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Somerset, Visitor & Tourism Guide

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Region: South West England
Neigbouring Counties/Areas: Devon, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Dorset and Bristol
National Parks: Exmoor (with Dartmoor close by in Devon)
AONBs: Cotswolds, Mendip Hills, Quantock Hills
Select Cities: Bath, Wells
Select Towns/Villages: Dunster, Porlock Weir, Taunton, Glastonbury, Cheddar, Minehead, Weston-super-Mare
World Heritage Sites: Bath (with Stonehenge and Avebury to the east in Wiltshire)

King Arthur and Bath, Skeletons and Donkeys
Birth place of King Arthur and location to some of the finest Georgian architecture in the UK, resting place of the oldest complete human skeleton in Britain and home to some celebrated donkeys, Somerset offers cracking holidays and weekend breaks for international and domestic visitors alike.

Our Somerset guide is a short summary outlining the major destinations and attractions within the county. Quickly to identify these places to visit and things to do, click on the 'Top 10 Recommendations' links below. In addition, click on the links within this summary guide to learn more about the destinations and attractions to which we refer.

National and AONBs, World Heritage Sites and a small city
Exmoor National Park's to the far west of the county and runs into Devon. Celebrated for its coastline and coastal walking, the Park's highest point is in Somerset at Dunkery Beacon and Hill. The views from here over Exmoor, across the Bristol Channel to South Wales and down to Dartmoor National Park are superb. We'd recommend visiting Dunster, which is a gateway to the Park, and spending time by the sea at Porlock Weir in Porlock Bay.

In addition to Exmoor, Somerset has two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Mendip Hills are to the north, the Quantock Hills to the west near Exmoor.

Once you've had your fill of National Park and AONBs, we'd suggest you visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site City of Bath and the smallest city in England, Wells.

Wells is a treat. With its cathedral and Bishop's Palace, its museum and the oldest existing street in Europe, there are plenty of unique attractions to explore. Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is internationally important and you could spend days exploring its attractions. The Roman Baths and Bath Abbey, Pulteney Bridge and The Circus are essential visiting. Try the Jane Austen Centre, The Fashion Museum, Museum of Bath at Work and the Victoria Art Gallery as well. Last, stroll the Royal Crescent. The city has great shops, too, so take some extra cash.

Fresh air and culture
If you're looking to get some fresh air, try Dunkery Beacon and Hill or take one of the many walks in the Mendip Hills around Cheddar Gorge. Climb Glastonbury Tor for its views over the Somerset Levels or wander along Weston-super-Mare Beach. The South West Coast Path starts, or ends, in Minehead so walk west through Porlock Weir towards the Devon border.

Re-fuel on Somerset's world famous Cheddar cheese, apples and cider and then head off to absorb some of the county's culture and history. The Clarks Shoe Museum is a hit with Chinese tourists, the The Wicker or Willow Man is seen by millions of people every year as they travel the M5 between Bristol City and Exeter.

For an internationally renowned event, attend Glastonbury Festival. For something a little more local, head to Glastonbury and Chilkwell Guy Fawkes Carnival.

Castles and country houses
Perhaps you fancy a castle? Dunster Castle dominates a magnificent village at the edge of Exmoor National Park. Our favourites are Farleigh Hungerford Castle and the nearby Nunney Castle. Glastonbury has an Abbey, Taunton some fantastic churches.

There are spectacular gardens at Herstercombe and you should spend at least half a day at Montacute House. We'd also recommend Cothay Manor and Gardens and Barrington Court. On the edge of Bath, visit Prior Park Gardens.

If you're looking for something for the kids, there are the beaches of the west coast and the play areas at Wookey Hole.

Get away from the crowds
Devon and Cornwall can get seriously crowded in the summer months so why not try Somerset instead if you're heading to South West England?

Top 10 Recommendations

Top 10 Hotels Selected from the best Hotels in Somerset we've listed our top 10.	Top 10 Places To Visit Selected from the best Places To Visit in Somerset we've listed our top 10.	Top 10 Things To Do Selected from the best Things To Do in Somerset we've listed our top 10.
Top 10 Towns Selected from the best Towns in Somerset we've listed our top 10.	Top 10 Villages Selected from the best Villages in Somerset we've listed our top 10.

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