Welcome to Somerset

WELCOME TO SOMERSET

FIRST LOOK

At nearly 400 feet deep and three miles long, Cheddar is England’s largest gorge

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Contents

Welcome ............................. 09

Few destinations can rival the charm of this stunning English county.

Great days out ................... 10

Somerset offers an abundance of things to do with days out and top attractions for the whole family to enjoy.

Don't miss 32

Our top things to see and do when visiting this region.

Shopping .............................. 34

Shopaholics will love Somerset for its eclectic mix of boho-chic boutiques, highstreet staples and quirky independents.

“ Wells Cathedral Clock is the second oldest mechanism in Britain, and probably the world” Don't miss, P32

L Glastonbury Abbey. See p10

I Wells Cathedral. See p32

Welcome to Somerset

This wonderful county draws visitors back like a magnet year after year

Welcome, visitor!

Welcome to Somerset, the county with everything. It may be the seventh-biggest county in the UK, but its relatively small population means that there’s loads of space to explore and enjoy for visitors.

This is a county of contrasts. There are miles of beautiful, fascinating coastline, moors, levels, beaches and caves, stunning Exmoor, nature in abundance, quintessential English countryside and, of course, the historic city of Bath.

Add to that an impressive and captivating history, and ancient castles and scenery which inspired the English poets Wordsworth and Coleridge to make Somerset their home.

But it’s not all ancient history and landscapes. There’s a distinctive West Country blend of conventional high-street stores and independent retailers to suit

those who’d like to indulge in a spot of shopping during their stay.

You can get a taste for sumptuous food at the end of a hard day’s shopping in Somerset. From succulent West Country beef to Cheddar Valley strawberries, freshly pressed apple cider to the elusive Exmoor whortleberry, award-winning restaurants serve regional produce with pride here.

Somerset’s arts and culture scene is also thriving and festivals of every shape and size dot the county’s cultural calendar. Meanwhile, historic attractions, landmarks, galleries and museums keep locals proud and visitors engaged all year round.

You’ve picked a great time to visit our wonderful county, so please enjoy everything it has to offer, and be sure to come back and visit us soon! ■

Wimbleball Lake, Exmoor National Park

Somerset offers an abundance of things to do with days out and top attractions for the whole family to enjoy

Great days out

If you’re looking for more than just a pictureperfect holiday destination, Somerset leaves you spoilt for choice. Vast limestone gorges, hidden grottoes, sweeping beaches and ancient castles dot a truly unique county entrenched in its own fascinating folklore.

Scenery may be Somerset’s calling card, but its creative spirit always shines through. Art and music combine in the county’s towns and villages, promising bucketloads of culture right on your doorstep.

Geographically diverse, Somerset’s glorious landscapes are a sight to behold. Grab your camera and soak up the best outdoor delights in the ‘land of the summer people’. Somerset doesn’t have to try hard to impress. In fact,

From ice age hyenas to petrified witches, Wookey Hole is a captivating day out

many of its top attractions are already carved into the county.

Wookey Hole, perched on the southern edge of the Mendip Hills, contains the largest caving system in the UK. Self-guided tours allow you to navigate the subterranean rivers and rock-encrusted caverns at your own speed. From ice age hyenas to the petrified figure of the wicked witch, it’s a captivating day out for little and big kids alike.

The Mendip Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, throws up gem after gem. Over 250 miles of footpaths criss-cross a curious geology of undulating grasslands, limestone outcrops and wildlife-rich woodlands.

Wookey Hole contains the largest caving system in the UK. Self-guided tours allow you to navigate the subterranean rivers and caverns

Highlights include popular Cheddar Gorge, the slightly quieter Ebbor Gorge, Chew Valley Lake and the prehistoric stone circles at Stanton Drew – all easily accessible by foot or car. Oh, and close to local pubs – big tick!

Another walking wonderland is Exmoor National Park. It may sneak over the border from West Somerset to North Devon, but technicalities fade in the face of its rugged coastline and heather-crowned moorland.

Some of England’s finest long-distance hikes pass through the park, including the South West Coast Path. However, peaceful pursuits are also possible.

The fairytale village of Selworthy leads the way when it comes to rural idyll, with thatched cottages and dinky tea rooms straight off a picture postcard. A traditional cream tea from Periwinkle Cottage is a must. Nearby, Selworthy Beacon has outstanding ocean views.

Steeped in pagan legend, the iconic Glastonbury Tor attracts both walkers and myth-seekers. Trek to the top of this ancient hill and you’ll be rewarded with the remains of a 15th-century tower. Plus, unbeatable views across the Somerset Levels.

As well as its ties to Arthurian legend and the Holy Grail, Glastonbury Tor contains a grisly past. The last Abbot of Glastonbury

Abbey, Richard Whiting, was executed on its peak in 1539.

Pastoral pleasures await in Somerset’s refined country gardens. The Edwardian Formal Gardens at Hestercombe House were the brainchild of horticulturist Gerturde Jekyll. Together with the Georgian Landscape Garden and Victorian Shrubbery, you can enjoy an enchanting walk through three centuries of English garden design, marvelling at cascading waterfalls and historic temples as you go.

Open from April to October, the Walled Garden at Mells is a haven of tranquillity. Lose yourself among the cottage’s informal flower borders, before stopping for a restorative cuppa or light bite in the al-fresco café. Believed to have once provided produce for the village of Mells, its kitchen garden past is apparent through the old vine fixings and outlines of former doorways still etched into its walls.

Just outside Yeoville, Tintinhull is a glorious formal garden of lawns, pools and flowerbeds complete with a kitchen garden and an orchard. At its heart is a striking 17thcentury manor house.

Puxton Park, on the outskirts of Westonsuper-Mare, is a 40-acre adventure park and one of the best places for young visitors l

The atmospheric ruins of Glastonbury Abbey

WOOKEY HOLE

Our E18hteen Gin is expertly crafted from sugar beat vodka produced by master distillers. This enables us to give you the very best yield and makes our artisan gin flavour some, fragrant and smooth. We are among a minority of distilleries that opt to create their gin this way, meaning our gin delivers unrivalled freshness, taste and the perfect finish to the palate.

We are proud to source local produce for the making of our premium vodka, including sugar beet, for an outstandingly bold, smooth and aromatic blend. After creating our distinct vodka, we re-distil it to create our reputable, first-class Gins Rums Vodkas Agave spirits Raw Cask Whiskey. We have received a number of gold and silver awards for our gins, vodkas and rums.

Botanicals

Our distiller has mastered the production of gin with a delicious selection of botanicals – thrilling and awakening to the senses. Our juniper led gin, standing at a mighty 88% vol, is re-distilled in copper pot alembic stills, for a delicious and crisp mix. Fused with mouth-watering botanicals, including juniper, hand-picked apples, citrus fruit and tasty macadamia, our E18hteen Gin evokes the scent of the fresh Somerset countryside.

Notes & Tones

You can expect delectable and surprising notes and tones in our quality range of gins – tantalising the taste buds. Our smooth blends boast flavours like no other, taking its signature hints from our seasonal fruit’s selection, carefully picked from the orchards throughout the autumn months. With its desirable flavours, unique textures and premium quality, our gin will quickly become your staple for entertaining loved ones.

Finish

We aim to keep our products as natural as possible. Non-chill filtered, for the uninterrupted, distinctive finish of suspended botanical oils.

Our gin is enticingly aromatic and offers a luxurious mouthfeel.

Add a fresh slice of apple, pear, orange or grapefruit as the perfect finishing touch.

Set amidst the magical Avalon Marshes, Ham Wall is part of one of this country’s most spectacular wetlands.

Explore a place teeming with amazing wildlife, enjoy stunning views across the marshes to Glastonbury Tor and follow secluded paths through this mystical landscape.

Follow our family friendly trail to discover the children’s viewing tower and climbing frame or enjoy a picnic.

Experience the eerie booming of bitterns in spring, discover dazzling dragonflies and beautiful butterflies in summer, watch for the blue flash of a kingfisher in autumn and in winter enjoy a hot drink as marsh harriers soar above.

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A complex of four stunning barn conversions set on a quiet Somerset farm, beautifully renovated to a 5-star standard. Each barn is open plan, perfect for social gatherings, with wood burners to provide a warm, cosy atmosphere. The barns have their own garden with charcoal BBQ’s in which to enjoy a perfect Somerset sunset.

On site we have an Award Winning Brewery and Tap Room serving locally produced Ale, Cider and Spirits or a refreshing glass of wine. The Tap Room is loved by our guests, mixing with the locals, meeting the brewer and having an early evening drink of hand crafted ale or pilsner.

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Somerset

to let off steam. Go-karts, a boating lake and a miniature railway are just some of the perks. Fancy making some furry friends? Buy a bag of animal feed and meet some farmyard favourites in the Animal Zone.

For more animal magic, head to the awardwinning Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm in Clevedon to check out all the big zoo animals including elephants, rhinos, giraffes, lions and bears. You’ll see more than 100 different species set in 100 acres of Somerset countryside. Play all day in the adventure playgrounds, enjoy the interactive keeper talks and explore Britain’s longest hedge maze.

The award-winning Mill on the Brue activity centre fuses family fun with outdoor education. No less than 40 activities promise a thrilling day out among 25 acres of Somerset countryside. Take your pick from adrenalinefuelled climbs and assault courses and try engineering challenges such as raft building. Quirky options include axe throwing and the crazy Olympics.

For a different, though no less impressive, day out in nature, head to RSPB’s Ham Wall Nature Reserve. This wetland habitat on the Somerset Levels teems with noteworthy wildlife. In particular, the secretive bittern which was encouraged back to the reserve after a 40-year absence. The male’s distinctive

‘boom’ call can be heard echoing above the reed beds in spring.

