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?
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