Somerset is one of the UK’s most stunning counties, with rolling hills and a long tradition of fine food produce. It’s easily reached by train or car from London in one and a half hours.
That’s just as well, because you wouldn’t want to miss the delights of Bath, Wookey Hole and Caves, Cheddar Gorge and Wells. Here are some ideas for what to do during a Somerset weekend break, that the whole family are sure to enjoy.
Somerset Weekend Break: Best Things to Do
Whether you choose to base yourself in a town such as Bath or Wells or in the countryside, it’s easy to explore the county of Somerset. Spread over 1,610 square miles, Somerset has a good road network and rail connections to London and the South.
1. Bath
Somerset’s main town is one of the most beautiful in the UK. There are honey-coloured Georgian buildings galore, a huge array of independent stores and some top tourist attractions.
No visit to Bath would be complete without a visit to the Roman Baths. The Romans loved Bath as much as we do, and built this temple in 60-70 AD at the source of natural hot springs.
The Baths and the Grand Pump Room attract more than a million visitors each year. Minerva’s Head is one of the major finds in the Roman Baths museum.
Discovered in 1727. she is all that remains of a bronze statue of the goddess Sulis Minerva.
After visiting the Roman Baths, pop into the Pump Rooms. A drink of the hot spring water is included in the price of admission to the baths.
The water which actually doesn’t taste as bad as we remembered from our last trip to Bath, when we visited the Roman Baths by night. It’s very hot but has a fairly neutral taste.
Bath Abbey or the Abbey Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, to give it its full title is a former Benedictine monastery and Anglican parish church .
There are often fun installations in front of the SouthGate Shopping Centre, like this one.
Bath Fashion Museum is well worth a visit. One of the most important fashion museums in the world, it has some interesting historical exhibits. There’s the added benefit of letting you try some of the costumes on 😉
The Royal Crescent is one of Bath’s most iconic sights. Parts of it are currently being renovated yet it’s still very impressive. This elegant row of 30 Georgian terraced houses was designed by architect John Wood the Younger.
No. 1 Royal Crescent is a must-visit, a historic house museum depicting life in Georgian England. Not only are the interiors charming, but the volunteers in each room are a mine of information about life below and above stairs.
One of the most unusual tea rooms in Bath is Comins Tea House. The owner really knows his stuff and has designed a special table where you can pour away any excess hot water. They sell a good selection of loose leaf teas too.
2. Wookey Hole Cave
The UK’s oldest tourist attraction and largest cave system, Wookey Hole, is somewhat kitsch but great fun! Before you even enter the attraction, you’ll meet a moving dinosaur that was making children giggle.
Four hundred years ago, cheese was matured in the caves as the 11°C temperature was ideal. The owner of Wookey Hole Caves, Gerry Cottle, who previously owned Britain’s major circus, has now revived this tradition.
The caves have been in use for over 45,000 years and were the site of the first cave dive in the country, by Jack Sheppard and Graham Balcombe in 1935. You wear hard hats for part of the tour, although there is no danger. It does add to the sense of excitement.
3. Cheddar Gorge
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if Cheddar Gorge was composed entirely of cheese? Sadly, that’s not the case, although there are a couple of good Cheddar cheese shops in the picturesque village ;-).
However the hills of Cheddar Gorge are a really impressive sight, and the area is a great base for hiking.
This limestone gorge is where Britain’s most complete human skeleton, Cheddar Man was discovered in 1903. He was around 9,000 years old. Keep an eye out for the cute mountain goats.
4. Wells
Wells is a lovely little market town with a striking Gothic Cathedral. Its facade has over three hundred sculpted figures.
Designed in the early English architectural style, Wells Cathedral has some beautiful medieval stained glass windows. The Jesse Tree window dates from the 14th century.
The Bishop’s Palace is next to the cathedral and was constructed from 1210 onwards. The current bishop still lives here.
Also in the centre of Wells, don’t miss Vicar’s Close. The oldest complete medieval street in Europe, it was designed to provide accommodation for church workers.
Wells Market is another popular local attraction, with medieval gateways known as the Bishop’s Eye and Penniless Porch. There are twice weekly markets held here on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
You might be lucky to chance upon a group of Morris dancers as we did. For those not familiar with this very British tradition, it’s a type of folk dancing, originally dating from the Middle Ages. Check out their nifty moves in this video:
Where to Stay in Somerset
The Newt is a stunning country house hotel with a relaxed feel. It’s a great base for exploring this beautiful county.