For more avian action, head to the Owl and Hawk Centre on Exmoor, where you can watch mighty birds of prey taking flight.

Despite being a coastal county, Somerset’s beaches often play second fiddle to the in-land scenery. However, the far-reaching sandy bays and rocky coves have a unique appeal of their own. The beach at Weston-super-Mare, Somerset’s premier seaside resort, features traditional donkey rides and a Grand Pier with all the usual arcade fun.

The beachfront bustle is part of its charm, but you don’t have to look far for quieter stretches of sand. Just south, peaceful Uphill Beach is backed by a nature reserve while to the north, Sand Bay is a creamy stretch of sand that’s part of a National Trust walking route.

Slate and shingle shores make Kilve Beach ideal for fossil-hunting and crabbing in the rock pools left behind at low tide. St Audries Bay, at the foot of the Quantock Hills, boasts not one but two waterfalls that cascade from the cliff tops onto the rocks below.

The sight is most spectacular after heavy rainfall – perhaps the one time you’ll cross your fingers for inclement weather! Head further west and Bossington Bay’s peaceful l

Weston-superMare, Somerset's top seaside resort

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pebble shores are the perfect spot for a bracing walk – complete with sweeping views across to Wales.

If you’re keen to brace the chilly waters, the long beach at Berrow is favoured by swimmers at high tide (sinking muds make the sea inaccessible at low tide). Make sure check ahead because the tides change fast. Alternatively, dip your toes into Greenbank Pool, an outdoor swimming pool in the centre of Street village.

There are further heated lidos in Wiveliscombe and Shepton Mallet, as well as an outdoor water play area in Burnham-onSea, all open during the summer season.

Home to prehistoric sites, ruined abbeys and an artistic way of life shaped by local industry, Somerset is a haven for history buffs. Pay a visit and venture back in time.

It may be renowned for its epic music festival, but Glastonbury Abbey is the town’s historic centrepiece. Once the wealthiest monastery in England, today the abbey stands in ruins, shrouded in legend and surrounded by 36 acres of parkland.

The on-site museum displays a model of the abbey in its former splendour, but it’s just as fun to wander the remains and imagine the sheer scale for yourself.

The purported graves of King Arthur and

Queen Guinevere rest here, as does the Holy Thorn tree, believed to have sprouted from the staff of Joseph of Arimathea. A spray from the thorn is still sent to the reigning monarch every Christmas – a ritual dating back to the 17th century.

Wells Cathedral is a church that has truly stood the test of time. Built from 1175, it’s considered one of Europe’s first Gothic structures and, by jove, it’s a beauty. Wander through the iconic West Front, adorned with hundreds of medieval carvings, to a gawpworthy interior of stained-glass windows, scissor arches and a rare astronomical clock. Stick around to watch the jousting knights gallop out every quarter hour!

While in Wells, hit two historical birds with one stone with a visit to The Bishop’s Palace & Gardens, the historical residence of the Bishops of Bath and Wells. Many of its rooms are open for visitors to tour, but the real draw is the grounds. In addition to the surrounding moat (yes, you get to cross a drawbridge and everything!) are 14 acres of exquisite gardens and an arboretum. The latter makes for a fine picnic spot.

Two of Somerset’s best castles lie at either end of the county. To the east, the small-butperfectly-formed Nunney Castle was built in 1373 and the ruins are free to enter. l

The Bishop’s Palace & Gardens, Wells

©THE BISHOP’S PALACE & GARDENS

Explore, Engage and Embrace at Ferne Animal Sanctuary

Set in 72 acres of stunning somerset countryside our working sanctuary is home to 300 animal residents.

Admission price goes towards the care of animals in need. We welcome dogs on a lead at our Sanctuary

Animal Talks

Guided Tours (advanced booking required)

Pet Supplies and Gift Store

Conference room hire for special events

Events all year round

Creative Corner

Why not pop in for some free craft and educational activities during your visit to Ferne! There’s always something different to do in our dedicated craft and activities hub where you can learn about Animal Care and Welfare, as well as the nature and wildlife found around our sanctuary.

Team your visit with a walk around lovely Nunney village, following the Village Trail.

Dunster Castle near Minehead, on the other hand, provides more substantial insight into local history. Perched dramatically atop a hill, this National Trust property features a working water mill, terraced gardens and an atmospheric attic tour the kids will love.

For Elizabethan Renaissance architecture at its finest, Montacute House is a real showstopper. Wander the house to gawp at Tudor and Elizabethan portraits and visit the Long Gallery – the longest of its kind in England. Then let the children run loose in the rambling gardens. If it all looks familiar that’s because it featured in the BBC drama Wolf Hall.

The Museum of Somerset in Taunton is your definitive guide to the county’s history, with exhibits all the way from prehistory to the modern day. It has the unusual claim of the largest collection of 17th-century cauldrons in England, as well as the 4thcentury Low Haim mosaic and 80,000-yearold Banwell Bear skull.

The eagerly awaited Somerset Rural Life Museum has reopened its doors in 2017 following a major redevelopment. Set on the magnificent Abbey Farm in Glastonbury, the museum celebrates many facets of Somerset’s

Somerset Rural Life Museum celebrates the county’s social history, from farming to crafts

social history, from food and farming to arts and crafts. Another insight into local industry awaits at the volunteer-run Brick and Tile Museum in Bridgwater. It’s home to the last traditional brick kiln in the South West and is only open on Tuesdays.

Rather than casting the net wide, many Somerset museums delve into intriguing detail on specialist topics. For petrol heads, there’s the award-winning Haynes Motor Museum, home to the UK’s largest collection of cars. The Jane Austen Centre in Bath is a must for bookworms with its costumed characters and ‘proper’ old English tea room.

Aviation meets theatre at Yeovil’s Fleet Air Arm Museum. As well as Europe’s largest naval aircraft collection (including the first British-built Concorde), an interactive carrier experience lets you ‘board’ a helicopter to explore the HMS Ark Royal’s flight deck. l

Somerset

Somerset Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury

©SOUTH WEST HERITAGE TRUST

Sheppy’s Cider Farm is nestled between Taunton and Wellington and is where the award-winning Sheppy’s Cider is produced.

The farm offers a great day out for all the family with 90 acres of orchards to explore, café, restaurant, cheesemonger and shop.

Luxury self-catering in the heart of Exmoor

Choose from a sleek, architect-designed barn conversion or cosy medieval cottage, both perfect for six. Our two stunning thatched cottages each sleep eight.

• Hot tubs

• Dog-friendly

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• Fast Wi-Fi

• Gardens

• Parking

Book online exmoorcharactercottages.co.uk

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We’re immensely proud of what we do here at the Ramsbury Brewery & Distillery, therefore we love sharing it with guests. Arguably, there is no better way to start your weekend off than touring around a brewery and distillery, drinking ale and spirits whilst learning how the Ramsbury taste is created.

But don’t just take our word for it, experience it for yourself.

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Hold on tight! Although not strictly a museum, the West Somerset Railway is chugfull of nostalgia. You’ll be able to ride through Somerset’s industrial heritage on a bonafide steam locomotive.

Ask a local what sums up Somerset and one word is likely to crop up time and time again: cider. Apple orchards have been cultivated here since Roman times.

Over 156 apple varieties have sprung from local towns and villages, each boasting its own distinct taste. Cider makers, from little farms to larger commercial enterprises, are fiercely proud of their produce. Once you’ve had a sip, you’ll soon see why.

Cider tours

The 200-year-old independent family farm, Sheppy’s, lovingly harvests, presses and bottles cider from its 55 acres of apple orchards. Take a weekend tour to see the cider-making in action, including an allimportant tasting at the end. The best times to visit are April and May, when the trees are in blossom, or October and November when the harvest begins. It may sound booze-centric, but the play park and donkey paddock make it a hit with kids too.

Thatchers Cider in Sandford, famous for its Thatchers Gold and Haze blends, also offers

factory tours. The complimentary tastings are the perfect aperitif before dinner in the excellent on-site pub, The Railway Inn.

On a smaller scale, Harry’s Cider in nearby Langport is run by a father-and-son duo (no prizes for guessing Dad’s name). Book ahead for affordable and fun Saturday tours, with artisanal sips included.

After slurping all that cider, you may fancy a slice of cheese or two. Unsurprisingly, Cheddar village is the destination of choice for fromage-fiends. Set in the breathtaking folds of Cheddar Gorge, this village is the home of cheddar cheese and still makes the good stuff in the traditional way.

Follow your rumbling stomach to the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company to watch live cheese-making in action. Then, round off your visit with a wedge at the Taster Bar. Real cheese connoisseurs can even embark on a VIP tour, complete with a cheese-tasting session and a goody bag to take home.

An epicentre for arts and culture, with dazzling scenery at every turn, Somerset really is a county like no other. And whether you choose to chomp your way through the county’s delicious home-grown produce, roam the cliffs and beaches, or delve into local history, your holiday itinerary has never looked so good. ■

Thatchers Cider orchards, Sandford

©NEIL PHILLIPS PHOTOGRAPHY/THATCHERS

DON’T MISS

Our top things to see and do when visiting this picturesque county

1

Visit Glastonbury’s legendary festival

Who hasn’t heard of the biggest greenfield festival in the world?

Some 210,000 people go to Glastonbury’s muchloved five-day festival of contemporary performing arts, to see major music artists, along with dance, comedy, theatre, circus and cabaret. And don’t forget –tickets are known to sell out in minutes, so if you’re going you need to be quick!

2

Exmoor National Park

This huge park (267 square miles) is known to contain absolutely everything from moorland to valleys, cliffs to farmland. And, of course, the Exmoor ponies and red deer. It has inspired many great poets, artists and writers over the centuries, too. Don’t forget to look up at the stars at night – with no light pollution it’s also the first place in Europe to be designated an International Dark Sky Reserve.

