Places to visit in Somerset

The limestone formation of the National Trust’s Cheddar Gorge isn't just a fantastic destination for scenic walks – it's also home to some of England's largest and oldest caves. Start your day with one of the best walks in Somerset: a 3-mile circular route that winds up and around the gorge, revealing sweeping views across the Mendip Hills.

Adrenaline junkies shouldn’t pass on the adventure experiences at Cheddar Gorge. Brave a freefall in the Black Cat Chamber, get dirty clambering through the dark caverns during the Adventure Caving course or try your hand at outdoor rock climbing on the gorge’s soaring cliffs.

Get to know the history and method behind Somerset’s world-famous cheese. Visit a selection of cheesemongers and producers such as the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Co, which offers tours and tastings, guiding you through the cheese-making journey.

Sample Somerset’s most famous export, apple cider, on Thatchers Cider Tour. The family-owned business has been making cider at Myrtle Farm for more than 115 years. Spend an afternoon exploring the surrounding orchards, learning about the mill and pressing processes behind the boozy beverage.

Hunker down for the evening in one of Cathedral View Glamping’s eco pods, just a stone’s throw from the cathedral city of Wells. Each of the luxury pods comes with a private wood-fired hot tub, perfect for unwinding and stargazing after an adventurous day of activities.

Descend deep below ground to marvel at rare rock formations and some of Britain’s largest underground chambers at Wookey Hole Caves. Learn about the prehistoric humans who once lived within these ancient caverns and discover how cave-aged cheddar is perfected 200 feet underground.

Potter around the tiny city of Wells, which is home to one of England’s oldest Gothic Cathedrals. Stroll around the Grade I-listed Bishop’s Palace and its trio of wells. Movie fanatics will recognise many locations from Edgar Wright’s Hot Fuzz.

The Newt in Somerset, located a short distance from Bruton, is one of the first hotels in England to be awarded the Michelin Guide’s Three Keys Award. Check into the country estate for a premium rural getaway or simply stop by for dinner at the Botanical Rooms restaurant.

Get inspired at Hauser & Wirth Somerset, an open-air art gallery set on a renovated 17th-century farm, home to dapper Roth Bar. Since its opening in 2014, the gallery has influenced a new wave of creatives to flock to the town, with a range of artist spaces, hotels and restaurants opening, including At The Chapel which has a bakery, wine store and eight bedrooms on site.

Ready, set, start your engines at Haynes Motor Museum, home to the UK’s largest exhibition of cars and motorbikes, with vintage models from the 19th century. Step back in time and appreciate classic cars such as Bentleys and shining Rolls-Royces. They don’t make them like they used to!

Home to some of England’s best food and drink producers, Somerset guarantees a delicious meal or two. Attend one of the micro dining experiences hosted by Jules and Steve of Horrell & Horrell in their rustic barn kitchen. You’ll get to join the communal meal, featuring vegetables from the garden patch, fruit from the orchard and produce from local farms and bakers.

Few people know that beyond its world-famous festival, the town of Glastonbury is a destination in its own right. Charms include abbey ruins and the alleged tomb of King Arthur, plus a colourful high street brimming with cosy cafes, vintage clothing boutiques and fairy-folklore trinket shops. Spend an hour or so soaking up the alternative atmosphere.

Glastonbury Tor is one of many National Trust properties that Somerset has to offer. Ascend the sloping path that climbs Glastonbury Tor to reach the 15th-century tower ruins at its summit. Learn about the site’s past, entrenched in history and spiritual significance, then enjoy the sweeping views over the county and, on a clear day, beyond to Wales, Wiltshire and Dorset.

Nothing says countryside like spending time on a farm, or one better, with the animals themselves! Spend an hour meeting the locals on a Sheep Trek just outside of Taunton. Get to know each sheep’s unique personality as you stroll around the remote 40-hectare (100-acre) farmland with your new friend. End the session with homemade cream tea while soaking up the silence and green views.

Your base here on the Somerset coastline will be the brilliant Bossington Hall, an award-winning bed and breakfast, which offers panoramic views across Exmoor. Check into one of the nine snug bedrooms and settle in for a remote escape.

Only 15 minutes from your accommodation, you’ll find the sweeping shingle Bossington Beach, which is the ideal place to begin your hike along the craggy coastline of Somerset. Join the 35-mile final stretch of the SWCP, which links Combe Martin to Minehead. Head west to reach England’s highest sea cliff, Great Hangman, which soars over 800 feet! Alternatively amble east to reach the popular seaside town of Minehead.

Discover the ancient castle and surrounding gardens of Dunster Castle and Watermill. The impressive castle dates all the way back to the 11th century; later, it became a stately home. Now it’s a National Trust Heritage Site, meaning you can stroll through the terraced gardens, 1,000-year-old grounds and protected surrounding parklands.

Nothing beats closing out the week with a long walk followed by a hearty pub meal. Head to one of the best pubs in Somerset to complete your four-day adventure. Hunker down inside The Bottom Ship in Porlock Weir, a traditional thatched-roof tavern overlooking the Bristol Channel. Alternatively, if you’re heading north out of Somerset, don’t miss The Talbot Inn, Mells, which serves up traditional British fare starring local West Country produce.