft interpretations, and cider houses, rural pubs and producers offer different ways to understand the drink’s agricultural roots. Taunton, Frome, Wells, Bruton and other larger centres provide the widest choice of cafés, contemporary restaurants and international cuisines, while village pubs and country inns often focus on local meat, fish from the wider West Country and seasonal produce. Coastal towns add simple seafood dishes, though availability naturally varies. Farmers’ markets and specialist food shops are useful for picnic supplies, with apples, cheese, cider and preserves making practical regional gifts. Menus change with the season, and visitors should distinguish genuinely Somerset-made products from items merely marketed with a broad West Country identity.

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Best bars in Somerset

Somerset’s evening life is generally centred on pubs, restaurants, small music venues and cultural events rather than a large nightclub scene. Taunton and Yeovil have the broadest late-evening choice, including traditional pubs, bars and venues aimed at younger crowds, while Frome has a strong independent and arts-oriented circuit. Wells and Glastonbury offer historic pubs, cafés, live music and occasional performance-led evenings, although opening patterns vary. In rural districts, the traditional pub remains an important social venue, often with food, local cider and community events rather than late-night entertainment. Minehead and other coastal towns become busier during holiday periods, with seafront bars and seasonal entertainment. Drinkers should plan transport in advance because buses are limited late at night outside the principal towns, and designated drivers are particularly important on narrow country roads.

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Best nightclubs in Somerset

Somerset’s evening life is generally centred on pubs, restaurants, small music venues and cultural events rather than a large nightclub scene. Taunton and Yeovil have the broadest late-evening choice, including traditional pubs, bars and venues aimed at younger crowds, while Frome has a strong independent and arts-oriented circuit. Wells and Glastonbury offer historic pubs, cafés, live music and occasional performance-led evenings, although opening patterns vary. In rural districts, the traditional pub remains an important social venue, often with food, local cider and community events rather than late-night entertainment. Minehead and other coastal towns become busier during holiday periods, with seafront bars and seasonal entertainment. Drinkers should plan transport in advance because buses are limited late at night outside the principal towns, and designated drivers are particularly important on narrow country roads.

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Best shops in Somerset

Shopping in Somerset is strongest in historic market towns and independent centres rather than large-scale urban retail districts. Frome is known for its independent shops, galleries, antiques, books, clothing and creative businesses, while Wells combines everyday shopping with specialist food, crafts and streets close to the cathedral. Bruton has a design-conscious selection of galleries, interiors and food shops, and Glastonbury offers an eclectic mix of books, music, clothing, spiritual goods and locally made crafts. Taunton provides the county’s broadest conventional retail choice, including national chains and covered shopping areas. Farm shops and producers are the best places to buy Somerset cider, Cheddar, preserves, biscuits, apples and other regional foods; specialist shops may also stock pottery, textiles, prints and jewellery made in the wider West Country. Markets vary by town and date, so check local arrangements before travelling, particularly for seasonal farmers’ markets and craft fairs.

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Somerset essentials

Currency and Payment
Somerset uses the pound sterling, written as GBP or £, as part of the United Kingdom. Debit and credit cards, including contactless payments, are widely accepted in towns, hotels, supermarkets, attractions and many pubs. Carry some cash for small rural businesses, village stalls, car parks, traditional markets and occasional honesty-box purchases, as mobile reception and payment facilities can be less reliable in remote areas. Exchange rates vary, so visitors should check their card provider’s foreign-transaction charges rather than relying on an exchange desk.
Safety
Somerset is generally straightforward for visitors, but ordinary precautions remain appropriate in busy town centres, car parks and popular attractions. Rural driving requires care on narrow lanes, blind bends and flooded roads; never enter standing water if its depth is uncertain. Coastal paths and cliffs can be slippery, while tidal conditions matter around the Bristol Channel. On the Mendips, Quantocks and Exmoor fringe, weather can change quickly and mobile coverage may be patchy. Check access conditions before walking on the Levels, and keep dogs under control around livestock and wildlife.
Emergency Situations
Dial 999 or 112 for police, fire, ambulance and other immediate emergencies; these are United Kingdom-wide numbers rather than Somerset-specific arrangements. Ask for the coastguard if there is a coastal emergency, or mountain rescue where relevant to remote upland terrain. For less urgent police matters, use the national 101 service. Give the exact location, including a postcode, road name, landmark, walking-trail marker or grid reference where possible, since rural addresses can be difficult for responders to identify.
Do's and Don'ts
Do close gates, follow waymarkers and keep dogs close to livestock when walking through farmland. Do respect churches, ruined abbeys and historic houses as active or protected places, and ask before photographing people or private property. Do allow buses and farm vehicles room on narrow roads, and do queue patiently in cafés, shops and attractions. Do not climb on fragile ruins, remove stones or plants, block gateways, or leave litter. Tipping is discretionary in Britain; check whether a service charge has already been added in restaurants.
Local Tips
Use Wells or Taunton as practical bases for different parts of the county, while Frome, Glastonbury and Minehead offer distinct local atmospheres. The western coast and hill country are often quieter outside school holidays, but weather can be more changeable than inland forecasts suggest. Farm shops are good places to find Somerset cider, apples, cheese and seasonal produce, while local markets vary by town and day. If visiting Glastonbury Tor, Cheddar Gorge or major National Trust properties, arrive early in peak periods and consider combining them with nearby villages rather than rushing between distant sights.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