3

Visit England’s earliest Gothic Cathedral I

Set in the historic medieval heart of England’s smallest city, Wells is the earliest English cathedral to be built in the Gothic style. The famous Wells Cathedral Clock – the second oldest clock mechanism in Britain, and probably in the world –is still in use (see page 5), and as if that’s not enough, the Cathedral boasts one of the best collections of historic stained glass in the country.

Drink cider

4

You can’t visit Somerset without tasting the drink it is famous for. Thatchers Cider has been recognised for its excellence in apple orcharding. Join one of their fantastic tours and enjoy “what cider’s supposed to taste like”. Visit Wilkins Cider Farm near Wedmore, or sample Roger Wilkins’s famous farmhouse scrumpy, with local cheeses and pickles for an authentic Somerset cider experience.

5

Take in the scenery

Somerset has not one but three designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty – the Mendip, Blackdown and Quantock Hills. Deep wooded valleys, miles of heathland, pretty villages, archaeological remains, flora and fauna – these stunning areas are perfect for walking, cycling and horse riding.

6

Try some of the world’s favourite cheese l

Somerset is the home of the world’s favourite cheese, Cheddar. It was created in the village of Cheddar in the 12th century and was traditionally stored in its caves. It’s made all over the world now, but only ‘West Country Farmhouse Cheddar’ is made on Somerset farms. And of course, it’s best eaten with a glass of farmhouse cider!

7

Climb Cheddar Gorge I

Discover Beyond the View: a cinematic journey through the gorge with a 270-degree virtual tour, then enter the wonders of Gough’s Cave, visit the Museum of Prehistory and learn about early man in Dreamhunters at Cox’s Cave. Climb the 274 steps of Jacob’s Ladder to the Lookout Tower and enjoy the breathtaking views on the three-mile Clifftop Walk. You absolutely must make sure you take in the fantastic array of local shops, tea rooms and Cheddar cheese-making demonstrations.

8 Delve deep in to Wookey Hole

Meet the Witch of Wookey, marvel at the Dinosaur Grove, wander around the 19th-century paper mill, vintage penny arcade, magical mirror maze and

cave museum. For children, there’s a pirate zap zone, soft play and much more.

9

Climb to the top of Glastonbury Tor

Visible from the famous festival site and for miles around is Glastonbury Tor. As one of the most famous landmarks in Somerset, the Tor has a crucial spiritual meaning; it has both an intricate Pagan and an early Christian history too, and has links to the legend of King Arthur and his knights.

10

Spend some time on a sandy beach

Somerset isn’t all countryside. In fact, it has the second longest stretch of sandy beaches in Europe, between Burnham-on-Sea and the headland (with stunning views, of course) of Brean Down. That’s eight fantastic beaches to choose from, including a nature reserve at Berrow. Whether you bring your bucket and spade or binoculars for bird watching, Somerset’s beaches will appeal to all. ■

©JASON-BRYANT; MATHIEU/STOCK.ADOBE.COM; PIXABAY

SHOPPING

Shopaholics will love this region for its eclectic mix of boho-chic boutiques, high-street staples and quirky independents

If you think rural Somerset has little in the way of retail therapy, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. From vast designer outlets to dinky village stores, Somerset’s cities, towns and villages proffer goodies to tempt shopaholics and souvenir-seekers alike.

Big-name brands are well-represented along the county’s high streets. However, it’s the independent boutiques where you’ll find hand-crafted treasures reflective of Somerset’s creative spirit. Fancy a full-blown splurge?

Swing by Somerset’s towns and retail parks to fulfil your shopping desires.

Every Thursday

Taunton High St. comes alive with a superb Farmers’ Market

Built in 1993, Clarks Village was the UK’s first purpose-built outlet village. Still as popular 30 years on, the centre boasts more than 90 designer and highstreet brands with discounts of up to 60 per cent. This is the perfect rural oasis for fashion, footwear, accessories, homeware, outdoor wear, sportswear, health and beauty, gifts, confectionery and much more over 200,000sq ft, with award-winning landscaped gardens to relax and enjoy time with family and friends.

Discover the delights of coffee and cake at

the grab-and-go kiosks or many cafés and dine in style at the restaurant terrace until late. There’s plenty of parking, plenty of seating and an adventure play area for the younger ones. The perfect day out in the Somerset countryside.

If the restaurants in Clarks Village are looking a little busy, you might be better trying your luck on Street High Street just around the corner. Once you’ve refuelled, extend your shopping spree around the town centre’s charity and fashion chains.

If it’s big-name retail shopping you’re after, head for the county town of Taunton. As Somerset’s largest town, it’s well served by retail parks and shopping malls. Orchard Shopping Centre offers a city shopping experience in the heart of a market town. Discover leading labels and quirky independent stores, atmospheric eateries, and a host of service providers. Factor in a cheeky spree after exploring the unspoilt landscapes of Quantock and Blackdown Hills nearby.

Mouthwatering produce

A mix of businesses can be found off Taunton High Street and along cobbled St James Street. But the real jewel in Taunton’s shopping crown is Bath Place. An appealing little lane jam-packed with indie boutiques and galleries, you’re bound to stumble upon a few great finds here. Why not try Rocket and Bird for hand-made products from Somerset makers, Coco Blue boutique for stylish ladieswear and Krackers for comic books, games and toys?

Every Thursday between 9am and 3pm, Taunton High Street comes alive with a superb farmers’ market. Follow your nose to find mouthwatering produce, including Somerset’s famed cheeses and ciders.

In fact, you can fill your cupboards to the brim with the range of freshly baked breads, local preserves, seasonal veggies and tempting cakes on offer. Chat with the makers and get a flavour for why these friendly regional markets trump the supermarket every time.

Some 12 miles away in Shepton Mallet is a small discount outlet that displays Somerset’s knack for blending retail opportunity with rural idyll. Kilver Court and Gardens is built on the site of an old textile mill, complete with a limestone viaduct and three and a half acres of landscaped gardens. The three upper-crust stores, Mulberry, Toast and Yves Delorme, are just the cherry on top of this most delightful outside oasis.

Shepton Mallet High Street has its fair share of shops too. Rather than household names, the low-key lanes are dotted with

eclectic indies like Somerset Antiques & Interiors, Shepton Community Bookshop and Anna’s Attic homewares.

For a unique shopping experience and a great day out, don’t miss the annual Royal Bath & West Show. Held at the Bath & West Showground outside Shepton Mallet in early June, this humongous three-day event showcases rural life at its finest.

There are farming displays, live bands, fairgrounds, competitions and, of course, loads of local goodies to purchase. With more than 600 stands and 125 food producers, there’s no excuse not to find a treat or two to take home with you.

Yeovil, a town on the southern border of Somerset, boasts the distinctive West Country blend of conventional high-street stores and independent retailers. The busy market town includes Quedam Shopping Centre, an openair collection of over 35 high-street stores. Fully pedestrianised and designed in a village style, browse the likes of Boots, Primark, H&M, Marks & Spencer and more. l

j Taunton High Street

L Orchard Shopping Centre

I Kilver Court

Designer VillageToast in Silk Lane

The Emporium on Princes Street is also well worth a gander. More than 60 handpicked artisans and traders rub shoulders across three floors of knick-knacks, antiques and furnishings. As well as being a sheer delight for curious shoppers, The Emporium Café serves a knockout lunch. If you’re not feeling peckish, you’d still be wise to grab a pre-emptive slice from their cake counter to take with you.

Outside of the town centre, Houndstone Retail Park to the west offers outlets and fastfood joints for shoppers on the go, including Hobbycraft, Poundland, Mothercare and Currys PC World.

Somerset has its fair share of traditional seaside towns. One of the best-known, Weston-super-Mare, was famously put on the map with the arrival of Banksy’s Dismaland back in 2015. The crowd-drawing art exhibit may now be gone, but the boost to the local economy put it on the front foot for regeneration.

Dolphin Square is one of a few new additions to Weston-super-Mare’s landscape, a multi-million leisure complex spanning chain restaurants, a state-of-the-art cinema and leisure activities.

Grove Village is your go-to for unique boutiques and cafés, while the indie

Weston-super-Mare was famously put on the map by Banksy’s Dismaland back in 2015

shopping area of Orchard Meadows allows you to support local traders specialising in everything from camping gear to vintage clothing. Both are a stone’s throw from Weston-super-Mare High Street, home to all the big brand shops you’d expect.

Overlooking the seafront, Sovereign Shopping Centre already contains a clutch of shops and eateries, but a £1.7 million funding boost is bringing some exciting changes. Some empty shops have been converted into coworking spaces and there’s a new bike hub and café. Future plans include a rooftop bar and street food outlets – and it all goes under the new name The Sovereign.

Shop local and meet the makers of Somerset. From artisan food producers to crafted keepsakes to crown your mantelpiece, a truly memorable shopping experience awaits. Nestled among rolling hills, the l

The Winter Gardens, Weston-super-Mare

town of Bruton is quite unlike any of its countryside neighbours.

Don’t be fooled by the quaint air and historic houses, because this town is Somerset’s creative epicentre. World-famous galleries and pioneering restaurants attract an art-loving crowd – even a few celebrities have been known to frequent its streets.

Craft is king in Bruton’s shops, with specialist makers pouring a whole lotta love into their wares. You can visit Godminster Farm Shop for a taste (or two, or three) of their award-winning Somerset cheddar. It’s made to a 90-year-old family recipe and knockyour-socks-off scrumptious.

Fancy partaking in the picnic of the century? Treat yourself to one of the shop’s epic gift hampers and team your cheese and crackers with prosecco, Colombian chocolate, local chutneys, West Country beef jerky… the list goes on!

Scandi lifestyle store, Caro, sells chic furniture and Insta-worthy accessories that feel a million miles from high-street homeware shops, while Hole & Corner offers a carefully-curated selection of craftware and ceramics.

