Things To Do In Somerset: A Guide to Making Your Somerset Trip the Best One

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When it comes to UK destinations, there aren’t many that can compete with the allure of the English countryside. The rolling hills, sprawling forests and picturesque villages that punctuate its landscape offer visitors a glimpse of rural life in what is undoubtedly one of the world’s most beautiful nations. But beauty isn’t the only thing Somerset has to offer. It also has some of the best things to do in the UK. It’s a small but thriving county that offers everything from bustling cities like Bristol and Bath. Also discover idyllic country towns like Ilminster and Glastonbury.

The heart of England’s Salisbury Plain is home to some of the country’s top attractions. These include Glastonbury Tor, Shepton Mallet Prison and Badminton House. The area is also known for its thriving cultural scene. With numerous festivals and events throughout the year including a wide array of music concerts. So whether you have just two days or several weeks to spend exploring this corner of England, here are some great things to see and do in Somerset

Spend a day at Bath

Bath is one of the most famous and famous-to-a-fault places in Great Britain. The Roman city of Aquae Sulis was the site of the first ever Olympic Games. The Georgian city is also home to some of the UK’s most impressive heritage sights. Bath is perhaps best known for its Roman architecture, including the Roman Aqueduct. Visitors can take a boat ride across the river. The Georgian architecture is also a sight to behold. The Royal Crescent stands out as one of the UK’s most iconic sights. But the city also has a beautiful mix of medieval and Victorian architecture. This makes it the perfect place to spend the day exploring.

Check out my post on visiting Bath here!

Visit Bristol

Bristol is one of the UK’s most vibrant and bustling cities. A hub for culture, education, healthcare and more, it is a place where people can find a vibrant community and experience a variety of things to do in Somerset. Bristol is one of the UK’s top cities for music. It has numerous music festivals and concerts taking place throughout the year. It is also home to Europe’s tallest building and the UK’s only Skyline, which offers visitors a bird’s eye view of the city. Visitors can spend their time in Bristol exploring the city’s many historical sights, including the UK’s largest indoor aquarium, the Bristol Museum, and the Somerset County Record Office, one of the UK’s oldest libraries. But a city tour is also a great way to see the city’s most iconic sites, including Clifton Suspension Bridge, BB King Centre, and Clifton Woods Park.

Stay in the country for a night

The New Forest should be at the top of anyone’s list when it comes to staying in the country for a night in Somerset. This is one of the UK’s most iconic landscapes, and is home to a variety of attractions including forest walks, wildlife sanctuaries, and museums. One of the most iconic sights in the forest is Beaulieu Abbey, a former monastery that is now a luxury hotel and home to one of the UK’s best restaurants. Next to the abbey is Beaulieu racecourse, the UK’s only purpose-built thoroughbred racing course. The New Forest is also home to the UK’s only purpose-built theme park, which offers a variety of attractions including a safari park, a pirate island and a roller coaster. There are also numerous forest walks in the forest designed around exploring the natural landscape, and the New Forest boasts the UK’s most comprehensive network of footpaths.

Check out my post on the New Forest here.

Visit the historic city of Wells

Wells is a well-preserved medieval city situated in the south of Somerset. It has been a settlement since Roman times, but has been a city since the mid-1300s, when it was granted city status by Edward II. Wells is a picturesque city that can be explored by foot, with many of the city’s most interesting sights being located in the historic centre. One of these is the Tower Hill, a hilltop site that offers spectacular views of the city and the surrounding area. Other important sights in the city include the Cathedral and the Guildhall. Visitors can also experience life in medieval times, with a walking tour of the city being a great way to explore the history of Wells. A number of attractions in the city are also open during music festivals, offering visitors the chance to experience the city during the summer months.

Visit the spiritual town of Glastonbury

Glastonbury is a beautiful town in Somerset, with many interesting places to visit. It is a hub of spirituality, with links to King Arthur, Goddess Spirituality, and Avalon. For anyone into New Age spirituality or witchcraft then this is a must visit. Glastonbury Tor is thought to represent the Island of Avalon, and Glastonbury Abbey is home to the grave of King Arthur. The town is full of shops stocking crystals, spiritual books, herbs and more. Make sure to visit the Chalice Well too – where the water is thought to be magical with healing properties! For a magical and unique day out, Glastonbury is a must visit.

Check out my post on the town of Glastonbury. to learn more.

Don’t just visit! Stay in one of the most picturesque towns and villages: Ilminster

Ilminster is a small town in Somerset that has a host of wonderful things to do in Somerset. Situated in the heart of the Mendip Hills, this is a great place to explore the county’s countryside and find some of the best things to do in Somerset. Ilminster is a picturesque place with a host of boutique shops, cafés and restaurants perfect for unwinding after a day exploring the county’s natural beauty.

Here are our top recommendations for places to stay in Ilminster:

1. Best Western The Shrubbery
2. The Flying Fish Stables
3. Dillington House
4. The Five Dials Inn
5. The Barrington Boar

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Somerset is one of the most beautiful countryside spots in the UK. From spiritual Glastonbury to artsy Bristol, to historical Bath, to the quaint and cute town of Wells, Somerset really has got it all. This is one of my top spots to visit in the UK, and I think it should be top of your list too.

For more ideas of what to do when travelling in the UK, check out my top 100 bucket list. You’re sure to spot some of the locations from this post on the list too.

Thank you so much for reading and I hope to see you back here again soon.

Ta-ta for now! x