Somerset - What you need to know before you go - Go Guides

The county of Somerset has it all, from vibrant cities to rolling countryside, moorland to beaches, ancient history to modern industry. It’s the home of Exmoor National Park, Cheddar Gorge and 40 miles of the Bristol Channel coastline, making it a great place for natural beauty and outdoor adventures.

While the county is known for its rustic vibe and cider production, it has also historically been a hub of industry, too. Bristol is among its major cities and was effectively the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. By contrast, the city of Bath is famous for its spas and has been a popular tourist destination since Roman times. Glastonbury is also found in Somerset and, while it’s not an especially big town, it’s one that’s famous to many.

Top destinations in Somerset

Where will you go next?

Bath
Few cities compare to Bath when it comes to sheer elegance. The architecture is renowned – think the sweeping Georgian townhouse-lined Circus and Royal Crescent, as well as the stained-glassed abbey. Quaint cafes and independent boutiques housed in handsome stone...
Bristol
Bristol lies in the heart of the south west along the River Avon and is known for its creative and offbeat counter culture fuelled by activists, artists and a large student population. Look between the rows of Victorian brick terraced...

What to see & do in Somerset

Featured stories & fun stuff

10 Most Picturesque Villages in Somerset
The most picturesque villages in Somerset are dotted with unique attractions, such as eclectic independent shops, riveting museums and historic homes. There are even some famous attractions like the Shepton Mallet Prison. Each town and village offers its own unique brand...
10 Best Things to Do in Bath
The best things to do in Bath include many of the city's famous historical charms. Bath is a small, compact...
10 Best Things to Do in Bristol
The best things to do in Bristol include grand old buildings, proud maritime history and cool independent shops. These really...
10 Most Instagrammable Places in Bath
Bath offers plenty of Instagrammable spots. The largest city in Somerset gets its name from its famed Roman-built baths. And...
10 Best Things to Do for Couples in Bath
Packed with romantic things to do for couples, the ancient city of Bath deserves its reputation as one of England’s...
10 Best Things to Do in Somerset
Somerset is packed full of exciting adventures to embark on, from exploring ancient Roman ruins and bathhouses to enjoying outdoor...
10 Things to Do in Bristol Off the Beaten Track
Bristol is a world-renowned city known for its Iron Age hill forts and Roman villas in addition to its modern...
10 Best Beaches in Somerset
Somerset has a variety of beaches to explore whether you’re looking for fun in the sun, beachcombing, coastal hikes or...
10 Money Saving Tips in Bristol
Bristol is one of the most iconic cities in the UK with plenty to do and see that everyone can...

Where & what to eat in Somerset

10 Best Local Restaurants in Bath
The best local restaurants in Bath show how the ancient city has gained a reputation as a centre for gastronomy in southwestern England. Surrounded by lush countryside on all sides and perched upon the River Avon, Bath boasts access to...
10 Great Restaurants in Bath
Great restaurants in Bath come in a good variety with each showcasing fresh ingredients and creative flair. Some offer tasting...
8 Places Where Locals Love to Eat in Bristol
Bristol has a vibrant dining scene that's steeped in history. While it dates back thousands of years with Iron Age...

Where to shop & what to buy in Somerset

10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Bristol
You’ll find plenty of choices when shopping in Bristol. Choose between quirky independent stores filled with second-hand treasures in Park Street and Stokes Croft, or classic high street retailers inside multi-storey complexes. Alternatively, you can make you your way to...
10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Bath
Listing the best places to go shopping in Bath is quite straightforward thanks to the city’s high concentration of family-run businesses and independent traders. The city centre is home to several upscale arcades that mix shopping with leisure and dining. Bath...

Where to go & what to do at night in Somerset

10 Best Nightlife in Bristol
The nightlife in Bristol has got to be among one of the most culturally diverse, inclusive and exciting in the whole of the UK. From traditional speakeasies and live jazz venues to trendy cocktail bars and underground dance music clubs,...
5 Best Nightlife Experiences in Bath
Nightlife in Bath is often as genteel as the Roman ruins and Georgian architecture the city is famous for. Undoubtedly a beautiful place to see during the daytime, by night the city takes on a new character as locals and...

Useful information

Bath Travel Essentials
Our Bath Travel Essentials lays out the essential information you need to help you plan your trip to one of the most popular destinations in Somerset, England. No matter how frequently you travel, some questions will always need answers: What’s...
Bristol Travel Essentials
Our Bristol Travel Essentials lays out the essential information you need to help planning your trip to one of the most popular destinations in the UK. No matter how frequently you travel, some questions will always need answers: What’s the...

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Where to stay in Somerset

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