Vintage clothing can be found at Swan Vintage, while chic threads are on the agenda at Rose & Lyons, where in-stock brands

include Bombay Duck, American Vintage and Blundstone.

The ‘Bruton effect’ is also being felt in nearby Castle Cary. The town is chock-full of arts, crafts and antiques, as well as the excellent Bailey Hill Bookshop. Expect good people, great reads and dog friendly to boot.

Frome is buzzing right now thanks to an influx of artistic talent. Nowhere is this better displayed than on the first Sunday of every month when the vibrant town comes to a halt for The Frome Independent. This sleek market delivers the best in local food, plus collectables, crafts, fashion and much more. Championing both sustainable and seasonal shopping, the myriad stands reflect the town’s growing reputation for individuality.

But street vendors aren’t new to Frome. General markets have taken place here for hundreds of years – a tradition that continues every Wednesday and Saturday in the aptlynamed Cattle Market Car Park. Alternatively, seek out a second-hand treasure at the weekly Wednesday Flea Market, located inside the Cheese & Grain community venue.

For stores of a more static nature, the cobbled lanes around St Catherine’s Quarter (including Catherine Hill, Paul Street and Stony Street) are a what’s-what of boutique shops. Splash out on something special l

‘Buzzing’ Frome, east Somerset

then head to Frome’s historic heartland, Cheap Street, for quirky buys in atmospheric surroundings.

Before you leave Frome, make sure to swing by White Row Farm for a tantalising choice of locally-grown goodies. There’s a butcher, cheese counter and fish and chip shop, as well as a delicatessen stocked with some scenestealing sausage rolls. As if all that wasn’t enough, there’s also a florist, gift shop and, the pièce de résistance, a bonafide chippy. That’s right, mushy peas and everything.

Medieval Wells may be one of the smallest cities in England, but it has it all when it comes to shopping. Head first to the cobbled Market Place, the heart of the city and home to a twice-weekly market.

On Wednesdays and Saturdays, it overflows with stands, split between general stalls (mostly arts and crafts), plus food and drink. The array of artisanal breads, cheese, cider and charcuterie spreads will leave you in no doubt as to why local traders take such pride in their produce.

Shops and cafés line the pretty lanes that branch off from this central spot. However, you may find yourself drawn to The Bishop’s Palace, a spectacular medieval residence that looms large over Wells. The 13th-century property is open to tour but the picnic-

Bohemian Glastonbury is far from being just the site of a world-famous music festival

friendly grounds are just as welcoming. Pick up some sarnies and sweet treats from Queen Street Delicatessen before you go.

Just out of town, Wells Reclamation Yard is a dizzying melting pot of quirky antiques, garden ornaments, reclaimed materials, home accessories and, quite frankly, pretty much anything you can think of. Its eccentricity is part of its charm. With over five acres to explore, there’s a good chance you’ll go home with just what you were looking for, as well as possibly a few things you weren’t.

Far from being just the site of a worldfamous music festival, the bohemian town of Glastonbury is a hotbed of New Age spirituality. Crystals, charms, magical gifts, healing books – the diverse range of shops here are a magnet for those seeking alternative purchases.

One of the most interesting shops in l

A sunny day in the centre of Glastonbury

Glastonbury is Man, Myth & Magik, a gift shop that sells decorative swords among all the incense and crystals. Another is The Wyrdraven, the ultimate place to go for all your Viking paraphernalia. Or there’s always The Speaking Tree bookshop for quirky and rare books, including a wide selection of mind, body and spirit titles.

If you’re on the lookout for crystals, The Crystal Man has all the minerals you seek. Not only are the staff exceptionally knowledgeable, but many of their treasures are locally sourced. Even if you’re not looking to buy, a wander among the shop’s kaleidoscopic exhibits is always time well spent.

Just off the high street, The Gauntlet is easily missed from the outside. However, step inside and you’ll find this narrow shopping thoroughfare crammed with esoteric indies. Another arcade, the Glastonbury Experience Courtyard, is tucked beyond an alley and home to a colourful mishmash of shops.

Tuesday is market day in Glastonbury, and you’ve got a trio to choose from. The original Glastonbury Market pops up in St Dunstan’s Car Park with a range of fresh food stalls. The Country Market goes big on hand-made gifts and baked goods inside the Town Hall.

Markets galore

Last but not least, Glastonbury Indoor Market sees arts and crafts stalls take over the Assembly Rooms. Painted pottery, knitted hats, beaded jewellery, wooden carvings, organic soaps – this is where the artistic folk of Glastonbury come to showcase their talents. You won’t want to miss it.

Bath’s boast-worthy shopping scene befits its status at the largest city in Somerset. A UNESCO World Heritage Site drenched in Roman history, it’s a pleasure to simply wander the honey-hued streets and soak up the Georgian architecture. But behind the impressive fronts lies a city renowned for its style. Independent boutiques and luxe highstreet brands rest side-by-side, with quality a constant throughout.

Union Street and Stall Street are great places to start. These vibrant passages intersect the city, teeming with established names like Molton Brown, Flying Tiger and Jo Malone. Bath’s Artisan Quarter carries a more free-spirited feel. Centred around Walcot Street, the glassblowing studios and farmhouse cheese shops are a fine place to get your window shop on.

If you’re here on a Saturday, remember to pay a visit to the Antique and Flea Market that’s been a feature of Walcot Street for the last 40 years. Bath Farmers’ Market is also

held on a Saturday, under the glorious glasstopped dome of Green Park Station.

The indoor Guildhall Market runs every day and earns the title of the oldest shopping venue in the city. Wander among the colourful stalls, ranging from sweets and souvenirs to second-hand books and leather goods. From late November, Bath Christmas Market transforms the streets around the Roman baths into a twinkling winter wonderland.

Milsom Street is the city’s premier shopping destination and the perfect place to go when you want to splash out. Highend fashion, luxury interiors and elegant independents all find a home here, as does department store House of Fraser. Hidden through an archway, little Milsom Place thrums with upmarket shops and restaurants, including Hobbs and Phase Eight.

It’s safe to say, Somerset’s shopping experience is full of surprises. With an emphasis on independent talent, local produce and creativity, you’re sure to find a unique gift to treasure for years to come. ■

Bath’s magical Christmas Market

©BATH CHRISTMAS MARKET

EATING OUT

This county is a foodie’s paradise with a host of fantastic restaurants, cafés and pubs – so make sure you bring a healthy appetite

Somerset’s rich pastures are a magnet for foodies seeking traditional West Country fare. There’s no shortage of farms and food producers here – over 8,500 to be precise. From succulent West Country beef to Cheddar Valley strawberries, freshly pressed apple cider to the elusive Exmoor whortleberry, award-winning restaurants serve regional produce with pride.

Whether you’re hungry for a slap-up meal or a fine dining feast, Somerset’s cafés, restaurants and pubs cater for all appetites. Focused on quality over quantity, the little village pub of Kingsdon Inn is a firm champion of regional produce. Nothing beats a local Butcombe beer by the fireplace. Five miles away is the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it hamlet of Babcary and its pub, the Red Lion. The setting is straight off

a postcard, and during the summer the garden’s wood-fired oven serves up piping-hot slices of pizza heaven. Up the road is Somerton, the royal capital of ancient Wessex. Today this beautiful town has several great pubs dotted around its marketplace. See if you can spot the two cider barrels carved into the roof of 13th-century St Michael’s Church, then head to The White Hart. Led by Tom Blake, the former

The 19th century Barrington Boar Inn in Ilminster leans on local farmers and foragers to produce quality plates of scrumptiousness

head chef at River Cottage, their Sunday roasts are justifiably the stuff of legend.

Make time for the Lord Poulett Arms when in South Somerset. Set in the village of Hinton Saint George, it’s one of the most celebrated pubs in the West Country. The stone walls and open fires are a good start, but the biggest selling point is the food. Blending style with soul, you’ll dine on locally farmed meats and greens plucked fresh from the garden.

To the west, The Barrington Boar dates back to the 19th century. Hundreds of years on it remains a credit to Barrington village, leaning on local farmers and foragers to produce high-quality plates of scrumptiousness.

The National Trust’s Barrington Court is located nearby, so you can really make a day of it. The Talbot Inn in the historic village of Mells is another stylish gastropub gaining wide approval. The relaxed bar serves elevated pub grub, most of which is grown, cured or smoked within miles of the site.

Sublime restaurants

Delightfully ramshackle, Woods Bar and Restaurant nestles along the edge of Exmoor’s beautiful National Park. Its sublime food hasn’t gone unnoticed, and the hand-made wooden interiors are forever buzzing with walkers, taletellers, lunch-goers and everybody else in between.

Owner Paddy Groves sources pork and lamb from his very own free-range farm. Ask nicely and he may even open up the back bar to talk you through his weird and wonderful collection of spirits.

Beady eyes at the ready –the Montague Inn in Shepton Montague is a hidden gem worth seeking out. The seasonal menu brims with ingredients from the best of the South West. But you won’t be looking at your plate for long, because the restaurant’s picture windows and al-fresco terrace provide stunning views over Somerset’s rolling hills.

Not had your fill of dramatic views? Set on a gorgeous country

When it comes to pubs in idyllic surroundings, Exmoor has the cream of the crop

estate just outside Castle Cary, The Garden Café at The Newt has plenty from its floor-to-ceiling windows. Drink them in as you graze on light meals or cheese and charcuterie platters.

The Sheppey Inn, deep in the heart of the Somerset Levels, is a local legend. Tucked among the peat moors and farm tracks, this quirky establishment is certainly unexpected. An unassuming exterior gives way to a tardis-esque beamed bar and, a few steps further, double-height restaurant with a deck overlooking the river. Grab a bite to eat and keep one eye on the water for kingfishers.

