Things to see and do in Somerset: our top picks

By Kingfisher Visitor Guides

Get your Glasto on

There’s plenty of music-related things to do in Somerset. Who hasn’t heard of the biggest greenfield festival in the world? Some 210,000 people go to Glastonbury’s much-loved five-day festival of contemporary performing arts, to see major music artists, along with dance, comedy, theatre, circus and cabaret. Tickets are known to sell out in minutes, so you need to be quick!

Delve deep in Wookey Hole

Meet the Witch of Wookey, marvel at the Dinosaur Grove, wander around the 19th-century paper mill, vintage penny arcade, magical mirror maze and cave museum at Wookey Hole. For children, there’s a pirate zap zone, soft play and much more.

Worship at Wells Cathedral

Set in the historic medieval heart of England’s smallest city, Wells is the earliest English cathedral to be built in the Gothic style. The famous Wells Cathedral Clock – is the second oldest clock mechanism in Britain, and probably in the world – is still in use, and you can also see one of the largest collections of historic stained glass in the country.

Climb the Tor

Visible from the festival site and for miles around, is Glastonbury Tor. As one of the most famous landmarks in Somerset, the Tor has a crucial spiritual meaning, an intricate Pagan and early Christian history and links to the legend of King Arthur.

Taste some local cheese

Somerset is the home of the world’s favourite cheese, Cheddar. It was created in the village of Cheddar in the 12th century and stored in its caves. It’s made all over the world now, but only ‘West Country Farmhouse Cheddar’ is made on Somerset farms. And of course, it’s best eaten with a glass of farmhouse cider!

Take in the scenery

Somerset has not one but three designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty – the Mendip, Blackdown and Quantock Hills. Deep wooded valleys, miles of heathland, pretty villages, archaeological remains, flora and fauna – these stunning areas are perfect for walking, cycling and horse riding.

Quantock Hills

Climb Cheddar Gorge

At Cheddar Gorge you’ll discover Beyond the View: a cinematic journey through the gorge with a 270-degree virtual tour, then enter the wonders of Gough’s Cave, visit the Museum of Prehistory and learn about early man in Dreamhunters at Cox’s Cave. Climb the 274 steps of Jacob’s Ladder to the Lookout Tower and enjoy the breathtaking views on the three-mile Clifftop Walk. You absolutely must make sure you take in the fantastic array of local shops, tea rooms and Cheddar cheese-making demonstrations.

Explore Exmoor National Park

This huge park (267 square miles) is known to contain absolutely everything from moorland to valleys, cliffs to farmland. And, of course, the Exmoor ponies and red deer. It has inspired many great poets, artists and writers over the centuries, too. Don’t forget to look up at the stars at night – with no light pollution it’s also the first place in Europe to be designated an International Dark Sky Reserve.

Drink cider

You can’t visit Somerset without tasting the drink it is famous for. Thatchers Cider has been recognised for its excellence in apple orcharding in the UK Grower Awards 2015. You can join one of their fantastic tours and enjoy “what cider’s supposed to taste like”. Visit Wilkins Cider Farm, near Wedmore (Mudgley’s to locals), and sample Roger Wilkins’s famous farmhouse scrumpy, together with mouthwatering local cheeses and pickles for an authentic Somerset cider experience.

Enjoy beach life

Somerset isn’t all countryside. In fact, it has the second longest stretch of sandy beaches in Europe, between Burnham-on-Sea and the headland (with stunning views, of course) of Brean Down. That’s eight fantastic beaches to choose from, including a nature reserve at Berrow. Whether you bring your bucket and spade or binoculars for bird watching, Somerset’s beaches will appeal to all.

Read more

Historic highlights in Somerset

Shopping centres and high streets in Somerset

Outdoor adventures in the wonderful county of Somerset