Days out in Somerset

• Allerford Museum
  The Rural Life Museum is housed in the old Village School leased from the National Trust. It was a school from 1821 to 1981 and opened as the Rural Life Museum in 1983.
  
• American Museum in Britain
  The American Museum in Britain takes you on a journey through the history of America, from its early settlers to the 20th century
  
• Animal Farm Adventure Park
  Stay & play all day at Somerset's biggest all weather family day out, Cuddle pets & baby animals, mega playbarn with three levels of action packed fun.
  
• At-Bristol
  With hundreds of hands-on exhibits, live science shows and a Planetarium, At-Bristol is one of the UK's biggest and most exciting interactive science centres.
  
• Barrington Court
  Barrington Court is a 16th century manor house which epitomises the ongoing work of the National Trust. This is a lovely Tudor manor house with Gertrude Jekyll-inspired gardens.
  
• Bath Abbey
  In Bath Abbey you are visiting a church that celebrated its 500th anniversary in 1999. However, hidden below your feet lie traces of earlier churches that take the history of Christian worship in this place back over a thousand years.
  
• Bath Assembly Rooms
  The Ball Room, Octagon, Tea Room and Card Room of the magnificent Assembly Rooms were used in the eighteenth century for dancing, music, card playing, tea drinking and conversation.
  
• Bath Postal Museum
  Discover how 18th-Century Bath influenced and developed the Postal System, including the story of the Penny Post.
  
• Blaise Castle House Museum
  The museum features displays of everyday life in and around Bristol, including toys, costumes and domestic equipment. It stands in extensive grounds and woodland.
  
• Bristol Zoo Gardens
  A visit to Bristol Zoo Gardens is an adventure into an exciting animal kingdom, all set within 12 acres of beautiful gardens.
  
• Bristol's Georgian House
  A carefully preserved example of a late 18th-century sugar merchant's town house.
  
• Bristol's Red Lodge
  Built c. 1590, it was in the grounds of the Great House which stood on the site of the present Colston Hall. Inside on the first floor, is the last surviving suite of 16th-century rooms in Bristol.
  
• Bristols City Museum and Art Gallery
  Bristol Museum & Art Gallery tells the story of our world in every display, from the beginning of time to the present day.
  
• Cheddar Caves and Gorge
  Cheddar Gorge is the biggest, most dramatic gorge in Britain, with cliffs rising to 450ft, and two beautiful stalactite caverns.
  
• Cleeve Abbey
  The picturesque Cistercian abbey of Cleeve boasts the most impressively complete and unaltered set of monastic cloister buildings in England, standing roofed and two storeys high.
  
• Clevedon Court
  Home to the Elton family and with a fine display of the family pottery, known as Eltonware, Clevedon Court reflects the many centuries and owners it has outlasted.
  
• Court Farm Country Park
  Court Farm Country Park has over 20,000 sq. ft. of undercover entertainment - it's everybody's favourite farm.
  
• Dunster Castle
  Dunster Castle's main claim to fame, besides being more than 1000 years old, is that it is the home to the British national collection of strawberry trees and to the oldest lemon tree in England.
  
• East Lambrook Manor Gardens
  These internationally famous Grade 1 listed gardens were the inspiration of Margery Fish who was the undisputed 'Leading Lady of Gardening' from the 1950's until her death in 1969.
  
• East Somerset Railway
  Take a ride through the beautiful Somerset countryside in our original steam-hauled trains, and relax among the sights and sounds of an old-style country branch line.
  
• Exmoor Owl and Hawk Centre.
  Exmoor Owl and Hawk Centre is a unique visitor attraction within Exmoor National Park where the animals come out to meet you.
  
• Farleigh Hungerford Castle
  Farleigh Hungerford was begun in the 1370s by Sir Thomas Hungerford, Speaker of the Commons, and extended in the 15th century by his son Walter, Lord Hungerford, Agincourt veteran.
  
• Fashion Museum
  Follow the story of fashion, from the late sixteenth century to the present day, at The Fashion Museum.
  
• Forde Abbey and Gardens
  Founded in 1146, Forde Abbey was one of the most significant Cistercian monasteries in England during the four centuries that separated the reign of King Stephen from the Reformation.
  