When it comes to pubs in idyllic surroundings, Exmoor National Park has the cream of the crop. Tarr Farm Inn at Dulverton is hard to match, sitting as it does above Tarr Steps – a medieval clapper bridge across the River Barle. Dining is available in the magical garden, so you can dive into Exmoor game or a sticky toffee pudding while overlooking the water.

Fresh fish always features on the menu around North Somerset’s coastline. Porlock Weir, a historic port enveloped by heather-clad cliffs, is as pretty as it gets. In between crabbing and slurping local ice cream, head to the Harbour Gallery and Café to devour smoked fish platters and freshly shucked Porlock Bay Oysters right next to the boats.

Open from Easter to October, Kitnors Kitchen lies in the quintessentially English village of Bossington, a welcome pitstop for walkers on the South West Coast Path. The range of cream teas includes gluten-free and vegan options. The garden, dripping in flowers during the summer, is an unbeatable spot to rest your feet and fill your tum.

Another contender for the picturesque café crown is Periwinkle Tea Rooms in Selworthy. The name alone is cute, and it only gets more appealing as you step inside. The yellow thatched cottage sits on the edge of National Trust’s Holnicote Estate, with open fires for winter snuggles and gardens

In the rural village of Uphill, amongst the ever-growing town of Weston-super-Mare, you’ll find a lovely, open-plan bar and restaurant called The Ship Inn.

This family-friendly pub is the perfect spot for everybody, dogs included, to come together and nestle around the open fires, with its updated décor, rural feel and fantastic freshly-cooked food.

We have a selection of pub favourites on tap, including the local cider, Thatchers Gold, and wines from around the world.

Our beer garden is the ideal place to spend a summer’s afternoon, so with the wonderful sandy beaches of Weston and Uphill within walking distance, why not stop in with the family dog and get yourself a well-deserved refreshment?

You can pick up outstanding pastries, sourdough & coffee at The Rye Bakery in Frome

for soaking up the sunshine. The cream teas are top-notch – try yours with whortleberry jam from the wilds of Exmoor.

Keen cyclists tackling the South Somerset Cycleway have a mighty fine refuel in store thanks to The Feed Station. This cycle-themed café in Merriott sits in a Grade 2-listed school building. Open Wednesday through Sunday, pedal by for a mouthwatering choice of homemade cakes, sarnies and fullblown breakfasts.

In between your caving adventures around Cheddar Gorge, make sure to swing by the Lion Rock Tea Rooms. When the weather’s good, there’s nowhere better to devour your afternoon tea than in the lovely terrace gardens, overlooked by Lion Rock itself. However, the labyrinthine interior is crammed with homey nooks to while away the day.

It may be one of only a few tea rooms on the Somerset Levels, but the lack of choice doesn’t make Sweets Tea Rooms any less of a corker. This rustic café is all about keeping things simple. Breakfast baps? Check. Home-made soups? Yep. Traditional cream teas? You betcha. Favoured by passing cyclists and holidaymakers, there’s also a tiny museum on the peat industry next door.

You can pick up outstanding pastries, sourdough and coffee at The Rye Bakery in Frome. You’re also welcome to settle in and try their seasonal light lunch menu, l

which features produce grown in their walled garden just outside town. If you’re here on a Friday, don’t miss their popular pizza night, which kicks off at 5pm.

Those seeking diverse dining options in Somerset have plenty to pick from. For a taste of Turkey, try the family-friendly Green Olive Meze in Bridgwater. It has a good choice for veggies and vegans plus, the pinnacle of any Turkish meal, syrupy-sweet baklava for dessert. If you’re spending more than one evening in Bridgwater, The Spice Gallery on the outskirts of town makes a mean masala lamb shank.

Nobregas, in Taunton’s trendy Bath Place, whips up authentic Spanish tapas and paella. Meanwhile its sister restaurant, The Skewer House, is all about traditional Madeiran meat skewers. Chock-full of local loveliness, the tables are made from Quantock Hills wood while the crockery, cocktails and flavours are all proudly Portuguese.

A tempting little corner of Greece awaits you in Wells. The staff at The Greek Taverna treat you like family, plying you with everything from crispy calamari to tender ‘loukaniko’ sausages – made especially to their family recipe.

International cuisine

Demetris Taverna in Weston-super-Mare has long held a reputation for some of the best Greek food in the county. However, mere minutes away, Meze Mazi is on the rise. Grab your friends and order as many small sharing plates as your stomachs can handle.

If Indian food is more to your taste, try the Keralan dishes at stylish Mattancherry in Taunton. Guddi and Gikki’s chic interior and regularly changing menu is a must for a special occasion. Or, for a classic curry house experience, visit The Curry Garden in Westonsuper-Mare which has been feeding hungry locals and tourists alike since 1982.

You can fill your belly with curries, satay and noodles at Thai Mango in Langport. Chef Orawanya has previously worked in restaurants in Chiang Mai and Bangkok and now brings his signature punchy flavours to a loyal local clientele.

In Weston-super-Mare is Sakura Japanese restaurant. The pillow-soft sushi platters are a smart choice if you want to sample a little bit of everything. You’ll have to be patient if you want to enjoy the fiery Jamaican cuisine cooked up at The Jerk House in West Pennard though. Delivery slots are only available between 6pm to 10pm on Saturdays. But, trust us, it’s worth the wait.

Mexican is on the menu at The Prickly Pear,

a new offering on Bruton High Street. Dine on tacos, burritos and other Mexican street eats, perhaps washed down with a cocktail, or one of over 33 varieties of tequila.

Somerset’s mild climate and rich soil is what makes this county so productive. Bring your stretchy waistbands and tuck into an array of local delicacies.

Somerset has rightly earned the title of cider capital of the UK. Apple trees have been an integral part of the Somerset landscape, and lifestyle, since Roman times. Such was the fruit’s importance that in the 18th century, farm labourers were often paid partly in cider. With more than 80 apple varieties still grown here, you can be sure of a few sips of ‘scrumpy’ to lubricate your travels.

Family-run farmhouses like Hecks have shops stacked with hand-pressed ciders, as well as a cracking selection of chutneys and cheeses too. Want to try before you buy? They’re more than happy to oblige with samples of their produce.

For a deep dive into the cider craft, Sheppy’s offers orchard and factory tours, followed by expert tastings. Visit in spring for

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the blooming lovely blossoms, or autumn for the fruit harvest. A big boy in the cider-making business, Thatchers, is based in Sandford.

You’ll find independent makers strewn all over the county, lovingly tending their apples as generations have done before them. Many farms are open to the public and will sell you a fruity pint or two over the proverbial farm gate. Bere Cider Company, Harry’s Cider and Rich’s Cider Farm are just a few favourites.

Wine grows well here too. Try Smith & Evans at Langport, Fenny Castle near Wells and Wraxhall near Shepton Mallet for tours and tastings. Craft brewers also abound, including Cheddar Ales, Quantock Brewery, Tapstone Brew Co. and Fine Tuned Brewery.

Perhaps Somerset’s most delicious claim to fame is cheddar cheese, which originated in the town of Cheddar some 800 years ago. One of the most popular cheeses in the world, this famous fromage owes its irresistible tang to being

matured inside the high-humidity confines of Cheddar Gorge’s caves.

The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company, located along Cheddar’s bohemian high street, still makes it the traditional way. Pop to the shop to pack your bags full, or swing by the visitor centre to watch cheesemaking in action.

Hungry for the full shebang? VIP cheese tours take you through parts of the factory not normally open to the public and finish with a private tasting. Barber’s of Ditcheat, the world’s oldest cheddar makers, owes its award-winning success to the premium West Country milk that goes into their cheeses.

Despite being an industry that relies heavily on traditional expertise, Somerset cheese makers are keen to innovate too. Westcombe Dairy pairs its cheddars and ricottas with a range of charcuterie meats. Pavé Cobble, a delicate ewes’ milk cheese made by White Lake Cheeses, has also won awards for its creamy complexity.

Fine dining isn’t hard to come by in Somerset. And while the food may be first-rate, the county’s easy-going ethos means you can often leave your airs and graces at home. Big on home-grown flavour, top restaurants like Augustus in Taunton make use of local produce to create sensational dishes like turbot with crab butter sauce, Lancashire Bomb cheese soufflé and West Country game pâté.

New to the fine dining scene in Wells is 7B, run by husband-andwife team Adam & Martine Fellows, previously at the helm of awardwinning Goodfellows. Fish is a speciality here and the £35, threecourse market menu is excellent value. If you want to delve deeper, sign up for one of their cookery demonstration evenings, or a halfday cookery course.

Another husband-and-wife team can be found at 28 Market Place in Somerton. The modern menu is seasonal, with many ingredients sourced within two miles of the l

A sample of traditional Cheddar cheese, available from The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company

©THE CHEDDAR GORGE CHEESE CO

restaurant. In addition to à la carte dining, there’s a bakery and wine shop, open Tuesday to Saturday.

You’ll be in for a treat in honeycoloured South Petherton. Chic restaurant Holm serves up seasonal set menus in a Scandi style dining room, with an emphasis on local, sustainable produce. Organic wines from small-scale producers round out the offering.

The village of Bruton is home to At The Chapel, a design-led restaurant housed within an 18thcentury chapel. From the doubleheight windows to the artwork on the walls, it’s a feast for the eyes as well as the mouth. You’ll be eating simple, stylish meals featuring local produce, such as squash and Westcombe ricotta ravioli.

On the high street, Osip’s farmto-table approach means no menus. Instead, this diminutive eatery curates multi-course spreads inspired by seasonal ingredients. It’s no surprise that it has a Michelin star – or that it was recently listed in the Good Food Guide’s Top 20 Most Exciting Places in Britain to Eat.