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
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloAlright, me duck?[Ahl-rahyt, mee duh-k?]
GoodbyeTa-ra![Tah-rah!]
YesYup[Yup]
NoNah[Nah]
Please/You're welcomePlease[Pleez]
Thank youCheers![Cheerz!]
Excuse me/SorryS'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 understandI ain't got a clue[I aynt got a kloo]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I have a butcher's at the menu, please?[Kan I hav a boo-chaz at the men-yoo, pleez?]
I don't eat meatI don't do meat[I don't do meet]
Cheers!Cheers![Cheerz!]
I would like to pay, pleaseCan I settle up, please?[Kan I set-ul up, pleez?]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay 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 lostI’m all turned around[I’m awl turnd aroun-d]
I'm illI’m not well[I’m not wel]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I fancy buying...[I fan-see buy-ing...]
I'm just lookingJust 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 expensiveThat’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
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What’s the time?[Wot’s the time?]
It's one o'clockIt’s one o’clock[It’s wun o'clok]
Half past (10)Half past ten[Half past ten]
MorningMornin’[Mornin']
AfternoonAfternoon[Af-ter-noon]
EveningEvenin’[Eve-nin']
YesterdayYesterday[Yes-ter-day]
TodayToday[To-day]
TomorrowTomorrow[To-mor-row]
1One[Wun]
2Two[Too]
3Three[Three]
4Four[For]
5Five[Five]
6Six[Six]
7Seven[Seven]
8Eight[Eight]
9Nine[Nine]
10Ten[Ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay 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

Neolithic Landscapes and Ancient Trackways

Somerset contains important evidence of prehistoric life, particularly around the Levels and the Mendip Hills. Neolithic communities cleared woodland, cultivated land and created ceremonial monuments, while later Bronze Age people developed settlements, fields and trackways across the wetland margins. The Sweet Track, discovered near Glastonbury, is an exceptionally significant prehistoric timber walkway built across wet ground in the fourth millennium BC. Although much of the ancient landscape has been altered by drainage and agriculture, archaeology shows that Somerset’s wetlands, limestone hills and river valleys have long supported complex communities rather than being marginal wilderness.

Roman Somerset

Roman influence reached Somerset through roads, settlements, villas, farming estates and the exploitation of local resources. The town of Ilchester, near modern Yeovil, became an important settlement and road junction, while Bath, outside contemporary Somerset, was a major regional centre whose influence extended into the county. Roman remains have also been found at places including Kings Weston and around the Mendips, where lead mining formed an important industry. The period connected Somerset more closely to wider provincial markets and left a pattern of roads and settlement that influenced later development.

Saxon Kingdoms and the Rise of Monastic Centres

After Roman administration ended, Somerset became part of the shifting political world of Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, especially Wessex. Glastonbury developed as a major religious centre, and its abbey accumulated wealth, land and legendary associations that shaped the county’s identity for centuries. Early medieval Somerset was also marked by conflict between Anglo-Saxon rulers and Viking forces operating from the south-west. Alfred the Great’s resistance is associated with nearby Athelney, an island in the Levels where tradition places his refuge before he reorganised his forces and defeated the Vikings at Edington in 878.

