Somerset is one of the UK’s most stunning counties, with rolling hills, mystical landmarks, and a long tradition of fine food produce. From the honey-coloured Georgian buildings of Bath to the legendary Glastonbury Tor, the region offers an enchanting mix of history, culture, and natural beauty that makes it perfect for a memorable Somerset weekend break.
How to Get to Somerset
Getting to Somerset is straightforward from most parts of the UK, with excellent transport links by train, car, and coach.
By Train
Somerset is well-served by high-speed trains from London. Great Western Railway (GWR) operates regular direct services from London Paddington to major Somerset stations:
- Bath Spa: 1 hour 30 minutes from London Paddington
- Taunton: 1 hour 42 minutes from London Paddington
- Castle Cary: 1 hour 39 minutes from London Paddington
- Bridgwater: 2 hours 23 minutes from London Paddington
South Western Railway also runs services from London Waterloo to Yeovil Junction. Train tickets typically range from £70-£200 depending on time of booking and service type.
By Car
Somerset is easily accessible via the motorway network:
- From London and the Southeast: Take the M4 westbound, connecting to the M5 southbound at Bristol, or take the M3 connecting with the A303 into south Somerset
- From the Midlands and North: Take the M5 southbound, with junctions 24 (Bridgwater) and 25 (Taunton) providing access to Somerset
- From the Southwest: Take the A39 along the north coast and across Exmoor
The drive from London takes approximately 2.5-3 hours depending on your destination within Somerset.
By Air
The nearest airports are:
- Bristol Airport: 40 miles from central Somerset
- Exeter Airport: 44 miles from Taunton
- Bournemouth Airport: 50 miles from south Somerset
Somerset Weekend Break: Best Things to Do
Whether you choose to base yourself in a town such as Bath or Wells, or in the countryside as we did, it’s easy to explore the county of Somerset. Spread over 1,610 square miles, Somerset has a good road network and rail connections, making it simple to visit multiple attractions during your stay.
1.Bath
Somerset’s main town is one of the most beautiful in the UK. There are many impressive Georgian buildings, a huge array of independent stores, and some top tourist attractions.
Somerset’s main town is one of the most beautiful in the UK. There are many impressive Georgian buildings, a huge array of independent stores, and some top tourist attractions.
No visit to Bath would be complete without a visit to the Roman Baths. The Romans loved Bath as much as we do, and built a temple in 60-70 AD at the source of natural hot springs. The Baths and the Grand Pump Room attract more than a million visitors each year.
Minerva’s Head is one of the major finds in the Roman Baths museum collection – discovered in 1727, she is all that remains of a bronze statue of the goddess Sulis Minerva.
After visiting the Roman Baths, pop into the Pump Rooms. A drink of the hot spring water is included in the price of admission to the baths.
Bath Abbey, or the Abbey Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, to give it its full title, is a former Benedictine monastery and Anglican parish church with stunning Gothic architecture.
The Royal Crescent is one of Bath’s most iconic sights. This elegant row of 30 Georgian terraced houses was designed by architect John Wood the Younger.
No. 1 Royal Crescent is a must-visit, a historic house museum depicting life in Georgian England. Not only are the interiors charming, but the volunteers in each room are a mine of information about life below and above stairs.
2.Glastonbury Tor
Glastonbury Tor is an iconic hill that has been a spiritual magnet for centuries. Standing 521 feet above sea level, this prominent landmark is topped by a 15th-century tower – all that remains of the former St. Michael’s Church. The tower offers spectacular views over the Somerset Levels, Dorset, and Wiltshire.
The Tor is mentioned in Welsh mythology, particularly in myths linked to King Arthur and the island of Avalon, and has several other enduring mythological and spiritual associations. Legend says that beneath the hill there’s a hidden cave through which you pass into the fairy realm of Annwn, and that the Holy Grail lies here.
Managed by the National Trust, the site is free to visit and is accessible via a steep walk from Glastonbury town centre (approximately 25 minutes) or by the Tor Bus during Summer months.
3.Glastonbury Abbey
Glastonbury Abbey is thought to be the cradle of Christianity in England and is reputed to be the burial place of King Arthur. The spectacular ruins are situated just off Glastonbury’s main High Street and offer 36 acres of grounds to explore.
The abbey offers free entry for under 16s all year round, making it an excellent family destination. Visitors can use the Glastonbury Stories AR app to discover the site through augmented reality, seeing 3D reconstructions of the original buildings and hearing stories from medieval inhabitants.
4.Wookey Hole
The UK’s oldest tourist attraction and largest cave system, Wookey Hole is somewhat kitsch but great fun! Four hundred years ago, cheese was matured in the caves, as the 11°C temperature was ideal.
The Wookey Hole Caves have been in use for over 45,000 years. They were the site of the first cave dive in the country, by Jack Sheppard and Graham Balcombe in 1935.
You wear hard hats for part of the tour, although there is no danger – it adds to the sense of excitement.
5.Cheddar Gorge
This limestone gorge offers spectacular scenery and is a great base for hiking. The dramatic cliffs and caves make for an impressive sight, and the picturesque village has excellent Cheddar cheese shops.
