Somerset is full of wonderful things to see and do. Here are my ‘Best places to go in Somerset’. Many of these places in Somerset are free to visit!
9 best Places to go in Somerset
Wilkins Cider, Lands End Farm, Mudgley
It sums up Somerset – unpretentious and beautiful! Set in the countryside, Wilkins has been producing excellent, good old-fashioned cider for many a year. You can sample the goodies before buying (they are open 7 days a week!). I can’t think of a better combination than unpasteurised cheddar cheese and proper cider. (Wilkins also sell their own cheese.) Definitely one of my best places to go in Somerset.
Somerset apples are the best!
Wells – England’s smallest city
Wells is a beautiful city, packed full of character. There’s Vicars’ Close, the moated Bishop’s Palace, great independent shops and the magnificent Wells Cathedral. Whilst this is an absolutely amazing building, (the West Front is particularly striking) it’s the little things that take my breath away. On certain days, when the sun is setting, the Cathedral is bathed in light and looks like it is made of gold.
Wells hosts many long-established festivals. Among them are food, literature, comedy and art.
In 2020, Which? named Wells, ‘Best UK City Break’ and in 2022 Which? readers named Wells ‘Best Small UK City for a short break‘. The readers have great taste!
Wells Cathedral bathed in sunlight
The steps to the Chapter House fascinate me. They have been worn smooth over the centuries. My mind imagines all the gatherings and events that could have happened in this amazing room.
The steps to the Chapter House . Pic by Nick James
Wells is only a couple of miles away from The Cross at Croscombe and for me, it is another ‘must see’ when it comes to places to go in Somerset.
free PLACES TO GO IN SOMERSET
Markets
It doesn’t matter in what format; Food, artisan or craft – I love them. In Somerset, there are always markets happening some on a twice weekly basis such as Wells or monthly such as Frome. While the stalls may be very different from one market to another, they have a common theme – independent and a celebration of local talent and local produce.
Glastonbury
A little like marmite – you will either love it or…
I love it. Glastonbury is packed with unusual shops and characters. The two iconic things for me are the Abbey and the Tor. Visit either and you can’t help but be transported back in time. I find myself imagining what life must have been like centuries before. Both the Abbey and the Tor have incredible histories.
The grounds at Glastonbury Abbey
If you like a good view then a walk up to the Tor is a must. If you prefer flat terrain then the grounds of the Abbey are idyllic. (The Tor is free while you have to pay to enter the Abbey grounds.)
Glastonbury Tor
Autumn
OK, I appreciate that this seems a strange choice on a list of places to go in Somerset, but I think Britain is very lucky to have four distinctive seasons. Autumn is very special in Somerset (perhaps being in the countryside makes you appreciate it more).
The changing leaf colours on the trees are wonderful but what really fascinates me are the apples and the hedgerows. There comes a time when trees are laden with apples that seems to hang on for dear life. When I drive down some of the small lanes the hedgerows seem so neat and perfect. Take the time to look more closely and you’ll often see various wildlife hiding away.
At this time of year many hedgerows are full of berries and it’s not unusual to see people with plastic tubs and long sleeved shirts taking advantage of this bounty. Somerset has 4 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty to enjoy (whatever the season.)
(For a month by month guide, take a look at my ‘What to do in Somerset‘ blog.)
MORE great places to go
Gorgeous gorges
The Mendips Hills bless Somerset with magnificent landscapes. These include incredible gorges and amazing caves. (New caves are being discovered.)
Cheddar Gorge
Most people have heard of Cheddar Gorge but Ebbor Gorge is less well known. Ebbor is very natural and untouched by commercialism. (You can stroll to the edge of some amazing drops without a safety fence or a shop in sight!) Walk back to Wookey and reward yourself with a drink in The Wookey Hole Inn.
Kilve Beach
Somerset has some incredible coastlines. While Kilve beach doesn’t have luxurious white sand it does have plenty of rock pools for exploring at low tide. The village was listed in the Domesday Book as ‘Clive’ (which meant ‘cliff’). It’s quite rugged and a great place for fossil hunting – you might well discover an ammonite or two.
Kilve beach is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, so removing fossils from the cliffs and bedrock is prohibited. DO TAKE CARE PARKING as you could be issued with a fine. The grassy area before the beach is a good spot for a picnic.
Porlock Weir
This small tidal harbour has existed for a thousand years. Porlock Weir is picture postcard – full of little shops and tea rooms. It’s the perfect place for walking.
Porlock Weir harbour
The Somerset Levels
Pic by Nick James
As the name suggests, this region of Somerset is very flat. But as the Dutch will tell you, flat doesn’t mean boring! The Levels go on for miles and I can still get lost when I drive out there.
RSPB Greylake
It’s a great area for cycling (no nasty hills and not much traffic) and the countryside is beautiful. It’s also a haven for wildlife. Rare bird species are attracted to the wetlands making it a ‘Twitchers’ paradise. The Sheppey Inn and Sweets Tea Rooms are great stop-off points.
So that’s my brief list of some of the best places to go in Somerset. I hope to see you soon!
If you’re visiting over the festive season, take a look at my blog on Christmas events in Somerset.