2 Bedroom Somerset cottages

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A largely rural county, with the rolling hills of the Mendips, Quantocks and Exmoor National Park contrasting with the vast flat expanses of the Somerset Levels, Somerset sits between the Devon/Cornwall peninsula and the Bristol Channel. Agriculture is at the heart of industry in the county, with sheep and cattle farming leading to a local focus on wool production and cheese-making (particularly Cheddar). Although the number of orchards is now much depleted, cider-making is still a well-established craft, whilst the cultivation of willow for basket-making is also a thriving business.

Things to do in Somerset

The World’s oldest known road is thought to be the Sweet Track, an ancient causeway across the Somerset Levels. The county has numerous historical monuments, including the iconic Glastonbury Tor, the Iron Age hill fort at Cadbury Castle, Ham Hill and the stone circles at Stanton Drew.

At Wookey Hole, a series of caves have been created into a well-known tourist attraction. Cheddar Gorge in the Mendip Hills is also a popular local site for visitors, and a noted natural wonder, attracting Peregrine Falcons, buzzards and kestrel s to its slopes.

Top Destinations

Bath – Perhaps the quintessential spa town since Roman times, the waters on which they are based are actually the only naturally-occurring hot springs in the UK, and are still popular with modern visitors. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, Bath is a major centre of tourism, with its Georgian crescents attracting visitors all year round.

Minehead – A coastal town, which lies to the south of the Bristol Channel, Minehead was once a major mediaeval port and trading centre. At one end of the longest countryside walking trail in the UK, the South West Coast Path, the town is also a focus for a number of leisure activities, including sailing, windsurfing and golf.

Bridgwater – On the edge of the Somerset Levels, this market town has played a pivotal role in a number of national military events throughout English history, including the Second Barons’ War in the 11^th century, the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381 and the English Civil War in 1645. Once a major port, the wharf is still used for the transfer of sand, gravel and salt.

Crewkerne – Once a centre for the textile industry, the town’s wealth is still reflected in the fabric of its fine fifteenth century church. Bincombe Beeches and the pasture, fen and grassland at Millwater, offer naturalists the opportunity to see Sedge Warblers, Reed Bunting and all manner of invertebrate fauna.

Taunton – This county town lies in the fertile vale between the Quantock, Brendon and Blackdown hills. Taunton Castle staged the trial of Perkin Walbeck, and although little of the original castle remains, it is now the site of the current county museum.

Frome – Once larger than Bath, the town, located on the uneven high ground above the River Frome, built its wealth on the cloth and wool industry. The steep cobbled streets, lined with yellow-stoned weavers cottages, and the contrasting Georgian houses, offer a picturesque attraction for modern visitors.

Wells – The smallest cathedral city in England, located on the southern edge of the Mendip Hills, Wells was an important Saxon settlement. The interior of the cathedral is a supreme example of Early English Gothic, whilst in the north transept, a stunning 24-hour astronomical clock, dating from 1390, has jousting knights charging each other on the quarter hour.

Weston-super-Mare – As with many coastal towns, Weston was just a small village until the coming of the railway in the Victorian era turned it into a popular seaside holiday destination. The large tidal range of the Bristol Channel means that this seaside resort has a low tide mark which can reach for over a mile from the seafront.