Best things to do in Somerset

A county rich in diversity, Somerset exceeds all expectations in the number of incredible things to do in and around the local area. Known for its contrasting coastlines, wetlands, and cities boasting panoramic views, there is something for everyone to enjoy all year round!

Great for a staycation or vacation, we have done the research to offer you exclusive insight into the best things to do in around Somerset County. Where will your next Somerset adventure take you?

Best Somerset attractions

With a list so long, that you couldn’t fit everything into a, single weekend; Somerset is the gift that keeps on giving! Somerset is known to have some of the largest curated collections in the UK that you can enjoy on a leisurely afternoon with friends or family! From the Hayes international Motor Museum to Tudor houses in Axbridge, you will get a greater sense of history and adventure whilst visiting local attractions across the whole county.

Somerset Museum

Our retirement community in Taunton, Quantock House, is truly at the centre of it all and makes a perfect hub for cultural appreciation. Visit the Somerset Museum in the centre of Taunton town, a South West Heritage Trust that was founded in 2014 as an independent charity for Somerset, Devon, and the South West. Celebrating and protecting the Somerset heritage, history-lovers can enjoy the museum. The museum itself boasts its independent care of over 3 million museum objects ranging from outstanding geology and archaeology to textiles and fine arts.

The Bishop’s Palace

Why not take a trip to The Bishop’s Palace & Gardens which is located in Wells, Somerset? The Medieval Palace is now open to the public, after being home to the Bishops of Bath & Wells for over 800 years. A great family day out, you can visit the palace for one of their events that happen all year round or even just take a loved one on a free guided walk. Also, if you’re an avid lover of the arts, you can appreciate the palace’s offerings of an open-air music and theatre program. Definitely, one not to miss!

Shepton Mallet Prison

Although a prison may not be on your bucket-list, this one might surprise you! Shepton Mallet Prison is a recently decommissioned Georgian jail that was built in 1610 following the act introduced by King James. Once the oldest working prison in the United Kingdom, it is now open as a tourist attraction. It offers guided tours, ghost tours, a ‘Night Behind Bars’ experience, and escape rooms. This is definitely not for the light-hearted… but a different attraction all together! In 2020, this prison attraction was awarded the prestigious Trip Advisor’s Travellers Choice Award- being rated in the top 10% of worldwide attractions.

If these attractions aren’t quite for you, there is a whole world to explore within the Somerset countryside, with many wildlife attractions to visit that will have you coming back for more year after year.

Beautiful places to visit in Somerset

There is a whole world to explore within the Somerset countryside, with many wildlife attractions to visit that are incredibly interesting. Coined the County of ‘remarkable contrasts’, there are some = remarkable terrains of beautiful land that you won’t be able to find anywhere else. With National Parks such as Exmoor, Blackdown, Mendip & Quantock Hills- there is no end to beautiful places to visit….

There are different kinds of beauty in Somerset, and many options for avid walkers to find endless beauty in the landscape. There are coastal, cliff and canal paths around the area; wooded, wilderness and wildflower walks too! Alternatively, if you are more of a city walker, then Bath is the city for you!

Mendip

Find the green hills of the Mendips, stretching across 74 square miles across three counties (with Somerset boasting most of the hills). The ancient landscape of the Mendips has some of the most unique caves and grottoes that have been said to be home to some supernatural forces.

Walkers will rejoice knowing they can enjoy the long and short-distance treks that have the best natural and historic sites in the UK! There are said to be 286 examples of round borrows dating back to the Neolithic period and other monuments such as Cadbury Castle and Stanton Drew Stone at Mendips.

Porlock Vale

Find yourself at Porlock Vale, a popular walking destination that is loved for its varied terrain and landscape. Visiting Porlock Vale, gives you easy access to the many walks across Exmoor that include: the South West Coast Path, The Coleridge Way & Two Moors Way (all of which are beautiful in their own way).

There is so much to offer in Somerset, with a list so long that you can enjoy the many attractions over a whole lifetime and still not be able to cover all of them! Find your adventure with Platinum Skies today and explore the many, beautiful places that Somerset is known for. Get started with a tour of Quantock House in Taunton to see what life could be like at Platinum Skies.