The land of the Summer People
Somerset has always been a place of stories.
Ancient hills, sacred springs, dramatic gorges and mist-covered Levels create a landscape where history, myth and nature seem to meet.
From Glastonbury Tor and the legends of Avalon to the caves and cliffs of Cheddar Gorge, there is a sense here of something older, waiting to be discovered.
Walk ancient paths, explore beautiful villages, discover local traditions, wildlife and history — then return to your own Somerset haven at the end of the day.
Come for the countryside.
Stay for the magic.
Find Your Somerset Haven
Three very different places to stay, each perfectly placed for discovering the magic of Somerset.
Discover Somerset
Connect with Nature
Somerset has the most spectacular and diverse landscape. From the mighty Mendip Hills to the misty Somerset Levels, there is plenty to explore.
The Mendip Way is an 80km footpath which stretches from Weston super Mare to Frome. The route passes through some of the most scenic parts of the Mendip Hills AONB, including Crooks Peak, Cheddar Gorge and the central Mendip Plateau.
At the heart of Somerset are the Levels and Moors. Among the lowest and flattest parts of the UK they were once underwater, other than the peculiar lumpy hills, which used to rise above the water as islands. This is where Somerset got its name ‘The Land of the Summer People,’ as in the Winter it was mostly under water and unfarmable. The levels are brimming with rare wildlife as they support a huge array of plant and bird species. The Avalon Marshes is home to the ancient lake villages where the largest ever haul of Roman coins was discovered.
Myths and Magic
Glastonbury is most known for its namesake festival, but that is not all it has to offer. Possibly one of the quirkiest towns in England it is steeped in Myth and History.
Also known as the Isle of Avalon, its famous Tor stands on a conical hill and can be seen for miles, it is surrounded by marshlands which used to be under water. The isle of Avalon is at the heart of Arthurian mythology and home to The Lady of the Lake, and the spiritual centre of the old religions. It is said to be where King Arthurs sword was made and where he was taken when mortally wounded. It is said that King Arthur is buried at Glastonbury Abbey.
Glastonbury has likely been a pilgrimage spot for millennia, and still draws thousands of visitors and pilgrims today. It is said to be the site of intersecting ley lines and the Holy grail is rumoured to be hidden in the waters of The Chalice Well.
This place holds a lot of energy and this is reflected in the town, which is full of New age shops, alternative treatments and natural food. The atmosphere is magical and unique, with the smell of incense everywhere this is the place to buy crystals and tarot cards.
The Seaside
If the sun is shining, and you fancy a stroll along the seafront and an ice-cream. Head along to one of Somersets seaside resorts, you won’t be disappointed.
Burnham on Sea has one of the longest sandy beaches in Europe and the iconic beach lighthouse pictured above.
Further along the coast is Brean which is great fun for children with its many amusement arcades and leisure park.
Weston-Super-Mare is next which is a larger town and most famous for its Grand Pier. It has many shops for souvenirs, chips, and Ice-cream!
After Weston there is Clevedon which is a unique Victorian seaside resort and boasts a grade 1 listed pier.
Local Produce
Somerset is mostly famous for its cheese and cider.
Cheddar Gorge is where cheddar cheese was first made, it is a beautiful village, set within a stunning gorge. Which as well as many shops selling local produce is also home to several caves which are open to the public. Climb up Jacob’s ladder to the top of the gorge for stunning views across the levels to Glastonbury Tor.
Draycott just down the road is famous for their strawberries which pair perfectly with a cream tea. Or if its something a bit stronger you are looking for, they also have the Cider Barn where you can have a nice cool glass of the good stuff.
Art and Culture
The small market town of Frome has a vibrant culture and thriving independent scene, it has recently been named a Hip hotspot due to its award-winning independent market which is held the first Sunday of every month. It has 50 independent boutiques, as well as small galleries and eclectic cafes and restaurants.
Bruton is the coolest town in the West Country, Bruton is a one off, a curious magnet for the creative and unconventional. A Bijou town surrounded by glorious countryside and farms it is the home to Hauser and Wirth’s Somerset outpost. It’s a hub for Art and contemporary design and food, boasting award winning restaurants, shops and galleries.
History and Architecture
Wells is the smallest city in England and there is much to see and do here.
A medieval city who's history can be traced back to roman times. It gets its name from the natural springs which surface near the Cathedral.
This place is crammed with Historic Architecture such as- Wells Cathedral, The Bishops Palace and Vicars' Close the oldest residential street in England. Finish your day with a stroll around Market Place, markets are held here every Wednesday and Saturday. Or if you are here on another day treat yourself to a coffee and cake at one of the many restaurants and cafes which border the square.