Medieval Abbeys, Castles and Wool

The medieval period transformed Somerset through monastic landholding, castle building, agriculture and the wool trade. Glastonbury Abbey became one of England’s wealthiest religious houses, while Muchelney Abbey and Cleeve Abbey managed extensive estates. Wells grew around its cathedral and the authority of the Bishop of Bath and Wells. Wool from the county’s sheep supported trade and weaving, linking inland farms with prosperous towns and ports. Dunster Castle and other fortified sites reflected both strategic concerns and the power of local lords. Much of Somerset’s surviving church architecture and medieval street pattern dates from this era.

The Reformation and the Dissolution of the Monasteries

The Tudor Reformation brought a decisive break with Somerset’s medieval religious order. Glastonbury Abbey was dissolved in 1539, and its abbot, Richard Whiting, was executed on Glastonbury Tor after refusing to accept the abbey’s suppression. Monastic lands were redistributed or sold, changing local ownership and creating estates that later developed into country houses. The dissolution also ended the institutional power of houses such as Muchelney and Cleeve. Their ruins, fragments and altered buildings now provide some of the clearest physical evidence of the county’s religious and political transformation.

The Monmouth Rebellion and the Bloody Assizes

In 1685, Somerset became a principal theatre of the Monmouth Rebellion, an attempt to overthrow the Catholic James II led by James Scott, Duke of Monmouth. Support for Monmouth was particularly strong in parts of the south-west, but his forces were defeated at the Battle of Sedgemoor near Bridgwater. Judge Jeffreys subsequently conducted the notorious Bloody Assizes, imposing severe punishments on captured rebels. The episode left a lasting mark on Somerset’s political memory and demonstrated the region’s importance in the religious and constitutional conflicts of seventeenth-century England.

Industry, Canals and the West Country Railway

Somerset’s economy diversified from the eighteenth century onwards. Coal mining developed around the northern Mendips and the Radstock area, while stone quarrying, brickmaking, glove production, engineering and agriculture supported different local economies. Canals and later railways connected market towns, ports and industrial districts, although many rural branches eventually closed. The West Somerset Railway now preserves part of the county’s railway heritage as a heritage line. Industrial traces remain visible in mining landscapes, former quarries, canal features, railway structures and the urban form of towns such as Frome and Bridgwater.

Modern Agriculture, Cider and Wetland Management

Modern Somerset remains strongly shaped by agriculture, particularly dairy farming, orchards and horticulture. Cider production grew from household and farm traditions into a defining commercial and cultural industry, while Cheddar became internationally associated with the county’s dairy heritage. The Levels have undergone centuries of drainage, embankment building and water management, yet flooding remains a natural and recurring force. Contemporary Somerset therefore combines productive farmland with conservation work, wetlands, nature reserves and debates about adaptation to changing rainfall and sea levels.

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Neighbouring regions of Somerset

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Somerset

Download Evendo, the 100% free app-based travel guide for Somerset. Discover attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with ease.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich set of information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
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More about the Evendo app

Discover Somerset like never before with Evendo, your comprehensive, free travel guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, and local tips, all in one app.

  • Historical insights and travel essentials for Somerset
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • User-friendly navigation through the app and city
  • 'Near Me' feature to discover nearby attractions
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Welcome to Evendo, the ultimate travel companion for your trip to Somerset, United Kingdom. Whether you're planning to explore the historic city of Bath, marvel at the iconic Glastonbury Tor, or enjoy the serene beauty of Exmoor National Park, Evendo has got you covered. Our app provides detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in Somerset.

Imagine walking through the charming streets of Wells, visiting the magnificent Wells Cathedral, and then heading to a cozy local restaurant like the award-winning The Pony & Trap for a delightful meal. With Evendo, you can easily access maps, contact details, images, and local tips to make your journey seamless.

Our app also allows you to book your hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly, saving you the hassle of multiple searches. Discover hidden gems like the ancient Cheddar Gorge or the picturesque village of Dunster, and let our curated local tips guide you to unique experiences.

Evendo is more than just a travel guide; it’s your personal assistant in Somerset. With features like a 'Near Me' option, easy navigation, and travel essentials, you'll never miss out on anything. Plus, Evendo is 100% free, forever. Download now and start your adventure!

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