This is where Britain’s most complete human skeleton, Cheddar Man, was discovered in 1903 – he was around 9,000 years old. Keep an eye out for the cute mountain goats that inhabit the area.
If you’re looking for somewhere to eat, we recommend Cafe Gorge at The Original Cheddar Cheese Company – the perfect spot to refuel after exploring the gorge. Their cheese toastie is a must-try, featuring authentic Cheddar cheese made right here in its birthplace.
6.Wells
Wells is a lovely little market town with a striking Gothic Cathedral. Its facade has over three hundred sculpted figures.
Designed in the early English architectural style, Wells Cathedral has beautiful medieval stained glass windows. The Jesse Tree window dates from the 14th century.
The Bishop’s Palace is next to the cathedral and was constructed from 1210 onwards. The current bishop still lives here.
Also in the centre of Wells, don’t miss Vicar’s Close. The oldest complete medieval street in Europe, it was designed to provide accommodation for church workers.
Wells Market is another popular local attraction, with medieval gateways known as the Bishop’s Eye and Penniless Porch. There are twice weekly markets held here on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
For an exceptional dining experience, visit Root restaurant in Wells. This celebrated restaurant focuses on seasonal, local ingredients. Order a selection of their small plates to sample the best of Somerset’s produce prepared with creative flair.
7.Somerset Rural Life Museum
Located in Glastonbury, this fascinating museum is centred around a magnificent 14th-century barn and offers captivating insights into Somerset’s agricultural heritage and rural traditions. The barn itself, once part of Glastonbury Abbey’s estates, is an architectural marvel with its soaring timber roof and impressive stone walls.
The museum showcases the story of farming and rural life in Somerset through the Victorian era and into the 20th century. Exhibits include a wonderful collection of vintage farm machinery and recreated period rooms including a Victorian farmhouse kitchen.
Children will love the outdoor play area and the opportunity to see rare breed animals including sheep, chickens, and pigs. The beautiful orchard, planted with traditional Somerset apple varieties used for cider making, is perfect for a peaceful stroll, especially during blossom time in Spring.
8.The Somerset Levels and Brean Down
This unique wetland landscape offers excellent birdwatching opportunities and peaceful walks. The flat terrain makes it perfect for cycling, and the area is renowned for its stunning sunsets and atmospheric mist-covered mornings.
Brean Down is a dramatic limestone peninsula jutting out into the Bristol Channel, offering some of the most spectacular coastal views in Somerset. This National Trust site extends 1.5 miles into the sea and rises to 97 metres at its highest point.
The walk along the ridge rewards visitors with panoramic views across the Somerset Levels, the Welsh coast. On clear days, you can see as far as Exmoor and the Quantock Hills. At the far end of the peninsula, you’ll find the remains of a Victorian fort, built in 1865 as part of Britain’s coastal defenses.
The area is rich in wildlife, with rare plants, butterflies, and seabirds. It’s also an important site for archaeology, with evidence of human activity dating back to the Bronze Age. The steep climb from the beach is worth the effort – just remember to check tide times if walking along the beach approach.
9.The Mendip Hills
The Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offers a stunning landscape of limestone ridges, dramatic gorges, and underground caves. This ancient landscape stretches from Weston-super-Mare to Frome and provides endless opportunities for outdoor activities.
Key highlights include:
- Burrington Combe: A dramatic gorge where Augustus Toplady was inspired to write “Rock of Ages” while sheltering from a storm
- Charterhouse: An area of ancient lead mining with fascinating industrial archaeology
- Ebbor Gorge: A hidden gem managed by Natural England, perfect for woodland walks
- Priddy: A traditional village famous for its annual sheep fair and ancient hurdle stack
The Mendips are also home to numerous caves and potholes, making it a paradise for cavers. Above ground, the network of footpaths and bridleways offers excellent walking, cycling, and horse riding opportunities. The area’s dark skies are perfect for stargazing, and the traditional pubs scattered throughout the hills provide welcome refreshment stops.
10.Montacute House
Montacute House is a magnificent Elizabethan Renaissance mansion and one of the finest examples of late 16th-century architecture in England. This National Trust property, located near Yeovil, was built in the 1590s for Sir Edward Phelips, a successful lawyer and Speaker of the House of Commons.
The house is renowned for its stunning Long Gallery – the longest surviving gallery of its kind in England – which houses an outstanding collection of Tudor and Jacobean portraits on loan from the National Portrait Gallery. The exterior features beautiful golden Ham Hill stone that glows warmly in sunlight, ornate gables, and elegant chimneys.
Film and TV enthusiasts might recognize Montacute as a filming location for period dramas, including adaptations of Jane Austen novels and “Wolf Hall”. The house offers a fascinating glimpse into Elizabethan life and is surrounded by the picturesque village of Montacute with its charming thatched cottages and historic pub.
11.Exmoor National Park
The Somerset portion of Exmoor National Park offers some of England’s most dramatic and unspoiled landscapes. This wild moorland stretches across north Somerset, characterized by purple heather-covered hills, ancient woodlands, and deep valleys with fast-flowing rivers.