• Frome Museum
  The current Exhibition at Frome Museum is the art of JW Singer & Sons Ltd of internationsl remown that originally specialised in church ornaments, plate and memorials.
• Fyne Court
  Fyne Court was the home of the Crosse family from the day of its founding until being handed over to The National Trust in 1967.
  
• Glastonbury Abbey
  The Abbey is set in 36 acres of beautifully peaceful parkland in the centre of the ancient market town of Glastonbury. It is traditionally the first Christian Sanctuary in Great Britain,
  
• Glastonbury Tor
  Visitors looking for a pleasant walk combined with a historic site which is possibly the resting place of the Holy Grail will enjoy a visit to Glastonbury Tor.
  
• Helicopter Museum
  The museum has a rare and award winning collection of helicopters, unique in Great Britain and in the world.
  
• Holburne Museum of Art
  The Holburne Museum has closed for a development project of restoration and extension scheduled to be completed in spring 2011.
  
• Lytes Cary Manor
  Lytes Cary Manor is the quintessential English manor house, surrounded by neat formal gardens of clipped yews and set amidst a wonderful Somerset landscape.
  
• M Shed
  M Shed is an exciting and innovative new museum telling the story of Bristol.
  
• Milton Lodge Gardens
  Mature Grade 2 listed terraced garden with outstanding views of Wells Cathedral and the Vale of Avalon. There are mixed borders, roses and fine trees. Separate 7 acre arboretum.
  
• Montacute House
  Montacute House is more than just another great stately home in the National Trust collection. It has some great unique features and human-interest stories in its history which deserve to be shared.
  
• Muchelney Abbey
  Muchelney, the atmospheric and once-remote 'great island' amid the Somerset Levels, has many rewards for visitors.
  
• Museum of Bath at Work
  The Museum of Bath at Work tells the story of a time, not so long ago, when the elegant City of Bath generated its own electricity, produced its own gas, possessed two busy railway yards …
  
• Museum of East Asian Art
  Based in a restored Georgian building, this unique Museum houses a fine collection of Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Southeast Asian treasures.
  
• Number 1 Royal Crescent
  No.1 Royal Crescent is a magnificently restored Georgian town house that creates a vital picture of life in Georgian Bath. Built between 1767-1774 to the designs of the architect John Wood the Younger.
  
• Prior Park Landscape Garden
  Take the opportunity to stroll across the Palladian bridge, one of just four in the world of similar design, with a visit to the Prior Park Landscape Garden.
  
• Roman Baths & Pump Room
  Discover the site of Britain's only natural hot spring - bringing health and vitality to Bath for over 2000 years. Walk where Romans walked on ancient stone pavements around the steaming pool.
  
• Seaquarium Ltd. Weston-Super-Mare
  The SeaQuarium boasts 7 different Zones showcasing a range of habitats from cold freshwater streams to the mighty rainforests rivers.
  
• Theatre Royal Bath
  Completely renovated in 2010, the Main House now offers an expanded foyer, a new bar and improved access facilities.
  
• Tintinhull Garden
  The delightful two-acre Somerset garden at Tintinhull is a fine example of how small can still be beautiful.
  
• Tyntesfield
  Tyntesfield House is one of the latest additions to the National Trust collection and was given to the nation by the Gibbs family in 2002.
  
• Watchet Museum
  The museum houses an exhibition of the history of this ancient seaport and the surrounding area from prehistoric times to the present day.
  
• Wellington Museum & Local History Society
  The exhibits in the museum feature famous firms and individuals that are or were based in Wellington.
  
• West Somerset Railway
  The West Somerset Railway recaptures the era of the branch line country railway in the days of steam. Enjoy 20 miles of glorious Somerset scenery beside the Quantock Hills to the Bristol Channel coast.
  
• Wookey Hole Caves
  Britain's most spectacular caves and legendary home of the infamous Witch of Wookey.
  

Places to Visit in Somerset

• Aisholt
  The Saxon Village of Aisholt clings to the Eastern side of Somerset's Quantock Hills above Canning Brook roughly seven miles North of Taunton and six miles West of Bridgwater.
  
• Alford
  We have just received a description of Alford from one of our readers. This description is currently being prepared for publication and will appear on this page within the next few days.
  