Attached to the Hauser & Wirth gallery, Roth Bar & Grill has a distinctly urban vibe and is a great pick for carnivores. Meat comes from the next-door farm and is aged in the restaurant’s own salt room.

Over in Wells, new opening Root is the second outpost of Bristol’s

Award-winning restaurant Brazz in Taunton serves gourmet fare with a stellar cocktail list

award-winning small plates restaurant. Vegetables are the star of the show here, and the menu includes delights such as tempura cauliflower, roast carrots with whipped feta and beetroot with blood orange and labneh.

If you do want to change into your glad rags, make a beeline for the Castle Hotel in Taunton. The hotel’s award-winning restaurant, Brazz, not only serves up sleek plates of gourmet British fare, but also a stellar cocktail list. Colourful, creative and crammed with flavour, it’s a dining experience with a real wow factor.

There’s nowhere better than a farmer’s market to indulge in a real taste of Somerset. These monthly events are real community occasions, bringing together artisanal suppliers and hungry punters alike.

From clothbound cheeses to traditional preserves, garden vegetables to family fishmongers, this is your chance to meet the makers and sample their craft. There are currently eight markets in locations across the county, including Frome, Crewkerne, Burnham-on-Sea, Nailsea and Keysham. They typically run once a month on Saturdays or Sundays, depending on location. Check ahead and go hungry!

Foodie festivals

For a different kind of stomachbusting bonanza, check out eat:Festivals. These not-for-profit events run throughout the year, inviting producers from all over the South West into town centres for delicious days of cookery classes, street food stalls and live music.

Locations change every year, but previous host towns include Yeovil, Minehead, Taunton, Wellington and Chipping Sodbury. Even better, they’re free to attend. How’s that for a taste of community spirit?

Whatever your palate, Somerset really does have it all. From cosy gastropubs to award-winning restaurants, the county’s remarkable passion for local produce means you’ll dine like royalty every night of the week. ■

Brazz Restaurant in Taunton offers a dining experience with a real wow factor

Only here for the weekend? Fear not! Here are some ideas for a memorable short break to Somerset

WEEKENDER

DAY ONE

To begin your whistle-stop tour of Somerset, head to medieval Wells, the smallest city in England, and marvel at the magnificence of its cathedral, built between the 12th and 15th centuries.

For lunch, head across the market square to The Crown at Wells, a medieval Grade 2-listed coaching inn that has been a focal point of the city for more than 500 years.

After lunch, head two miles north to Wookey Hole Caves. A gorge on the southern edge of the Mendip Hills, it contains the most extensive caving system in the UK.

Take a tour through the atmospheric caves here, meet the Witch of Wookey and try the many other attractions, including a mirror maze and vintage penny arcade. Cave-aged Wookey Cheddar is also on sale here.

For the view of a lifetime, continue on from Wookey Hole for 1.5 miles until you reach a small car park at Deer Leap. Locals come here to take in the most breathtaking views right across Somerset.

Continue on from Deer Leap for 1.2 miles until you reach the village of Priddy, 1,000ft above sea level. For a well-earned rest and a hearty meal in a cosy atmosphere, The Queen Victoria Inn is hard to beat. Built in the 1800s, with flagstone floors, huge fireplaces and beamed ceilings, it serves home-cooked food with a choice of ales and ciders.

DAY TWO

Start off your second day by heading over to Taunton and the Museum of Somerset for an injection of local history from the ice age to the present. Set in a 12th-century castle, this stateof-the-art museum is home to the skull of the Banwell Bear, an 80,000-year-old Ice Age hunterkiller found in the Mendip bone caves; and the amazingly well-

preserved Low Ham mosaic – a 14ft design found on the floor of a Roman courtyard villa dating from the 4th century ADm discovered in Low Ham village in 1838.

Just across the square is the 12th-century Castle Hotel, famed for its fine dining. Former chefs include Gary Rhodes and Phil Vickery. Book a lunch at Brazz, its contemporary brasserie, four a gourmet meal.

After you’ve refuelled, follow the A358 from Taunton for five miles to Bishop’s Lydeard station for the

Explore Dunster Castle, or take in some sun, sea and sand at traditional Minehead Beach

train journey of a lifetime. This is where the West Somerset Railway’s steam train sets off.

The longest heritage railway in England, it winds past pretty Somerset villages to Watchet on the coast, ending in Minehead. Stop off to explore the stunning hilltop Dunster Castle, or take in some sun, sea and sand at traditional Minehead Beach.

End your whirlwind tour with a locally-sourced meal at one of many excellent restaurants in nearby Minehead before you head home. ■

Culture vultures assemble! This county offers the perfect mix of galleries, museums, exhibitions and festivals

Culture Club

Somerset’s unassailable arts scene reflects a county that keeps culture close to its heart. You’ll find experiences to delight everyone from history buffs to lovers of live music. Above all, Somerset is an epicentre for the performing arts. Festivals of every shape and size dot the county’s cultural calendar. Meanwhile, historic attractions and landmarks keep locals proud and visitors engaged all year round.

Grab your diaries and get a load of Somerset’s impressive line-up of live events. From famous music festivals to illuminated carnivals,

your next dose of local culture is never far away. And of course it’s impossible to discuss Somerset’s artistic influence without mentioning Glastonbury Festival.

Deeply tied to the area’s New Age and Neopagan heritage, this musical behemoth began life in 1970 and is now one of the world’s most famous festivals. Every June it shares its stage with some of the biggest names in the music industry. Paul McCartney, Radiohead, Stormzy, Adele, Jay-Z –you name them, Glastonbury’s had them all on stage here.

While musical acts snatch the headlines, other performing arts like dance, comedy, circus and cabaret are well represented across Glastonbury’s five days of revelry. Renowned for its iconic Pyramid Stage and, of course, the slop-tastic mud, the festival attracts an eclectic crowd of free-thinkers. Be quick if you want to snap up tickets – 2023’s sold out in half an hour!

One of the oldest events in Somerset is Somerton Music & Arts Festival in July. Across two weeks, a variety of performances and exhibitions bring a buzz to locations

It’s impossible to discuss Somerset’s artistic influence without mentioning Glastonbury’s eponymous Festival

around town. More local loveliness (and lashings of cider!) awaits at Priddy Folk Festival in July. Or, for big belly laughs, make a beeline for Wells Comedy Festival in May.

Art and literature is the plat du jour at July’s Frome Festival, featuring everything from book readings to tours of the town’s listed buildings. A county-wide celebration of Somerset’s diverse culture happens in September and October courtesy of Somerset Art Weeks Festival, when exhibitions take over more than 100 settings across the county. Thebookworms among you will thrive at the Yeovil Literary Festival, where writers, speakers and thinkers wow the crowds each October.

For something utterly unique, try Farmfest near Bruton. Started by friends in a pocket-sized field back in 2006, this environmentally conscious, two-day July event eschews the mainstream in favour of relaxation and affordability. There’s music, organic food, yoga, poetry and an annual hat

Strode Theatre is a gem, offering theatre & regular live screenings from the Royal Opera House

competition that’s treated with all the seriousness it deserves. What’s not to love?

More off-beat festival vibes are on the agenda at Buddhafield, a five-day celebration centred around Buddhist teaching, workshops and rituals. Think song, dance, yoga and meditation – and all without any booze in sight.

If festivals aren’t your bag, swap the camping and face paints for a night out at the theatre instead. One of Somerset’s best is Taunton’s Brewhouse Theatre and Arts Centre with its innovative roster of theatre and comedy shows. Fun fact: its first-ever performance in 1977 starred a then-unknown David Jason!

The Octagon Theatre in Yeovil is another major player, as is its sister venue, Westlands Entertainment. The large village of Street is home to the Strode Theatre, a community gem. Theatre and film get big billing, as do regular live screenings from the Royal Opera House and National Theatre. l

Strode Theatre in Street is a community gem

8–11 November 2024

24–27 January 2025

19–22 September 2025

7–10 November 2025

For bright lights and bigger productions, The Playhouse Theatre in Weston-super-Mare is your go-to. With over 300 shows a year, including West End tours, it’s a masterclass of all things entertainment. Their panto performances are the stuff of legend (oh no they aren’t, oh yes they are!).

Finally, for theatre unleashed into the great outdoors, keep an eye on The Bishop’s Palace in Wells. The gardens of this medieval palace come alive with open-air performances during the summer months. Set among the ruins of the Great Hall, they’re a most magical way to get your culture fix.

Another experience unique to Somerset, and one of the highlights of the year, is the epic West Country Carnivals. Held around Bonfire Night, this event sees towns across Somerset burst into light as hundreds of illuminated carts (not ‘floats’, never ‘floats’) parade the streets. From the wonderful to the downright wacky, each cart is a work of art in its own right.

Of the many processions, Bridgwater is both the oldest and the largest. Dating back to 1605, today the carnival attracts around 150,000 annual visitors. Carts can take up to three hours to complete the two-mile route, which gives you plenty of time to ogle vehicles festooned with lights, dancers, puppets and displays. There are prizes to be won for best in show and everyone sets their sights on first place! It’s free to watch but remember to bring some change –all proceeds go to charity.

Beyond the beautiful landscapes, Somerset’s cultural heritage blends history with lashings of local pride. The question is: which of the county’s fascinating gems will you visit first? Described as ‘the most poetic of the English cathedrals’, Wells Cathedral was the first Gothic cathedral to be built in England.

The grand interiors are astounding, a riot of 14th-century stained glass, distinctive scissor arches and the second-oldest surviving clock in England. l

Wells Cathedral regularly plays host to a variety of cultural events

The jewels in the crown, however, are the 300 medieval carvings that adorn the cathedral’s West Face.

While you’re in Wells, pay a visit to The Bishop’s Palace. The residence of the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years, visitors are welcome to cross the moat’s flagstone drawbridge and enter the palace’s original rooms.

