Camping in Somerset - A List of Somerset Campsites

More about camping in Somerset

Somerset is in the South West of the country. It is a rural county with large expanses of land, called the Somerset Levels, and the rolling Mendip and Quantock Hills. Agriculture is the major business in the county and it is also famous for its Cheddar cheese and cider. Taunton is the county town.

Bath is a city on the River Avon, and was first established as a spa resort 'Aquae Sulis' by the Romans. The Royal Crescent is the most picturesque street. The sheer grandeur and scale of the buildings is just spectacular. It is a residential road of 30 houses and is amongst the greatest example of Georgian architecture found in the UK. The Crescent now includes an hotel and museum, and it been used as a location for many films and TV programmes. Bath is crammed full of wonderful landmarks and monuments, many dating back hundreds of years. The Roman Baths are situated in the heart of the city. Guided tours of the unique historical baths make it a top tourist attraction.

Weston-Super-Mare is a popular seaside tourist destination. located on the Bristol Channel coast. The beach is sandy but low tide uncovers areas of thick mud. These mudflats are very dangerous to walk in. The Great Pier is one of the most popular attractions in the town. The pier houses the Weston life boat station.
Ywovil is a town in the south of the county. Ninesprings is a country park and the largest in the county spanning over 20 acres. Yeovil has a thriving livestock market which has been in the town since the 1800's.

Wells, the smallest city in England is on the edge of the Mendip hills. It is a pretty thriving market town and a great tourist area. Glastonbury abbey is one of the grandest in England, set in 36 acres of parkland, and the legendary burial place of King Arthur. Glastonbury is probably best known for its festival, the largest open air music festival in the world. There has been a festival here in June for many years.

The Somerset levels is a coastal plain and wetland are in central Somerset. There are many cycle routes and long distance footpaths here.

Things to do in Somerset

If you're looking for peace, calm and tranquility with a twist, head for the lovely, unhurried and very green county of Somerset.

Some of England's loveliest small towns are in Somerset. Glastonbury has come to mean the music festival in recent years, but the town is one of the spiritual centres of England and well worth a visit. Wrap up warm and head for the top of the Tor for a 360 degree view of the south west, then head down to the sanctuary of the Chalice Well, or the Abbey. Nearby Wells is the smallest city in England, with a beautiful cathedral and quirky clock. Cheddar Gorge is also a must-see, with its impressive caves and museum of prehistoric man. In summer there are live demonstrations of flint-knapping and other essential skills to make it in the Stone Age. Cheddar also has excellent local shops, selling everything from cheese (of course) to leather goods. If caves are your thing, then Wookey Hole, is another, great day out, and possibly the only tourist attraction in England to have its very own resident witch.

If you've had enough of driving for the day, take a trip on the West Somerset Railway and steam through the countryside on an old fashioned diesel. Put on your hiking boots and head for the wide open spaces of Exmoor or visit one of the excellent sandy beaches in the area.

If you feel the need for bright lights, fish and chips and a traditional pier, head for Weston-super-Mare. The recently renovated seafront has won numerous awards and offers safe, level access with a view over the Bristol Channel that's hard to beat.

For a more genteel day, visit the jewel of the county, the beautiful city of Bath. Watch glass blowers at work, listen to the buskers outside the Abbey, or explore the many artisan shops in town. Walk the same streets as Jane Austen, take in an evening comedy or ghost tour, and treat yourself to a Sally Lunn's cream tea. Step back even further in time with a visit to the Roman Baths, or take the city sightseeing bus to see Royal Crescent from a higher vantage point.

If quirkiness appeals to you, then the Bakelite museum near Williton is much more interesting than the name suggests. If you're in the Yeovil area, then the Haynes Museum is well worth a visit, with historic motor cars from decades gone by. For those who are fans of all things aviation-related, then the Fleet Air Museum is also a great day out. If you have small children who need entertaining, Puxton Park and Brean Down offer charming amusement parks.

The history of this gentle county features relatively few battles and invasions compared to other parts of the UK, so castles are few and far between. Dunster Castle, however, is worth a visit, and there are several attractive stately homes like Tyntesfield.

The shopping is, in the main, much more interesting than on 'clone' high streets, and even the big names offer shopping with a twist. Visit Clarks Village in Street for outlet shopping or experience the Royal Bath and West Show near Bath in May or June, when the best of the west is on display, from local honey to local horses. Somerset folk are real 'salt of the earth', and wherever you are, you're likely to strike up conversation or, at least, encounter a friendly smile.

And after all, how can you not smile in a county where the ambassador band is the Wurzels?

Campsites in Somerset

Somerset Campsite Map

Use the map below to find a campsite in Somerset- simply zoom into the relevant area and you will find all the campsites indicated by markers. Click on any marker for more information. Alternatively, you can browse campsites by region/county using the links below.