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 11th 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.
In the heart of South Somerset countryside near Muchelney we have 4 custom built holiday cottages. Come and enjoy the peace and tranquillity. We even have facilities to bring your horse and other pets are welcome.
Based ...
This attractive cottage is a two storey addition to the 17th century Old Posthouse in Lower Weare, and provides cosy holiday accommodation. The living room has old stone walls and a window seat, and there is a small rear ...
Oak Tree Cottage, Higher Langridge Farm, Dulverton, Higher Langridge Farm, Dulverton, Somerset
Oak Tree Cottage is a semi-detached Grade II listed cottage. The cottage has a private entrance driveway and outside parking area and is accessed through a cloakroom/boot room to inner hallway with door leading off to ...
Spring Cottage, Green Lane, Sampford Moor, Wellington, Somerset
Spring Cottage is on the edge of the Blackdown Hills on the Somerset & Devon border, with outstanding views over Vale of Taunton Deane to Exmoor, the Brendon Hills, the Quantocks and beyond.
The cottage is at the end of ...
Ellis Barn is a single storey two bedroom barn conversion situated on a working farm 2 minutes from the A303 between Wincanton and Yeovil. It is built of natural Camel stone,very light and beams in all the rooms. It is ...
In summary, Holly Tree is a charming 200 year old cottage with self catering accommodation for up to 4 people.
Situated 5 minutes from Cheddar, this self catering accommodation comprises of a cosy lounge, dining room, ...
Spring Cottage, Green Lane, Sampford Moor, Wellington, Somerset
Spring Cottage offers a special break in an area of outstanding natural beauty on the edge of Somerset. Perched on the side of the Blackdown Hills, the cottage provides fantastic views over the Vale of Taunton Deane and is ...
Six stone cottages in a superb secluded south facing location with lovely gardens set amid 18 acres in Exmoor. We are 1,000 foot above sea level at the head of the Quarme Valley... a very special place.. abundant ...
Wait And Sea, 3, Mill court, Mill Street, Watchet, Somerset
A modern, well equipped three floor semi detached, ideally located for exploring the Quantocks, the Brendons and Exmoor. Located in the centre of Watchet, it has off road parking for two cars, is within a minutes walk of ...
Beanacre Barn, Church Farm, Turners Court Lane, Binegar, Wells, Somerset
Set in the beautiful Mendip Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), in Somerset, the Beanacre Barn, rated 4 Star by EnjoyEngland(Tourist Board), is an exceptionally spacious, open beamed barn which has been ...
...and relatively free of algae and surface flora if you fancy a paddle. Northumberland holiday cottages. The Erme, Ivybridge, Devon At first glance it might seem a little boisterous, but wander beyond the 19th Century viaduct at the heart of Ivybridge village and you'll...
...been introduced during the Crusades, around 1390. According to local business records, Gingerbrede was sold by various confectioner's along the High Street throughout the 16th Century. Local maltster Roland Lateward is modernly accredited as the first 'gingerbread baker' of Market Drayton,...
161 displayed of 161 properties found, no date selected
These well furnished holiday apartments are in an ideal location in the centre of the small village of Wookey Hole and next to the famous caves and papermill. The city of Wells is only 2 miles away with its magnificent ...
A charming cottage attached to the owner's fine 16th-century thatched country house in the delightful village of Stoke St Mary, 2 miles from Taunton. A ground floor holiday property opposite the church, it is set in ...
This detached single-storey barn conversion has been renovated to a good standard, providing comfortable holiday accommodation in a peaceful rural setting. There are magnificent far reaching views of the surrounding ...
Ashwick Hayloft, Ashwick, nr. Dulverton, Dulverton, Somerset
Nice things come in small packages and Ashwick Hayloft is no exception. Set in the hamlet of Ashwick, within the Exmoor National Park, just outside Dulverton with its shops, pubs, restaurants and other amenities. The ...
Situated on the Somerset Levels in central Somerset, just north of Somerton, this single storey holiday cottage is attached to the owner's Grade ll listed farmhouse, where you can unwind with walks and countryside with ...
Beanacre Barn, Church Farm, Turners Court Lane, Binegar, Wells, Somerset
Set in the beautiful Mendip Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), in Somerset, the Beanacre Barn, rated 4 Star by EnjoyEngland(Tourist Board), is an exceptionally spacious, open beamed barn which has been ...
Berrylands, Somerton, nr. Glastonbury, Glastonbury, Somerset
In the heart of Somerton, the ancient capital of Wessex, this well equipped and presented semi-detached holiday home for 4+1, is ideally located to explore South Somerset and all its delightful attractions. Wander into ...
Blackberry, Rolstone Barns, Rolstone, nr. Weston Super Mare, Weston Super Mare, Somerset
These renovated barns enjoy a peaceful, rural location close to the coastal resorts of west Somerset. Only 4 miles to Weston-Super-Mare, a beautiful seaside town with long sandy beaches and traditional family attractions, ...
