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The high hill of Glastonbury Tor is steeped in Celtic myths and legends of King Arthur. It's a National Trust site that comes capped with the haunting Chapel of St Michael and surrounded by sweeping views of the whole Somerset region. Stunning Wells Cathedral is a treat for the history buffs. It artfully showcases the English Gothic style and is adorned with beautiful stained-glass windows, which cast jewelled beams on the floors, inside. Those looking for holiday cottages in the green Mendip Hills can head to Cheddar Gorge for tastes of cheese and walks through wild caverns. And, talking of caverns, a visit to the deep Wookey Hole Caves promises an adventure underneath the county's surface.
Are you hoping to discover top things to see and do in the area? Venture out of your holiday home and check out everything that Somerset has to offer. Here are some of the major attractions to put on your list, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city centre:
This great swathe of the West Country could just be home to the best hill walking in all of England. Outdoorsy types can bag themselves a Somerset holiday rental in the wooded vales around reserves like the Mendip Hills or the Exmoor National Park. They are criss-crossed by miles of marked trails. Some connect the limestone ridges about Cheddar Gorge to the beautiful reaches of the Cotswolds. Others wriggle through salt-washed coastal villages, like Lynton and Culbone, before delving into the ancient Hoaroak Valley, where pre-historic human settlements await. Other important nature reserves include the Quantock Hills, in the north, and the flower-strewn Blackdown Hills, to the south.
Whether you're an active traveller or just want to spend some time taking in the scenery, Somerset is a great place to get out in nature. Here are a few of the area's most stunning features, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city centre:
With wide, long lengths of honey-coloured sand fringing its shores along the Bristol Channel, Somerset is a popular place for lovers of English beaches. Some of the best are:
The nearest airport is in Bristol (BRS-Bristol Intl.), located 22.1 mi (35.6 km) from the city centre. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you could book a flight to Cardiff (CWL-Cardiff Intl.), which is 26.8 mi (43.1 km) away.
If you prefer to travel by train, Bridgwater Station, Highbridge & Burnham Station and Taunton Station are the main stations that serve the city.
Somerset is a whole cut-out of the English West Country. It goes from the English Channel to the town of Yeovil, and covers largely rural swathes of the UK. That means it can be tricky to get around if you don't have access to your own wheels. There are a couple of local bus and train routes, but they mainly connect the biggest towns and cities. The good news is that pretty much all Somerset holiday homes out in the countryside will come with dedicated parking spaces. You'll just need to be ready to navigate winding, narrow lanes to get to them.
If there are 2 things you simply must try when visiting Somerset, it's local cheese and cider. The town of Cheddar is the obvious place to go to sample the 1st – it's the namesake of England's favourite cheese. Although only a few small makers still exist in the area, you'll be able to say you tasted the delicious dairy delight in the place that gave it its name. Scrumpy cider, cloudy and tangy with West Country apples, is available all over the place. Drop into a local country inn to enjoy their craft brew tipples – it's the perfect refreshment on a sunny day.
Yes, our 2021 property listings offer a large selection of 2,813 vacation rentals near Somerset. From 1,212 cottages to 2,008 houses, find a unique house rental for you to enjoy a memorable stay with your family and friends. The best places to stay near Somerset for a holiday or a weekend are on Vrbo.