Welcome to Somerset
The large county of Somerset is full of places just waiting to be explored.
This county of contrasts ranges from the exposed moorland of Exmoor National Park to the flat land of the Somerset Levels. The county includes three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the historic city of Bath.
YHA hostels in Somerset
Search for somewhere to stay in Somerset
Search for a hostel
Things to do in Somerset
Five free things to do
Cheddar Gorge
The magnificent limestone Cheddar Gorge is one of Somerset’s best known features. Viewed from the road below or from the footpaths above, the ravine is equally dramatic either way and is an amazing location in which to take a walk, particularly when combined with the nearby Mendip hills.
Glastonbury Tor
Whilst these days it has to settle for second place on the list of things Glastonbury is famous for, Glastonbury Tor is one of Somerset’s most iconic landmarks, given its prominent location visible for miles and miles. Known as one of Britain’s most spiritual sites, Glastonbury Tor has been a site of religious significance for over 1000 years and is worth visiting if only for the views of the surrounding countryside alone.
Weston-super-Mare
One of the UK’s best known Victorian seaside resorts, Weston-super-Mare is ideal for a family day out with the kids, thanks to its long, golden sandy beaches and its Grand Pier - home to a number of attractions and rides for the little ones to enjoy.
Wells Cathedral
The smallest city in England, Wells can call itself that due to its illustrious 13th century cathedral. One of Somerset’s most renowned landmarks, the Cathedral boasts the iconic West Front, plus the Wells Clock, the second oldest clock mechanism in the UK. Furthermore, the adjoining Vicars’ Close is believed to be the only complete medieval street remaining in England.
Bath
Bath is traditionally Somerset’s largest city, and is a jewel in the UK’s crown. Bath boasts stunning Georgian architecture and is perhaps most famous for its Roman Baths which sit at the heart of the city. The city makes for a perfect day trip destination, with plenty on offer to enjoy free of charge.
Enjoy rural heartland and miles of coastline in Somerset
Enjoying open countryside, dramatic landscapes, sandy beaches and traditional cities, Somerset is one of the UK’s most varied counties, with plenty of history and points of interest for visitors to get their teeth into.
Worldwide, the county is perhaps best known for Glastonbury Festival, the ever-growing music and contemporary arts festival based just a short distance from the town of the same name. But there’s plenty more to Somerset than one weekend every year! A county of contrasts, Somerset’s towns and villages are diverse. From Cheddar’s caves and cheese to Bath’s iconic, historic buildings and the traditional seaside charms of Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset has something for all types of tourists to enjoy.
-
Animal Farm Adventure Park
Animal Farm Adventure Park has it all - from the Animal Safari trail and paddocks, to the land train, play barn and adventure play areas. Set on the Somerset levels, the farm nestles between the
-
Bath Abbey
Whether you want to join in with a service or just take in the breathtaking architecture, the abbey is a must see!
-
Bath Thermal Spa
Enjoy a spa experience in Britain's only natural thermal waters as the Celts and Romans did over 2000 years ago.
-
Brean Leisure Park
Brean Leisure Park is the largest Fun Park in the South West. There are 40 fantastic rides, from thrilling roller coasters to children’s river boat rides, pony rides and old favourites like the
-
Clarks Village
The birthplace of Clarks shoes. This outlet shopping centre has bargains galore, and more shoe shops than you can shake a stick at! Visit the Clarks Village website
-
Cleeve Abbey
The Cistercian abbey of Cleeve is a haven of peace and tranquillity, said to contain the finest cloister buildings in England. Visit the English Heritage website for Cleeve Abbey.
-
Climbing in Cheddar
Boasting some of the highest limestone cliffs in England, Cheddar is a climber's dream.
-
Cycling in Cheddar
Cheddar is great for more gentle cycling across the large, flat Somerset levels. Or head to the hills for a more challenging climb.
-
Cycling in Minehead
There are plenty of road cycling opportunities around Minehead, it's quite a hilly location so it's better suited for more advanced cyclists.
-
Dunster Castle
Dramatically sited on top of a wooded hill, with panoramic views, a castle has existed here since at least Norman times.
-
Exmoor National Park
Stunning landscapes, wilderness and tranquillity - enjoy Exmoor on foot, horseback or bike to appreciate this beautiful area, especially the Valley Of Rocks on the South-West Coastal Path and the Tark
-
Exmoor Pony Centre
The centre aims to promote and conserve the Exmoor pony. Meet the resident ponies or take to the saddle for a taster session. Visit the Centre's website
View some of our popular Somerset blog posts
Exploring Bath with kids
In the walled garden at Avebury Manor lime-green fists of rhubarb were punching through the soil. A ladybird crept out of hibernation to warm up on a twig. The low sun lit up snowdrops and crocuses...
Five hostels off the beaten track
Whether it is a bucket and spade holiday you are after or frolicking through a forest, we have the perfect escapes with these tucked-away hostels...
Nine hostels on National Trails
Where there are glorious hiking routes, there are YHA hostels. No less than 16 National Trails wind across England and Wales, each of them waymarked, maintained, and leading through some of the UK’s most...