Blueberry, Rolstone, nr. Weston Super Mare, Weston Super Mare, Somerset
These renovated barns enjoy a peaceful, rural location close to the coastal resorts of west Somerset. Only 4 miles to Weston-Super-Mare, a beautiful seaside town with long sandy beaches and traditional family attractions, ...
Nestling in the foothills of the Brendons, this single-storey holiday cottage adjoins the owner's period house, and offers use of an outdoor heated swimming pool (weather permitting, end of May - end of August, shared with ...
Yeo Farm is a small country estate nestling in the picturesque hamlet of Waterrow on the Somerset/Devon border at the foot of the Brendon Hills. Walkers and dog owners are welcome at these adult only farm cottages and a ...
Bramley Barn, Kewstoke, Weston-super-Mare, Weston Super Mare, Somerset
These well appointed and attractive detached holiday cottages lie in the village of Kewstoke, only 1.5 miles from a local unspoilt beach at Sandbay and the National Trust headland of Sand Point. They have been renovated ...
Situated on the edge of Exmoor National Park, close to the medieval village of Dunster, this cosy holiday cottage with woodburner in inglenook, offers good views from the garden of the West Somerset coast. This Crown ...
This single-storey holiday cottage, one of a pair, converted from a traditional Somerset Longbarn is situated on a working beef and sheep farm. Located on the Isle of Wedmore, where King Arthur famously signed The Treaty ...
Cider Barn, Hutton, nr. Weston-Super-Mare, Weston Super Mare, Somerset
Formerly part of the Hutton Court Estate, dating back to the Domesday Book, these holiday properties are set in an AONB near to the owner's home on the edge of the village. There are lovely rural views with woodland walks ...
This detached holiday cottage is set within Exmoor National Park, in an elevated position, boasting far reaching views. Touring the many footpaths and coastal walks that Exmoor has to offer will be a delight, some ...
Situated on the fringe of the coastal town of Minehead, this terraced holiday cottage over two floors forms part of a small development within easy reach of all the areas attractions. There are walks onto Exmoor from the ...
This 300 year old former farm labourers cottage has been sympathetically restored to provide attractive accommodation. It is situated on the edge of Minehead close to the surrounding open countryside. It is an ideal base ...
Cowslip Barn, Litton, nr. Radstock, Radstock, Somerset
This single-storey barn is located in a picturesque village on the edge of the Mendip Hills, offering an ideal holiday base for exploring Somerset. Fully renovated the property offers cosy, contemporary accommodation full ...
Curly Willow, Wookey Hole, nr. Wells, Wells, Somerset
These well furnished holiday apartments are in an ideal location in the centre of the small village of Wookey Hole and next to the famous caves and papermill. The city of Wells is only 2 miles away with its magnificent ...
Denhill Cottage, Chipstable, nr. Taunton, Dulverton, Somerset
Situated on a 100-acre working farm, bordering the Brendon Hills, this attached 17th century cottage has been completely renovated to a good standard. Situated between the Exmoor National Park, Blackdown Hills and the ...
Set within the grounds of Newton House in the rural village of North Newton, Somerset. Dragonfly Barn is a charming barn conversion providing two self contained semi-detached holiday units (refs 26907 and 26908). Situated ...
East Cottage, Porlock, Minehead, Porlock, Somerset
Situated in the pretty West Somerset village of Porlock, East Cottage is an ideal holiday location for those wanting to explore all the amenities Porlock has to offer, Bossington, Porlock Weir or up to Exmoor National ...
This pretty cottage forms part of the owner's impressive farmhouse. Set in a peaceful rural location, within the boundaries of Exmoor National Park, the holiday cottage has wonderful views out across the valley and is ...
Elderberry, Rolstone, nr. Weston Super Mare, Weston Super Mare, Somerset
These renovated barns enjoy a peaceful, rural location close to the coastal resorts of west Somerset. Only 4 miles to Weston-Super-Mare, a beautiful seaside town with long sandy beaches and traditional family attractions, ...
Ellick Barn, Blagdon, nr. Somerset, Wells, Somerset
Ellick Barn is set in farmland on the northern edge of the Mendip Hills, at the top of Burrington Combe, where the famous 'Rock of Ages' can be found. The converted, detached holiday property is conveniently set on a main ...
Ellis Barn is a single storey two bedroom barn conversion situated on a working farm 2 minutes from the A303 between Wincanton and Yeovil. It is built of natural Camel stone,very light and beams in all the rooms. It is ...
Ellis Barn is a single storey two bedroom barn conversion situated on a working farm 2 minutes from the A303 between Wincanton and Yeovil. It is built of natural Camel stone,very light and beams in all the rooms. It is ...
This charming, detached character Grade II rustic barn is set in the owners' grounds at Ashford near Ilton, which itself is just north of Ilminster, and is ideally located for exploring south Somerset, west Dorset and east ...
This former fisherman's cottage built in 1790 is the ideal base for a family or walking holiday. Being only 200 yards from the shops, tea rooms, restaurants and bars, this is a lovely setting just opposite the river. The ...