Outside, 14 acres of gardens nestle within the ancient ramparts. From the scent of summer roses in the East Garden to dazzling autumn colours in the Arboretum, it’s a wonderful spot to play, picnic and find peace. Remember to give the resident swans a wave!

If you like your ancient buildings romantically dishevelled, pay a visit to Nunney Castle, a romantic moated medieval castle built in 1373, just southwest of Frome. For something more imposing, Montacute House near Yeovil has all the Elizabethan glitz and glamour you could want.

The Museum of Somerset in

Hauser & Wirth gallery in Bruton has put Somerset on the contemporary arts map

Taunton is the last word in local history, telling the county’s story from prehistory to present. Even the building has a tale to tell, located within the great hall of the 12th-century Taunton Castle.

Highlights include the Low Ham mosaic, a sequence of Roman panels discovered in 1938, and the Frome hoard of over 52,000 Roman coins. Young historians can also get nose-to-nose with an 80,000-yearold bear skull recovered from the Mendip bone caves.

An absorbing insight into Somerset industry can be found at Bridgwater’s Brick and Tile Museum, whose products have shaped the look of many local towns. At its heart is its traditional brick kiln. It’s the last one remaining in the South West and now a Scheduled Ancient Monument. Open Tuesdays only.

Haynes International Motor Museum near Yeovil offers a comprehensive drive through motoring history. Get up close

Hauser & Wirth Gallery, Bruton, Somerset

and personal to the UK’s largest collection of over 400 cars and motorbikes, including classics, Formula 1 vehicles and a few eyewateringly expensive supercars.

Somerset’s stunning scenery and rich folklore have long attracted artists, who flock here for a slice of the good life. Craft classes, independent galleries and colourful art events are the norm in this most creative corner of England.

However, in recent years, Hauser & Wirth gallery has really put Somerset on the contemporary arts map. Situated in Bruton, this multi-purpose arts centre and working farm merges international exhibitions with a strong ethos in conservation and education. After a wander through the gallery buildings, take ten in the landscaped gardens to discover outdoor sculptures tucked between the flower-filled borders.

Two further creative hubs in Bruton are linked to Hauser & Wirth. The first is The Maltings, a converted artist studio that houses a rolling artist residency scheme. While on the high street, Make showcases and sells objects from emerging and established makers.

To see contemporary art in an ancient bluebell wood, head to Moorwood Art, just outside Bruton. This fine art gallery comes with a sculpture display in the surrounding

gardens and woodland.

Over in Wells, the A2 Gallery champions an array of artistic mediums across two floors of vibrant displays. Square One, its first-floor gallery, is dedicated to upand-coming West Country artists, placing their works under the nose of many art-hungry visitors. Pick up a hand-crafted treasure there or from the Somerset Guild of Craftsmen shop, also in Wells.

Black Swan Arts should be on the radar of any Frome-based art fans. It may be award-winning, but this friendly exhibition space has kept the community firmly at heart. Bonus points for the top-notch café – the breakfast baps are in a league of their own.

Heart of the Tribe gallery on Glastonbury High Street specialises in vcontemporary art that’s wellmatched to the town’s spirited style. And over in the adjacent market town of Castle Cary, you’ll find ceramics, paintings and prints at David Simon Contemporary gallery.

It may be a stunning stately home, but Hestercombe House near Taunton also houses a contemporary art gallery. Temporary exhibitions feature everything from international works from the likes of Le Corbusier to modern landscapes by local artists. Exhibitions regularly appear in the grounds and woodland too!

Writers have found a wealth of inspiration among Somerset’s ancient landscapes. English poet, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, famously moved to Nether Stowey in 1797. He wrote Kubla Khan and The Rime of the Ancient Mariner here – the latter of which features Watchet harbour. A statue of the mariner, with an albatross looped around his neck, stands overlooking the harbour today.

Fellow poet, William Wordsworth, visited Coleridge at his cottage and soon moved to nearby Alfoxton House. It was during this time the pair published their joint poetry collection, Lyrical Ballads. Follow in the footsteps of these literary greats on the fourmile Coleridge Nature Walk – a circular route from Nether Stowey to Holford that the duo would have taken on their rambles.

Former Poet laureate, Robert Southey, was so roused by his visit to the village of Porlock that he composed his sonnet, To Porlock, the very next day. Novelist R.D Blackmore put Exmoor on the map when he set his 1869 romantic novel, Lorna Doone, among the national park’s valleys. American literary giant, John Steinbeck, followed his fascination with Arthurian legend all the way to Bruton, calling his nine months here “the best work of my life.”

Stop by St Michael’s Church in East Coker to pay your respects to the Nobel Prize-winning poet, TS Eliot, whose ashes are buried here. A wall plaque commemorates his resting place with a line from his poem, East Coker: “In my beginning is my end… in my end is my beginning”.

Last, but certainly not least, Somerset’s love of literature takes centre stage at Wells Festival of Literature. Lasting nine days every October, its packed programme of talks, walks and book groups draws fans of writing and reading alike.

It’s safe to say that Somerset’s artistic roots run deep. Art galleries, theatres and estivals continue to celebrate the area’s rich history, resulting in a county that bursts at the seams with creativity. ■

Heart of the Tribe gallery, Glastonbury

The

After dark

Somerset’s rural heart belies a county jam-packed with character. In between the acres of countryside, thriving towns and villages boast an assortment of spots to let your hair down. From olde-worlde pubs to a cracking live music scene, a good old-fashioned knees-up is always on the agenda. Let’s dive in.

As the largest city in Somerset, Bath’s upper-crust reputation goes beyond the historic Roman baths and honeyed architecture. For highend sips, the city’s award-winning cocktail bars are just the excuse you

need to don your glad rags.

Seek out chic cocktail bar

The Dark Horse, whose unusual menu makes the most of local ingredients wherever possible. Alternatively, step back into Bath’s boozy past at age-old drinking dens like The Bell Inn, The Huntsman and the historic Coeur de Lion, the city’s smallest pub.

Historic hideouts also abound in Glastonbury. The George and Pilgrim’s Inn is a magnificent 15th-century pub right across the road from the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey. In fact, it’s said that King

Henry VIII watched the abbey’s destruction from the pub’s mullioned windows.

Today, original oak beams and huge fireplaces provide a warm welcome in which to soak up Glastonbury’s quirky character. For an extra chilled night out, nip around the corner to The Riflemans Arms. Situated in a quieter part of town, it’s the ideal place to rest your legs after a stroll around Glastonbury Tor. Expect good grub and local ciders.

A couple of miles from Glastonbury is the village of

The Dark Horse Bar, an inviting subterranean drinking den beneath the streets of Bath

night-time economy in this area is thriving, packed with clubs, pubs, bars and live music venues

Street. But don’t be fooled by the diminutive name, because this neighbourhood goes big on evenings out. When the sun goes down, relaxed eateries double up as drinking destinations, too. The Loft offers an excellent selection of wine, beer and cocktails – plus there are tasty snacks on offer should you need them.

Nearby, Fondo Lounge’s vibrant wall art and higgledy-piggledy furniture bursts with personality. Sink back into a Chesterfield sofa with their signature Cherry Bakewell cocktail in hand and see how many hanging lampshades you can tally. Spoiler alert: you may find you lose count!

The buzzy market town of Yeovil is a melting pot of heritage museums, country gardens and a few indie watering holes sprinkled in for good measure. Kazbar’s tasty tapas plates cater for the peckish, but no one will judge if you get distracted by the restaurant’s epic cocktail menu.

Traditional tastes are well catered

Kazbar’s tapas cater for the peckish, but you may get distracted by the epic cocktail menu

for in pubs like The Beehive Inn and The Black Horse. However, if it’s a stint on the dancefloor you’re after, boogie on down to Stars Lane. Karma Bar, Chicago Rock Café and the late-night Club Neo all vie for attention on this narrow road, promising plenty of hustle and bustle ’til the early hours.

One of the oldest pubs in Somerset is the 700-year-old George Inn at Norton St Philip, just south of Bath. The Grade 1-listed building was once frequented by Samuel Pepys and in 1685 acted as Monmouth’s army headquarters during the bloody Monmouth Rebellion. The extensive restorations have preserved the impressive galleried courtyard, exposed beams and antique furniture. Plus, there’s a pretty pub garden with views of the village’s 14th-century church.

The little village of Priddy in Somerset has an ace up its sleeve. Two, in fact. Not only is the Hunters’ Lodge Inn a corker of an oldschool pub, but a cave known as l

© ED OVENDEN; THE DARK HORSE BAR

Kazbar coactkail bar in Yeovil. Overleaf, Glastonbury Festival

Hunters’ Hole rests right next door. This spit ’n’ sawdust boozer has been in the same family for generations and, quite frankly, it’s like stepping back in time.

After roaming the wider Priddy Caves network, swing by for beers fresh from the barrel and lashings of nostalgia. Heads up, mobile phones are not allowed!

On paper, Bruton has no business being as über-trendy as it is. Yet this tiny village in the middle of nowhere has made a name for itself in the contemporary art scene. While the picturesque river Brue and tiny

stone-clad cottages remain, a gaggle of hip residents are fast turning picture-perfect days into actionpacked nights.

At The Chapel, a restaurant, gallery and hotel in a former church, boasts its own wine store and cocktail menu. Meanwhile, over at Hauser & Wirth’s fine art gallery, Roth Bar & Grill regularly hosts late-night supper clubs, as well as annual events filled with good food and, on occasion, dancing. For Mexican street food, cocktails, an impressive tequila selection, plus party nights to keep you dancing

until late, make a beeline for The Prickly Pear.

If you do love to be beside the seaside, you’re going to be just as smitten with The Brig in Westonsuper-Mare. Set mere metres from the waterfront, the dinky patio of this bar affords unrivalled views over the Bristol Channel. Happy hour drinks as the sun sets over the horizon – is there any finer way to round off your day?