• Aller
  Aller is a moorland village close to the river Parrett below the wooded ridge of High Ham. King Alfred baptised the defeated Danish King Guthrum here in 878. Later the moor witnessed one of the last battles of the civil war.
  
• Ashbrittle
  West of Wellington and the River Tone, the parish of Ashbrittle takes its name from the ash trees and a Norman Lord Bretel (de St. Clair).
  
• Ashcott
  We have just received a description of Ashcott from one of our readers. This description is currently being prepared for publication and will appear on this page within the next few days.
  
• Barwick and Stoford
  Barwick village and the adjacent hamlet of Stoford lie south of Yeovil, near Yeovil Junction station. The park around Barwick House is dotted with strange follies including 'Jack the Treacle Eater' and the 'Fish Tower'.
  
• Bath
  The golden city of Bath has been welcoming visitors for over 2,000 years. Designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Bath presents some of the finest architectural sights in Europe.
  
• Bathealton
  The charming village of Bathealton lies hidden in high wooded hills.
  
• Bathford
  We have just received a description of Bathford from one of our readers. This description is currently being prepared for publication and will appear on this page within the next few days.
  
• Bradford on Tone
  Bradford on Tone is an attractive village perched on a ridge above the River Tone. The village complete with shop and the White Horse Inn, retains much of its rural character with thatched cottages.
  
• Brean
  The village of Brean is situated between the popular seaside Town of Weston-super-Mare and Burnham-on-Sea in Somerset.
  
• Brewham
  Brewham is a large parish comprising North and South Brewham, Border and Hardway, in what was formerly the Royal Forest of Selwood and is still a well-wooded river valley.
  
• Bridgwater
  Bridgwater was once ranked fifth among Britain's ports, schooners and sailing barges filled the riverside docks. Originally built to allow ships on the River Parrett a safe haven, the docks now welcome pleasure craft from the canal.
  
• Bruton
  Bruton is a picturesque little town on the river Brue, founded in Saxon times and retaining many intriguing glimpses of its past including Jacobean almshouses, Abbey remains and the famous Dovecot.
  
• Buckland St. Mary
  Buckland St. Mary is set in the Blackdown Hills north-west of Chard. The parish includes NerocheForest, formerly medieval woodland and now managed by the Forestry Commission with a footpath trail to the site of an ancient hillfort.
  
• Burnham-on-Sea
  Burnham-on-Sea sits on Bridgwater Bay in Somerset at the mouth of the Parrett River. Like many seaside towns along the coast, it was a small village until the boom of tourism in Victorian times.
  
• Castle Cary
  

  Castle Cary is a vibrant market town, with a winding main street, many of the buildings are of the local golden stone and some are still thatched.

  
• Chard
  Two streams and a wide variety of good shops, flank the spacious High Street of the vibrant town of Chard. Its history since the 13th century is imaginatively recounted in the museum at Godworthy House
  
• Cheddar
  Cheddar is probably the most famous village name in the English speaking world and so widely recognised that many people do not realise that it is actually a place in Somerset. The only comparable village in Europe is the small village of
  
• Chelwood
  Situated at the Eastern end of the picturesque Chew Valley, some 9 miles West of Bath and the same distance South of Bristol, Chelwood is mentioned in the Domesday Book and its name is derived from the Saxon Cellwert meaning Hill Farm.
  
• Chew Magna
  The picturesque village of Chew Magna is set in beautiful Somerset countryside only a few miles from the City of Bristol
  
• Compton Dundon
  Compton Dundon is really two villages. On Windmill Hill above Compton stands the monument to Admiral Hood, while Dundon Beacon is the site of an iron-age fort. Both provide interesting walks. Nearby is Turn Hill with extensive views across the levels.
  
• Cothelstone
  Cothelstone is a small rural parish at the foot of the southern slopes of the Quantock Hills (the first AONB) in Somerset.
  
• Creech St. Michael
  Creech St. Michael is a delightful village with a 13th century church, which has a fine wagon roof and is well worth a visit.
  
• Crewkerne
  Crewkerne has been an important town since before the Norman conquest with some fine old buildings reflecting its prosperous cloth making past. Magnificent 15th century church. Bincombe Beeches nature trail rises from the town centre.
  