We hope you like our Somerset weekend break guide – what tips would you give to someone visiting Somerset for the first time?
You might also enjoy:
- A Luxury Weekend Break to Bath – Fun Things to Do
- 10 Best Places to Visit in Cornwall
- 25 Fun Things to Do in the New Forest
- 10 Best Luxury New Forest Hotels
- A Luxury Weekend in Bournemouth, Dorset
Read all our UK travel features here
Like this Somerset weekend break guide? Pin for later or share with friends
Looking for more travel hacks and tips? From hidden gems to unique experiences, we’ve got you covered.
Join us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter.
We really enjoyed our visit to Bath last year. 🙂
I’d definitely go back, especially as it was raining on my two visits!
This makes me want to go here! Great sights and adventures. Love it (: Is it possible on a budget or is everything really expensive here?
There’s lots of little cafes and quite a big selection of accommodation and B&Bs
Gorgeous pictures.Bishop’s Palace looks so pretty.
Nina
http://www.ninasstyleblog.com
Bishop’s Palace really was lovely and there’s a nice cafe in the grounds too
Wonderful article. I look forward to using this information next month 😀
That’s very kind, Glenn – have an amazing trip!
No.1 Royal Crescent truly is a fascinating place and I completely agree about the volunteers – they’re so willing to impart their knowledge 🙂 Wookey Hole and Caves looks brilliant too, I’ve been meaning to visit for a while now, thanks for the reminder Suze!
aglassofice.com
x
I forgot to mention a tip for the caves, it’s quite cold in there so take a jumper! Weirdly, you even get mobile reception in a few areas
Funnily we went to Somerset not long after you did. We obviously visited Bath abut then went to Glastonbury. I wish we had popped into Wells and stopped in cheddar gorge rather than just driven through it. But there is only so much you can do in a weekend
Exactly, and there’s so much to see! Glastonbury must have been interesting
Thank you for this comprehensive guide for somerset, Suze. I haven’t been anywhere in the UK except for London, but this should change. Bath surely looks like a town I’d love to visit and so does Wells. As for the Caves, they look magnificent but I am a little claustrophobic and I’m not sure I’d feel Ok there. Great post!
Do let me know if you’re coming over, Anda – and as for the caves, I’m a bit claustrophobic too but they’re really roomy inside
Such an interesting guide, perfect tour! Lovely installation!
xo Paola
Expressyourself
My Facebook
I’m glad that you enjoyed reading about it, Paola
So many lovely places to see in Somerset! The umbrella installation in Bath looks beautiful!
It’s such a great idea to have an installation like that.There was one in London in Borough Market but it’s fallen into rack and ruin
I’ve had the chance to visit Bath but I have never been to the caves and Wells! There are so many beautiful places in England.
I’m sure that you’d enjoy visiting both the caves and Wells – I’d been meaning to visit both for a long time and wasn’t disappointed
Love that umbrella shot – so pretty!
They’re so funky, if only you could borrow them when it rains 😉
I could do with a collection of umbrellas like that given the number of them I manage to brerak or lose! Haven’t been to Wookey Hole since I was 11 on a school trip but Bath sounds like a perfect UK destination for a romantic break and I’m heading to Bristol in August so would love to see if Ican tie the two together. Love the fact that you can try on the costumes at the fashion museum!
You could definitely tie the two together, they’re very close. It was great fun trying on the outfits at the fashion museum!
You look lovely in your costume 😉 I haven’t visited Somerset yet, seeing the photos made me realise how much I am missing!
Ela BellaWorld
Oh wow I am so taken back at all the beautiful photographs.
You look lovely !
I haven’t been travelling as much as I had hoped to.
Thanks for sharing.
xx
This is a beautiful part of the UK – as your photos show. I’d love to revisit Bath and maybe even try on one of those Jane Austen costumes!
Ohh I love Bath, it is such a gorgeous city! Wells looks awesome too, need to take a visit!
Jasmin Charlotte
Bath is one of my favourite places to visit, not only is it steeped in history but it offers wonderful food and shopping Lucy x
So gorgeous, always wanted to go!
Wells has got a very interesting looking cathedral. I’ve been to Bath, it’s a gorgeous place:)