A county rich in contrasts with several areas of outstanding beauty, quaint villages built in local stone and tidal sea-side towns, Somerset is a beautiful place to holiday. Originally named by the Celts from Wales as the ‘Land of summer’ because of its vast green flat land, the Somerset Levels, it is rich pasture land but also teams with wildlife and nature. Easily accessible with major trunk roads the M5 and the A303 running through the county, you can turn off these and quickly find yourself in a peaceful chocolate box village.

Are there Peak and Off-Peak Seasons?

As with any area in the UK, the peak summer holiday weeks are busy with tourists, but the area can be enjoyed at all times of the year. With three official areas of outstanding beauty, there is always somewhere to explore and come and unwind and many events and attractions open all year round in the picturesque towns built with local stone.

What Brings People to the Area?

Walking

Exmoor National Park has sheltered valleys and ancient woodland as well as vast expanses of uninhabited space where semi-wild ponies and sheep wander.

The Quantock Hills offer views across Somerset and to Wales with deep wooded valleys or “combes” and open heath land.

The Blackdown Hills are relatively unspoilt and perfect for cycling and horse riding

The Medip Hills are distinctive and formed from a limestone ridge rising from the Somerset levels.

The 630-mile South West Coast Path starts in the sea-side town of Minehead.

Castles and Historic Homes

Somerset is also steeped in history and has traditions from long ago.

Glastonbury Abbey is said to have links to Joseph of Arimathea and is the burial place of King Arthur. At one point it was the richest monastery in England and today is a place of tranquility with many events to come and enjoy.

Glastonbury Tor can be seen for miles around and is the last part of a long-ruined church at the top of a huge sandstone hill.

Dunster Castle situated just outside of Minehead in the village of Dunster, the castle was the home of one family for 600 years and became a somewhat lavish country home during the 19^th century.

Montacute House was built with local yellow ham stone and designed as a statement of wealth and ambition. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland situated next to the picturesque town of Montacute.

Other Attractions

Cheddar Gorge is an amazing natural landmark. It has incredible cliffs and deep caves with amazing stalactites. It is rich with secrets about the way our ancestors’ lived and is an international centre for climbing and caving.

Avalon Marshes are a magical wetland landscape on the Somerset levels and nationally important for it’s rich diversity of wildlife see murmurations of starlings and watch butterflies and dragonflies in the meadows.

West Somerset Railway is the longest heritage railway in England stretching for 20 miles along the old branch line of the old Great Western Railway. Step back in time and enjoy the countryside views

Wookey Hole offers visitors many experiences in one from the spectacular view of underground caves, the revived tradition of ageing cheese in the caves as well as seeing paper being made the traditional way at the papermill. Plus, many indoor and outdoor activities for children.

Puxton Park and Brean Leisure Park both offer family days out for those wanting a bit of active fun and somewhere for the children to let off some energy.

What Cities and Towns in the Area?

Bath

A key place to visit for tourists to this part of the country is the beautiful city of Bath. With its ancient Roman Baths and hot springs used by the modern Thermae Bath Spa and famous Georgian architecture often used in period films, such as the Royal Crescent, there are many interesting and fascinating places to discover.

Wells

Wells is the smallest city in England with about 12,000 residents. It is rich in history dating back to a Roman settlement and derives its name from the hot springs in the area which can today be found in the Bishop’s Palace gardens. But the centre piece of the city is the beautiful and famous gothic cathedral dating from the 13^th century.

Why should I invest in Somerset?

A property in Somerset allows you to be both in the countryside but also never far from the coast. With Bath, Wells and Bristol and Exeter not far away, there are plenty of towns and attractions that draw both national and international holiday-makers, whilst the unrivalled number of Areas of Outstanding Beauty will draw visitors all year round.

Get in Touch

If you’d like to own a holiday property in Somerset, please browse our properties available. If you have any questions, we will be only too pleased to help on 01285 861839.