Another friendly pub not to be missed is The Criterion in the Knightstone area of Weston-superMare. It’s easily accessible from

the seafront, and serves real ale, premium lagers and a wide range of wine and spirits.

Live music and a passion for the arts reign supreme on Somerset’s nightlife scene. Join in with local jams and experience the county’s celebrated alternative atmosphere.

Steeped in medieval legend and a haven for creatives, Glastonbury’s nightlife is as eccentric as the town itself. Follow your tapping toes to the King Arthur pub on Benedict Street – the hub of Glastonbury’s music scene. From indie folk sessions to all-out punk nights, the

gigs are varied and the whiskies are plentiful. A guaranteed good time.

On the outskirts of town, The Old Tannery restaurant co-hosts an extensive programme of events with the innovative social enterprise, Red Brick Building. Here your Friday and Saturday nights are reserved for getting your groove on to live jazz, blues and rock. Some events even factor in dinner beforehand so you can fill your tum and have a riproaring time, all while giving back to the local community.

No doubt you’ve already heard of a little event called Glastonbury Festival. Drawing in some of the world’s greatest musical acts every August, tickets to this entertainment stalwart sell like hotcakes.

Glastonbury Extravaganza, on the other hand, carries a more chilled-out vibe. Pack a picnic and spread out in the atmospheric grounds of Glastonbury Abbey, ready to soak up big-name acts and a firework finale.

Love to check out the latest bands? The owners at Brit Bar in Weston-super-Mare are as passionate about supporting up-and-coming talent as they are about serving up local beers. With five ever-changing ales on tap, plus plenty of ciders and lagers to whet your whistle, you’ll be well-sated as you bop along to the performers on open mic night.

The performing arts get big billing in Taunton, Somerset’s county town. Taunton Brewhouse Theatre and Arts Centre leads the line-up with a bumper selection of events spanning music, film, comedy and nearly everything in between. Close by, TacchiMorris Arts Centre is a fantastic community theatre with dance especially well-represented.

During the balmy summer months, the National Trust’s Tyntesfield house puts on outdoor performances of literary classics in its sprawling gardens – with options for the kids, too.

Bishop’s Palace & Gardens in Wells hosts open-air theatre in its enchanting grounds. There’s something undeniably romantic

about appreciating opera or Shakespearean comedies while relaxed among the medieval ruins of the Great Hall. Throw in a glass of Pimm’s and a homemade picnic hamper and you’ve reached peak summer perfection!

If you’re here in July, you may also wish to snag tickets to the Godney Gathering micro-festival. Two days, seven stages, top local and international music acts, plus bucketloads of family fun.

Alternatively, soak up the talent on the main stage of Weston-superMare’s Playhouse Theatre. A diverse and ever-changing programme of drama, comedy, dance and family productions offer the ultimate culture fix.

Theatre & film

Strode Theatre, in Street, is a must for culture vultures. Alongside the latest Hollywood releases, keep your eyes peeled for arthouse films and regular staged events. Exhibits from local artists in the foyer are just the icing on the cake.

A fantastic entertainment venue is the Cheese and Grain in Frome. Converted from a farm produce warehouse back in the 1990s, this much-loved concert hall is a registered charity as well as the site of many a top night out in Somerset. In addition to musical acts you’ll find an assortment of comedy shows, festivals and vintage markets regularly on the roster.

Wells Film Centre is a familyrun cinema that’s a far cry from more modern multiplex chains. Go for the films, stay for the quaint atmosphere and, be still our beating hearts, reasonably priced snacks.

You’ll be able to catch a variety of music, comedy, drama, touring West End shows and children’s theatre at The Octagon Theatre in Yeovil. A pre-show meal at the theatre’s Prelude Restaurant is the perfect way to kick off the evening.

So, there you have it! Whether you’re in the market for a musicinspired shindig, a flavour of Somerset’s fine breweries or simply some classy cocktails, great nights out are a given in this most vibrant corner of the country. ■

Although Somerset has more than enough to keep you busy, a journey further afield can make for an exciting new adventure

Time to explore

While it may be hard to tear yourself away from Somerset, its position as the gateway to the South West allows for all sorts of possibilities for the intrepid and energetic traveller.

Furthest away, and popular with second homers from the South East, Cornwall is famed for its scenic views, cliffs and beaches and is more than worth the picturesque drive down the A38. If you want to get there quicker though, Cornwall Airport in Newquay flies to both London Gatwick and Stansted and the Isles of Scilly, while Exeter Airport flies to several airports across the UK and Ireland.

Popular tourist destinations

On the south coast’s ‘Cornish Riviera’ the fishing villages of Looe and Polperro are popular tourist destinations. The Eden Project, near St Austell, dubbed the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, houses thousands of tropical plants in giant artificial biome climates. Visit also the nearby The Lost Gardens of Heligan hailed by The Times as “the garden restoration of the century”. Take in a show at the Minack Theatre a spectacular open-air theatre on cliffs looking over the sea at Porthcurno near Land’s End.

The more exposed rugged and wild north coast is a surfers’ paradise. Polzeath, Perranporth and Fistral are some of the best. Their sandy beaches draw crowds, too. Outlaw’s New Road in Port Isaac is worth the visit alone. It’s a specialised fish restaurant that currently holds one Michelin star. Outlaw worked with Rick Stein in Padstow, whose flagship restaurant is based there, as is his famous fish and chip shop!

The fishing villages of Looe and Polperro are popular tourist destinations

Cross the Tamar suspension bridge at Saltash and you are in South Devon, home to the UK’s biggest aquarium, the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth. Britain’s Ocean City has one of Europe’s most vibrant metropolitan waterfronts in the Barbican and Sutton harbour and a fascinating naval history.

Shoppers will be well satisfied with Plymouth’s eclectic mix of independent traders and its major shopping centre, Drake Circus, with more than 70 big brand names and plenty of eateries. The Devon Expressway connects Plymouth to Exeter, Devon’s capital. Take a walk along the quayside for antique and craft shops, bars and cafés.

Wildlife enthusiasts will love Lundy Island, just off the coast of North Devon. Often called Britain’s own Galapagos, it’s a Marine Conservation Zone full of wildlife, including puffins, Manx shearwaters and, if you’re lucky, a dolphin or two. The MS Oldenburg ferry sails three times a week from Ilfracombe and Bideford.

For ramblers, why not take a guided walk through some of the dramatic landscape of Dartmoor National Park, a huge expanse in the heart of Devon? l

The craggy charms of fishing village Polperro, Cornwall

Just below Somerset and less than an hour’s drive away is Dorset. History buffs will love Mapperton House and Gardens, near Beaminster, home to the Earl and Countess of Sandwich. Country Life magazine voted it the “nation’s finest manor house”. Thomas Hardy’s Far from the Madding Crowd was filmed there. Hardy’s Cottage, in nearby Dorchester, is unchanged from when he lived there. The romantic 1,000-year-old ruins of Corfe Castle sit on a steep hill near Wareham, surrounded by a picturesque village that is well worth a visit for lunch.

Take a boat out to Brownsea Island from Poole Harbour to see the famous red squirrels. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, go further by taking a day trip on the ferry to Cherbourg, France.

Cosmopolitan Bournemouth is just up the road. Shop ‘til you drop in this huge seaside resort, pausing for an ice cream on one of its four Blue Flag beaches.

On the other side of Somerset,

and just an hour away on the A361, is Longleat. On the safari drive through you can brave the Monkey Mayhem and hunt for the resident wolf pack. You can also drive through Lion Country, Tiger Territory, the Deer Park, the Big Game Park, and Cheetah Kingdom. You’ll need a full day to get through it.

Some 20 miles further along, on the A303, is perhaps the most iconic symbol of the South West, Stonehenge. It’s one of the wonders of the world and the most famous prehistoric monument in Europe. A new visitor centre brings you up close to neolithic man. It’s only two hours from London on the M4.

To the north of Somerset is the city of Bristol, the most populous city in southern England after London. It has excellent transport links and a fast train service to London Paddington. Visit the Harbourside, Bristol’s cultural hub, where the former docks have been transformed into restaurants, shops and bars. Millennium Square has

L We The Curious science centre, Millennium Square, Bristol

If

you visit Bath, be sure to take a stroll over the beautiful Pulteney Bridge

plenty of world-class attractions, including Brunel’s SS Great Britain, We The Curious (reopening July 2024), Bristol Aquarium, Watershed and M-Shed.

In Clifton, north of the city, make sure you walk across the world-famous Clifton Suspension Bridge, designed by Bristol’s own Isambard Kingdom Brunel. You can also take in a show at the Bristol Hippodrome, one of the country’s top provincial theatres, staging major West End and Broadway productions.

Some 40 minutes south of Bristol on the A4 and 2.5 hours from London on the M4 is the city of Bath, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and noted for its stunning Georgian scenery and Roman Baths.

Built on top of natural hot springs in AD 70, it’s one of the bestpreserved Roman remains in the world. A walking audio guide is the best way to discover the complex. People have been taking spas here for 2,000 years, and you can do the same with a spa package at Thermae Bath Spa. The award-winning spa also has an open-air rooftop pool with spectacular views over the city.

Make sure you see the Grade 1-listed Royal Crescent, one of the greatest examples of Georgian architecture in the UK. Take a stroll over the beautiful Pulteney Bridge, one of a handful in the world with shops built into it. If you’re feeling peckish, you should pop into Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House for a famous Sally Lunn bun or a tasty meal. Whatever you decide, the beautiful unchanged scenery will make the journey worthwhile. ■

L Longleat Safari Park, Wiltshire I Pulteney Bridge, Bath

PHOTO-FINISH

Quantock Hills, West of Bridgwater

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