• Cricket St. Thomas
  Cricket-St-Thomas is as delightfully olde-English as its name suggests with a small community clustered around the quaint church. The local population of this Somerset parish was just 50 at the last count.
  
• Culbone
  In the far north west of Somerset there is an old saying that goes along the lines of: Culbone, Oare and Stoke Pero…Three Churches Parsons seldom go'.
  
• Curry Rivel
  The attractive village of Curry Rivel is of blue lias stone, perched on a low ridge above the levels, with several interesting shops and a church dating mainly from the 15th century.
  
• Dodington
  We have just received a description of Dodington from one of our readers. This description is currently being prepared for publication and will appear on this page within the next few days.
  
• Dulverton
  The Rivers Exe and Barle are daughters of the great Moor that represents the last true area of wilderness in Southern England 'Exmoor'.
  
• East Coker
  At East Coker picturesque 16th and 17th century farmhouses and almshouses cluster below the manor and church. Ancestors of the poet T. S. Eliot emigrated from here, and his ashes are interred in the parish church.
  
• Exton
  Exton, in Exmoor National Park, is a parish with a total population of 230 and that includes Bridgetown and the outlying farms. It's listed in the Domesday Book.
  
• Farrington Gurney
  On entering Farrington Gurney you are greeted by the Farrington Inn, a traditional English pub serving good quality food at a reasonable price.
  
• Frome
  Frome is the most easterly of Mendip's five towns, and also the largest. It has had a long history as a market and agricultural town with, for many centuries, a flourishing cloth industry.
  
• Glastonbury
  Glastonbury is well known, not only for its connections with the history of Christianity and the majestic ruins of its Abbey, but also for its association with the legend of King Arthur.
  
• Godney
  We have just received a description of Godney from one of our readers. This description is currently being prepared for publication and will appear on this page within the next few days.
  
• Greenham
  Greenham - "Farm on the mill brook", is the perfect setting for walking or cycling. Hidden for centuries, nearby Cothay Manor has remained virtually untouched since it was built in the fifteenth century.
  
• High Ham
  High Ham is situated high on a wooded hill, with panoramic views across the levels. It has an interesting church with parts dating back to the Norman period and a 19th century thatched windmill unique in Britain.
  
• Hinton St. George
  Hinton St. George was for centuries the home of the Poulett family whose power and wealth built the schools, halls and artisans' houses to serve the estate. At least two cottages date from the 14th century.
  
• Huntworth
  Huntworth is a delightful hamlet, which features modernised canal side cottages, which retain their original appeal. The Canal Bridge was rebuilt in the 1920's to ease the gradient for heavier traffic.
  
• Ilchester
  Ilchester was once a major Roman garrison town on the Fosse Way and the county town of Somerset until the 19th century. Its past is echoed in the Georgian houses and town hall, which contains a fascinating museum.
  
• Ilminster
  Ilminster takes its name from the fine Minster church, which towers above the multitude of small shops and narrow streets crammed with mellow hamstone architecture.
  
• Isle Abbotts
  At Isle Abbotts, the handsome tower of the parish church rises over this sleepy little village close to the river Ile. Across the river to the east lies Isle Brewers.
  
• Keinton Mandeville
  Keinton Mandeville is the source of Keinton stone and birthplace in 1838 of John Henry Brodribb, who later became the famous theatrical manager and tragedian Sir Henry Irving. The house bears a memorial tablet.
  
• Kilton
  Leaving the A39 at the sharp bend you enter what was the continuation of the old road to Kilton. Kilton was an ancient settlement in Saxon times
  
• Kingsbury Episcopi
  Kingsbury Episcopi is a Hamstone village boasting an ancient lock up on the green, magnificent church and numerous small orchards.
  
• Kingston St. Mary
  Nestling at the southern end of the Quantocks, Kingston St. Mary has several buildings of interest including the church and in the outlying areas are good examples of 16th and 17th century farmhouses.
  
• Langport
  Langport was formerly a river port on the Parrett, the story of the town and river is told graphically at the Visitor Centre at the western end of Bow Street.
  
