Rolling hills, emerald green fields and charm-soaked villages are just some of the delights that await in Somerset. The region immerses you in the picturesque English countryside and offers a chance to discover hidden caves, scenic walking trails and wildlife-rich wetlands. Somerset will also tantalise your palate with some of the best cheese and cider in the country.

Things to do

The city of Wells is a great base for exploring Somerset. It’s built around a magnificent cathedral that dates back to the 1100s. Guided tours take you up into the roof of the cathedral and unlock sweeping views over the city. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, Wells Market will tempt you with its fresh produce, baked goods and handcrafted souvenirs.

The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company is a must-visit attraction for cheese lovers. The company has been producing the famous cheese since the 12th century and features an excellent gift shop where you can stock up on your favourite varieties.

Just outside Cheddar are fantastic caves and gorges carved into the limestone hills. Glacier-carved Cheddar Gorge is a highlight and is best explored on a guided caving trip that takes you deep into the stalagmite-filled caverns.

Famous for its annual music festival, Glastonbury has a free-spirited vibe. The town centre is filled with shops selling incense, crystals and sage sticks. Glastonbury Tor towers over the town and is topped by a medieval chapel. It’s worth getting up early to watch the sunrise over the countryside.

Across Somerset you’ll find cafes, pubs and restaurants serving mouth-watering local cuisine. Look out for specialties such as Somerset salt-marsh lamb and eel cooked in cider, stock and cream. Wash down your meal with a glass of local apple cider. With more than 20 craft breweries scattered across the county, Somerset is a great destination for beer aficionados.

Getting around

Rental cars offer the freedom to explore Somerset at your own pace. The county is well-serviced by local trains and buses that connect major towns and villages such as Bridgwater, Taunton and Minehead. Heathrow Airport is a 3.5-hour drive away.