Explore Somerset
If you are looking to explore Somerset, the multi award-winning The Cross at Croscombe B&B is a great choice.
The pretty village of Croscombe lies in the heart of the county making it a great base from which to roam.
This large and diverse county has many fantastic attractions. All the places listed below are just a short drive away. There really is something for everyone to enjoy, so come and explore Somerset.
Find out more about some of the great Somerset Festivals.
The Visit Somerset e-book is packed full of ideas and amazing imagery. Download a copy. For more ideas, please take a look at my blogs.
Explore the local area
Enjoy beautiful coastlines, picturesque villages, stunning countryside, historical cities, ancient monuments and a host of family attractions.
There are a number of fabulous gardens nearby. One of my regular customers is Flora Garden Tours. They use my premises when they explore the host of gardens in Somerset.
Listed below are just a few of the fantastic trips you could take.
explore somerset and enjoy…
Gorgeous gorges
Running through Somerset are the Mendip Hills, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. They are made up of steep slopes, undulating hills and spectacular gorges which overlook the Somerset Levels. Cheddar Gorge is the most famous, but Ebbor Gorge and Wookey Hole are also fine examples.
Cheddar Gorge
Architecture, history, & wildlife
Keen ‘Twitchers’ should head to the Somerset Levels. This area is home to an amazing array of wildlife. The incredible aerial displays by thousands of starlings are an amazing sight. There are lots of RSPB reserves near to Croscombe, these include Ham Wall.
The starling murmurations at the Avalon Marshes often contain over half a million birds!
The Somerset Levels by Nick James
Explore Wells – ENGLAND’S SMALLEST CATHEDRAL CITY
Wells is a beautiful city full of historic buildings and amazing architecture. It’s just a couple of miles from Croscombe.
The gardens at the Bishop’s Palace
Wells is renowned for its magnificent Cathedral, the moated Bishop’s Palace and Europe’s oldest continuously occupied residential street, Vicars’ Close.
In 2020, Which? named Wells, ‘Best UK City Break‘ and in 2022 Which? readers named Wells ‘Best Small UK City for a short break‘.
Wells Cathedral
Wells also plays host to a vibrant market on Wednesdays and Saturdays. These markets showcase a wealth of local produce. The long established farmers’ market has won ‘Best South West Farmers’ Market’ in the Taste of the West awards.
Cedars Hall – A state-of-the-art performance centre
The city also has a fantastic concert hall, Cedars Hall. This performance centre is situated in the grounds of Wells Cathedral School. Cedars Hall hosts many special concerts.
Wells Comedy Festival is now a well-established event. In 2023 it takes place 26-28 May. The Mail on Sunday named the festival in their 2019 list of, ‘Most fabulous festivals’!
Long Paws Comedy Club in Wells also has regular events. Past acts have included; Russell Howard, Sara Pascoe and Stewart Lee.
Find out more about the events, attractions and activities in Wells. If you fancy a guided walk around Wells you could take a self-guided tour or get in touch with Siobhan at Wells Walking Tours.
The independent and specialist shops make the small city of Wells a shopping haven. If you can’t find what you are looking for in Wells, the shopping outlets at Clarks Village and Kilver Court are well worth a visit.
events & VILLAGES CLOSE BY
The Bath and West Showground in Shepton Mallet has events on all year round and is just 5 miles away from The Cross at Croscombe.
The biggest event in their packed calendar is the annual Royal Bath & West Show.
The Royal Bath & West Show
MARVELLOUS MELLS
The lovely village of Mells is just 10 miles from The Cross at Croscombe. Mells has beautiful walks, great places to eat and large dollops of architectural genius on display. Read my handy guide to Mells.
EXPLORE HISTORIC WEDMORE
Wedmore is around a dozen miles from The Cross at Croscombe. It is a lovely village steeped in history. In 878, King Alfred rallied his Somerset troops and defeated King Guthrum. The Treaty of Wedmore was subsequently agreed. Read my guide to Wedmore.
St. Mary’s Church & the war memorial in Wedmore
EXPLORE SOMERSET – MORE FAMILY favourites
Wookey Hole with its world famous caves and numerous onsite attractions is a firm family favourite.
Longleat Safari and Adventure Park (in Wiltshire I know, but only 16 miles from Croscombe!) also makes a great day out.
Sit back, relax and chug through the beautiful Somerset countryside on one of the East Somerset Railway’s amazing steam trains.
During the year, the railway run several seasonal specials. You’ll find Spooky Specials in late October and the ever popular ‘Santa train‘ in December. Remember to book well in advance!
explore Bath, Bristol & Glastonbury
Glastonbury is famous for its music festival and Abbey. Stretch your legs and walk up to the iconic Tor to admire the view for miles around. The town is full of colourful characters, alternative and mystical shops and great vegetarian and organic restaurants. Find out more about Glastonbury’s connection to King Arthur, Guinevere and even the Grail.
Glastonbury Abbey
The Glastonbury Abbey Extravaganza takes place in August and always sells out quickly, so be sure to book your tickets well in advance.
The Somerset Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury has undergone extensive refurbishment. Learn more about the county’s heritage and take in one of the regular exhibitions.
The cities of Bath and Bristol are only 22 miles away from Croscombe.
The Roman Baths in Bath
Both are well worth a visit as you explore Somerset.
explore Bruton
The small, ancient town of Bruton is just 10 miles from Croscombe. People travel from miles around to visit the pioneering gallery and multi-purpose arts centre.
There are also plenty of places to eat and drink in this thriving town. These include a small restaurant opened by the UK’s youngest Michelin star chef!
Exmoor is close by
Much of Exmoor National Park is in Somerset. The countryside here is simply stunning and the views are breathtaking.
Tarr Steps
explore more of somerset’s great markets
The fantastic Frome Independent Market takes place on the first Sunday of the month (from March to December). It’s one of my favourite Somerset markets. Happy shopping!
The Cheese & Grain in Frome hosts a wide range of events all year round; comedy, concerts, festivals, gigs and markets to name but a few. This not for profit, social enterprise has been going for 20 years. It aims to promote Frome’s social, cultural and economic life.
Somerset really does have it all. For a comprehensive list of the other major events in the county Visit Somerset.
I hope to be able to welcome you to The Cross at Croscombe soon. Do come and explore Somerset!