• Long Sutton
  Long Sutton is a picturesque village with a much photographed church, towering impressively above the village green and a Quaker Friends' meeting house dating from 1717.
  
• Marston Magna
  At Marston Magna the ground still shows tell tale signs of this settlement's long and fascinating history. The church contains traces of Saxon herringbone work and has a Norman font. A charming village to be explored on foot at a leisurely pace.
  
• Martock
  Martock is a large village worth visiting for its many old hamstone buildings - ornate houses, the Old Court House, Market House, Treasurer's House and parish church, the second largest in Somerset.
  
• Meare
  We have just received a description of Meare from one of our readers. This description is currently being prepared for publication and will appear on this page within the next few days.
  
• Milborne Port
  Milborne Port was once one of the most important towns in Somerset, with its own mint. Until 1832 it returned two Members of Parliament. Attractive old buildings include the market hall, Guildhall, church and fives court.
  
• Milverton
  Dating back to the Doomsday survey, Milverton is a large village which has been designated as a Heritage Settlement and (in part) a Conservation Area.
  
• Minehead
  The delightful seaside town of Minehead is on the north coast of Somerset, overlooking the Bristol Channel and backing onto the Exmoor National Park.
  
• Montacute
  At Montacute the continuous progression of history is clearly visible in the buildings and monuments of this important medieval village below St. Michael's Hill.
  
• Muchelney
  In medieval times Muchelney was home to an influential Benedictine Abbey. Excavations of the 10th century abbey and the preserved remains of the 15th century cloister and abbot's house are in the care of English Heritage and can all be seen.
  
• North Cadbury
  The attractive village of North Cadbury is set amidst orchards and contains many stone built cottages, the handsome Elizabethan Cadbury Court and fine collegiate church built in 1470 with splendid bench end carvings dating from 1538.
  
• North Curry
  The village of North Curry lies principally along a single street, with a central area at Queen Square dubbed 'the Pepper Pot'.
  
• North Newton
  At North Newton the church stands on the site of an earlier Saxon Structure. In 1963 the Alfred Jewel, a Saxon ornament and oldest surviving crown jewel, now displayed in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, was found near the site.
  
• North Wootton
  The pretty village of North Wootton is to be found in the centre of the triangle formed by Wells, Glastonbury and Shepton Mallet.
  
• Nunney
  The village of Nunney, in the edge of the Mendip Hills near Frome on the border of Somerset and Wiltshire, is dominated by its striking moated, French-style castle.
  
• Nynehead
  The village name means "nine hide" and is derived from the Saxon word for a unit of land; a hide was equal to about 120 acres. Dominated by Nynehead Court, the village is in the centre of the vale of Taunton Deane.
  
• Otterford
  Otterford Parish is bisected by the B3170 road providing good links from Taunton and the M5 and from Honiton and the A30 trunk road. The unspoilt countryside is in the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
  
• Porlock
  Not too many years ago a national monthly magazine carried out a survey in which they concluded that Devon was the best English County to live in.
  
• Portishead
  For anyone who served at sea between the 1920s and the end of the 20th Century the name 'Portishead' was always followed by the word 'Radio'. It was the best-known and busiest ship-shore station in the world.
  
• Priddy
  At 800 feet above sea level, the Mendip village of Priddy is one of those rare places that can fairly be described as being more than the sum of its parts. It is certainly a village of contrasts: it can be pretty and it can be bleak
  
• Pylle
  We have just received a description of Pylle from one of our readers. This description is currently being prepared for publication and will appear on this page within the next few days.
  
• Queen Camel
  The Queen was Margaret of France, second wife of Edward Ist, who made the manor of Camel part of the marriage settlement in 1299.
  
• Rockwell Green
  Situated to the west of Wellington, it was formerly known as Rowe Green often called "Rogue Green" because of its colourful inhabitants. Its present name relates to the brick well at the heart of the village.
  
• Rodney Stoke
  The village of Rodney Stoke is to be found some three miles East of Cheddar and 4 miles West of Wells either side of the A371 nestling on the higher ground between the Mendip Hills and the Somerset Levels.
  