Tarr Steps, one of Exmoor’s most famous landmarks, is an ancient clapper bridge spanning the River Barle. This prehistoric structure consists of 17 huge stone slabs weighing up to 5 tons each, laid across stone pillars.
Local legend claims it was built by the devil for sunbathing, but it’s more likely to date from around 1000 BC. The bridge is surrounded by beautiful ancient woodland, and the circular walks from here offer some of the best river scenery in the National Park.
Other Exmoor highlights in Somerset include:
- Dunkery Beacon: The highest point on Exmoor at 519m, offering 360-degree views reaching to Wales
- Dunster Castle and Village: A fairytale castle overlooking a perfectly preserved medieval village
- Porlock Vale: A picturesque valley with the charming villages of Porlock and Porlock Weir
- Horner Wood: Ancient oak woodland perfect for autumn colors and wildlife spotting
- Wild Red Deer: Exmoor is home to England’s largest wild land mammal – best seen during the Autumn rut
The Somerset section of Exmoor offers excellent opportunities for hiking, horse riding, mountain biking, and stargazing in one of England’s first International Dark Sky Reserves. The coast where Exmoor meets the sea features England’s highest sea cliffs and charming harbours like Porlock Weir and Minehead.
12.Frome
Frome (pronounced “Froom”) is a vibrant market town that has transformed itself into a hub of independent culture and creativity. With its steep cobbled streets and medieval buildings, Frome become a magnet for artists, makers, and independent businesses.
The heart of Frome is Cheap Street, a charming cobbled lane with a water course running down its centre, lined with independent shops, cafes, and galleries. The street leads down to the historic Frome Bridge and offers a delightful shopping experience away from chain stores.
Key attractions include:
- Frome Independent Market: Held on the first Sunday of each month, this award-winning market features over 200 stalls selling everything from artisan food to vintage clothing and handmade crafts
- Catherine Hill: Another picturesque cobbled street packed with antique shops, vintage stores, and quirky independent retailers
- Rye Bakery: A must-visit artisan bakery famous throughout the West Country for its sourdough and pastries
- The Black Swan Arts: A creative hub housed in a former pub, featuring galleries, studios, and a vegetarian café
- Frome Museum: Showcasing the town’s rich history from prehistoric times through its medieval wool trade to its industrial heritage
Where to Stay in Somerset
Midnight Moon – Luxury Holiday Lodge
For those seeking a perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and countryside charm, Midnight Moon lodge offers an exceptional Somerset retreat. This 5-star property combines sleek Scandinavian-inspired design with quintessential English countryside views, creating a truly magical escape.
Set within 18 acres of stunning grounds, this beautifully appointed lodge features outstanding facilities that rival any luxury hotel:
- Private outdoor jacuzzi on the terrace, perfect for stargazing on clear Somerset nights
- Wood burner on the terrace, creating a cozy atmosphere on cooler evenings
- Heated indoor pool in the grounds for year-round swimming
- Sauna, steam room and ice bucket for complete relaxation after exploring Somerset
- Fully equipped and spacious gym with all the latest fitness machines
The property’s attention to detail is exceptional. The luxurious king-size bed comes complete with plush robes and slippers, while thoughtful touches like a wine cooler ensure you can properly unwind. The modern interior design creates a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere, with large windows framing the breathtaking countryside views.
One of Midnight Moon’s most charming features is the resident pygmy goats – these adorable animals add a delightful touch of rural authenticity to your stay and are sure to bring smiles to guests of all ages.
The location is ideal for exploring Somerset’s attractions:
- Just 5 miles from historic Wells Cathedral and the charming market town of Wells
- 7.5 miles from the dramatic Cheddar Gorge
- Easy access to Bath, Glastonbury, and the Mendip Hills
- Perfectly positioned for day trips throughout Somerset
The charming owners have created something truly special here, with their warm hospitality adding a personal touch that makes every stay memorable. This is more than just accommodation – it’s a destination in itself where you can create lasting memories.
Best Time to Visit Somerset
Somerset is beautiful year-round, but each season offers different experiences:
- Spring (March-May): Perfect for walking with wildflowers in bloom
- Summer (June-August): Ideal for festivals and outdoor activities
- Autumn (September-November): Stunning colours and harvest season
- Winter (December-February): Cosy pub visits and Christmas markets
Local Food and Drink
Somerset is renowned for its culinary offerings:
- Cheddar cheese: Visit the source of this world-famous cheese
- Somerset cider: Sample traditional farmhouse ciders
- Local produce: Farm shops offer seasonal vegetables and fruits
- Cream teas: A must-try West Country tradition
Practical Tips for Your Somerset Weekend Break
- Book attractions in advance during peak season (July-August)
- Many rural attractions have limited public transport, so consider car hire
- Weather can be changeable – pack layers and waterproofs
- Many museums and attractions offer combined tickets for savings
- Check opening times, especially for smaller attractions which may have seasonal hours
Somerset truly offers something for everyone – from history buffs and spiritual seekers to families and food lovers. Whether you’re climbing Glastonbury Tor at sunrise, soaking in Bath’s Roman heritage, or simply enjoying the peaceful countryside, a Somerset weekend break promises unforgettable memories.
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