Discover 15 of the Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Somerset
Somerset is a county brimming with hidden gems, featuring ancient landscapes, mystical caves, rich folklore, rolling hills, and dramatic coastlines. Explore historic sites, pagan landmarks, holy springs, majestic castles, and the wild expanses of Exmoor. Ideal for outdoor adventures, architectural marvels, and charming market towns, here are 15 of the most stunning places to visit in Somerset.
Corton Hill Beacon
For rewarding walks and panoramic views, embark on circular trails from the village of Dinnington in South Somerset, ascending to Corton Hill Beacon. This medieval landscape offers clear sights over the Somerset Levels, extending to Glastonbury Tor on clear days.
It is the excavated site of Cadbury Hill Fort, speculated by some to be King Arthur’s Camelot—a theory debated by historians, yet the site’s grandeur remains undeniable. Park at Cadbury Castle and walk to the beacon, then through quaint Dinnington Village back to your start.
Frome: Once Voted Britain's Prettiest Town
Frome has earned acclaim as a haven for artists and artisans, attracting those seeking an alternative vibe akin to Totnes or Hebden Bridge. Voted the Prettiest Town in England and sixth best place to live in the UK, it lives up to its reputation.
This historic market town boasts preserved buildings and the iconic cobbled Catherine Hill, lined with independent shops and cafes offering local produce and crafts. Its traditional market thrives three days weekly, while the monthly Independent Market features curated vintage and handmade goods. In July, the Frome Festival transforms the town with arts, music, and performances.
Cheddar Gorge: A World-Class Natural Wonder
Cheese enthusiasts will appreciate tastings at spots like the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company. Voted Britain's second greatest natural wonder by BBC viewers in 2005, this limestone gorge in the Mendips features dramatic caves adorned with stalactites and stalagmites.
Home to the Cheddar Man, Britain's oldest complete skeleton (circa 9000 years old), many caves are protected ancient monuments. They inspired J.R.R. Tolkien's Helm's Deep in The Lord of the Rings.
Bath: England's Georgian Architectural Gem
Visit this UNESCO World Heritage city, drawn by its Roman Baths since antiquity. For modern bathing, try Thermae Bath Spa with Britain's only natural thermal springs.
Georgian elites, including Jane Austen (who resided here 1801-1806 and drew inspiration for Persuasion and Northanger Abbey), flocked here. Icons like Queen Square, The Circus, and The Royal Crescent by John Wood the Elder and Younger exemplify its elegance. Today, enjoy independent shops and dining; try afternoon tea at The Connies Tea Room.
Mendip Hills: An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Spanning 76 square miles across counties but predominantly in Somerset, the Mendips AONB harbors caves like Wookey Hole, tied to folklore of a witch petrified by a Glastonbury monk. Nearby: a Victorian penny arcade and Britain's oldest paper mill.
Trails reveal 286 Neolithic round barrows, Cadbury Castle, and Stanton Drew Stone Circle.
Wells and Its Cathedral: A Medieval Masterpiece
Wells, on the Mendips' edge, charms with its Gothic Cathedral (1175-1490), England's oldest surviving example. Marvel at the Jesse Window, scissor arches, medieval sculptures, chapter house, and second-oldest clock.
Vicars' Close features 27 Grade I listed buildings; visit the 800-year-old Bishop's Palace gardens or Milton Lodge Gardens. Dine in pubs or cafes amid independent shops.
Porlock Weir and Common: Coastal Serenity
This millennium-old fishing village boasts 17th-century Gibraltar Cottages (English Heritage-listed). Access Exmoor adventures: coastal paths, watersports, coasteering.
Hike to heather-clad Porlock Common for Channel and Wales views, or the South West Coast Path.
Glastonbury: Mystical Heart of Avalon
Beyond the festival, Glastonbury's ley lines draw spiritual seekers. Climb Glastonbury Tor for Levels views; legends link it to fairy king Gwyn ap Nudd. Visit Chalice Well, White Spring, ancient oaks Gog and Magog (Gog lost in 2017 fire), and Arthurian abbey ruins.
Shops offer pagan wares, crystals, organic cafes, and more.
Allerford: Quintessential Somerset Village
Centered on a 15th-century packhorse bridge, Allerford features period homes, a Victorian school, Rural Life Museum, Kitnors Tea Room, and Owl & Falconry Centre. Stroll to Bossington beach for Hurlstone Point views.
Quantock Hills: Wilderness Haven
This AONB offers heather hills and views. Explore Stogursey: 60+ listed buildings, castle ruins, holy well, priory fragments. Nearby submerged forest (2500 BC) fuels folklore.
Dunster: Medieval Village Charm
On Exmoor's edge, with Iron Age roots (featured on Time Team), Dunster centers on its castle (Anglo-Saxon origins, Luttrell expansions). See yarn market, priory ruins, watermill, bridge. Exmoor walks spot ponies and folklore figures.
Burnham-on-Sea: Classic Seaside Escape
At Brean Beach's north end (Europe's second-longest), enjoy lighthouse, shortest pier, arcades, promenade. Climb Brean Down for Bristol Channel vistas.
Ebbor Gorge National Nature Reserve
National Trust-owned, this 63-hectare Mendip reserve offers wooded walks, streams, cliffs, views. Circular trails through mossy gorge and caverns provide serene nature immersion.
Sand Bay: Wild Coastal Retreat
Between Weston and Sand Point, perfect for windswept walks and sunsets. Picnic-friendly with coastal paths; dog heaven on sand and shingle.
Kilve: Jurassic Coastline Treasures
Fossil-rich rocks yield ammonites and reptile remains. Smugglers' coves and 1300s Chantry ruins. Picturesque base for Quantocks and coast exploration.