• Shapwick
  The A39 Trunk Road from Bridgwater to Glastonbury is Roman in origin but this part of Somerset was developed long before the Centurion Cohorts arrived. Just to the north of the road lies the small village of Shapwick
  
• Shepton Mallet
  The historic town of Shepton Mallet is set in the Mendip foothills, and at the geographical heart of the Mendip District. It was strategically important in Roman times (the Fosse Way, now the A37, passes close by)
  
• Somerton
  Somerton is reputedly the 7th century Royal Capital of Wessex. The 17th century square, market cross, town hall, elegant houses and inns create an attractive townscape of outstanding architectural and historical interest.
  
• South Cadbury
  South Cadbury lies at the foot of Cadbury Castle, the iron age hillfort reputedly King Arthur's 'Camelot'. It is said that on midsummer's eve the hill turns clear as glass and inside can be seen Arthur and his knights of the round table.
  
• South Petherton
  South Petherton was once of great strategic importance on the Fosse Way, this compact little hamstone town with its many small shops now has a quiet, unhurried charm. Fine church with an octagonal central tower.
  
• Stocklinch
  This beautiful and thriving village some three and a half miles North East of Ilminster dates back to medieval times.
  
• Stoke-sub-Hamdon
  Stoke-sub-Hamdon stretches round the northern rim of Ham Hill.
  
• Street
  Street is just to the south of Glastonbury, and owes much of its more recent development to the influence of Clarks, the world famous shoe manufacturers.
  
• Swainswick
  Swainswick or Swanswick or Swayneswycke is a quite small village spreading itself down the old A46 road from Upper Swainswick to Lower Swainswick.
  
• Taunton
  Taunton - The County Town of Somerset - Nestling in a valley at the foot of the Quantock and Blackdown Hills. "King Ina" founded Taunton; the town on the River Tone has found itself at the centre of many bloody rebellions.
  
• Watchet
  Watchet is one of those places that attract the loyalty, love and devotion of some and the complete indifference of others. It can look pretty one day and pretty bleak the next, it can be bustling with activity or seemingly deserted.
  
• Wedmore
  Wedmore is one of the gems of the fair county of Somerset and represents the very best that a thriving English village has to offer. It was here in the year 878 that King Alfred the Great made peace with the Danish King Guthrum.
  
• Wellington (Somerset)
  Wellington is a friendly town set in a wide valley between the beautiful Blackdown Hills, seven miles west of Taunton on the River Tone. The name is synonymous with the famous "Iron Duke" - victor of the battle of Waterloo.
  
• Wells
  Wells qualifies as England's smallest and Somerset's only city, because of its magnificent cathedral. It lies beneath the southern slopes of the Mendip Hills, and provides a wealth of historical interest and beautiful architecture.
  
• West Buckland
  The village has been extended during the past century and at its western edge on a small hillock stands the church of St. Mary whose tower, beautifully illuminated at night, is a landmark for miles around.
  
• West Lydford
  We have just received a description of West Lydford from one of our readers. This description is currently being prepared for publication and will appear on this page within the next few days.
  
• Weston Zoyland
  The year 1685 may seem a long time ago to anyone living in the early 21st century, but as a time-span it is actually less than 3 times the age of our oldest citizen.
  
• Weston-Super-Mare
  Weston-on-Sea, or Weston-super-Mare as it is better known, is a large seaside resort in Somerset. Its broad flat sandy beach is on the Bristol Channel, 18 miles southwest from Bristol itself.
  
• Wincanton
  The charming market town of Wincanton overlooks the Blackmore Vale. Elegant Georgian houses and coaching inns record its former importance as a staging post on the main road from London to Plymouth.
  
• Winsham
  Winsham is a thriving village on the river Axe close to the Dorset border, retaining its shop, pub and church.
  
• Wiveliscombe
  The historic market town of Wiveliscombe, locally known as "Wivey" is situated on the edge of the Brendon Hills, it is a thriving rural community with many local services and a surprising range of businesses.
  
• Wookey
  We have just received a description of Wookey from one of our readers. This description is currently being prepared for publication and will appear on this page within the next few days.
  
• Yeovil
  Yeovil is the major town of South Somerset with the best shopping centre in a very wide area, the Octagon Theatre, Goldenstones Pools and Leisure Centre, a multi-screen cinema, a ski centre and the wooded parkland at Ninesprings