Somerset Attractions
Information - AttractionsWells
England's smallest city. Magnificent cathedral - the West Front contains the largest gallery of mediaeval sculpture in the world; Bishops Palace and gardens, home of the Bishops of Bath & Wells since 1206; market square with open air markets on Wednesday and Saturday.
Wells Tourist information: 01749 672552.
Glastonbury
The Abbey is one of the oldest religious foundations in Britain, steeped in history and legend. The Somerset tradition is that Joseph of Arimathea, the Virgin Mary's uncle, was a trader who travelled to Somerset with the young Jesus and visited Glastonbury. It is alleged that he built a simple place of worship , subsequently called the 'Old Church' - the site of which later became St. Mary's Chapel in the present Abbey. A walk up Glastonbury Tor affords views of Somerset and beyond, and the Somerset Rural Life Museum is also well worth a visit.
Glastonbury Tourist Information: 01458 832954.
Taunton
Somerset's County Town
Cheddar
Limestone cliffs towering 450 feet above a gorge, 3 miles long. Spectacular caves reveal the early history of our ancestors in Britain. Don't forget to take home some of the famous Cheddar cheese.
Cheddar Tourist Information: 01934 744071.
Wookey Hole
Famous caves and much more including Working Paper Mill, Valley of the Dinosaurs and Magical Mirror Maze.
Tel: 01749 672243.
Willows and Wetlands Visitor Centre
The Somerset Levels is the most important wetland are in the UK, and its unique landscape provides the perfect conditions for willow growing. Basket-making willow (or 'withies') has been grown here for two centuries, and it is now the only area left where it is still cultivated for the production of baskets, furniture, garden items and high quality artists' charcoal. At the centre visitors will find a warm welcome and the story of the willow industry, from its early days to the current times. The wonderful selection of basketware is hand-crafted from Coate's own willow by their team of skilled basketmakers.
Tel: 01823 490249.
Fleet Air Arm Museum
Largest collection of Naval Aircraft in Europe; go on board the first British built Concorde; Award winning Aircraft Carrier Experience.
Tel: 01935 840565.
West Somerset Railway
Enjoy a leisurely 20 mile journey on a steam train between Bishops Lydeard (near Taunton) and Minehead, taking in the sights, sounds and even the unique smells of the golden age of rail travel. The glorious Somerset countryside offers constantly changing views through the windows. Ten stations, lovingly restored and maintained by volunteers offer a whole range of things to do.
Tel: 01643 704996.
East Lambrook Manor Gardens
The Grade I Listed garden at East Lambrook Manor is internationally recognised as the 'Home of English Cottage Gardening'. Packed with rare and unusual plants, visitors can wander along the crooked stone paths through a profusion of colour, scent and cottage garden style. Designed in the 50's by the horticultural icon, Margery Fish, her creation at East Lambrook was responsible for revolutionising gardening in the 20th century.
Tel: 01460 240328.
National Trust Properties:
Dunster Castle - ancient castle with fine interiors and subtropical gardens. Also working Water Mill. Tel: 01643 823004.
Montacute House - Magnificent Elizabethan stone-built house, incorporating National Portrait Gallery exhibition, garden and park. Tel: 01935 823289.
Barrington Court - Beautiful Jekyll-inspired gardens, working kitchen garden and Tudor manor house let to Stuart Interiors. Tel: 01460 241938
Tintinhull Garden - Delightful formal garden. Tel: 01935 823289.
Coleridge Cottage, Nether Stowey - Home of the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Tel: 01278 732662.
King John's Hunting Lodge - Wool-merchant's house of c1500. Tel: 01934 732012.
Lytes Cary Manor - Intimate manor house with walled gardens and estate. Tel: 01458 224471.
English Heritage
Cleeve Abbey - A glimpse of monastic life 800 years ago.
Tel: 01984 640377.
Muchelney Abbey
Holy island of the Somerset Levels.
Tel: 01458 250664.
