Somerset is a beautiful, largely rural county located in England's
West Country, known for its rolling hills, historic villages, and rich
cultural heritage.
It is most famously associated with the
Glastonbury Festival, the largest and most iconic greenfield music and
performing arts festival in the United Kingdom, which attracts hundreds
of thousands of visitors every summer to Worthy Farm near Pilton.
Due
to multiple local government reorganisations (especially in 1974 and
1996), the precise boundaries of Somerset can be confusing. Today,
people usually refer to Somerset in one of two ways:
The
traditional/historic county — a larger area that has long been
recognised culturally and geographically
The modern administrative
county — the smaller area currently governed by Somerset Council
This description focuses on the current administrative county of
Somerset, together with the two separate unitary authorities of North
Somerset and Bath and North East Somerset (BANES). Together, these three
areas cover the great majority of the historic county of Somerset.
Importantly, the city of Bristol — although historically part of
Somerset — is now an independent unitary authority and a ceremonial
county in its own right, and is therefore not included here.
Somerset
boasts some outstanding protected landscapes. A substantial portion of
Exmoor National Park lies within the county (the remainder is in
neighbouring Devon). The county is also home to two complete Areas of
Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs): the serene and ancient Quantock
Hills and the dramatic limestone Mendip Hills, famous for their gorges,
caves, and Cheddar cheese heritage. The Blackdown Hills AONB, an area of
quiet, wooded plateaux and deep valleys, is shared between Somerset and
Devon.
Bath
A world-famous historic city renowned for its splendid Roman
baths (the best-preserved Roman spa complex in northern Europe) and
elegant Georgian architecture. The entire city center has been
designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its outstanding
architectural harmony and historical significance.
Wells
England's
smallest official city, dominated by its magnificent medieval cathedral
with its famous west front, astronomical clock, and peaceful surrounding
cathedral close.
Bristol
A major city and separate unitary
authority – not covered in this Somerset guide.
Towns
4.
Taunton – The historic county town of Somerset, home to the county's
administrative center, a Norman castle, and a well-known cricket ground.
5. Bridgwater – A historic market town and former port with an
interesting industrial heritage and the site of the annual Bridgwater
Guy Fawkes Carnival.
6. Chard – One of the oldest towns in Somerset,
known as the birthplace of powered flight (with connections to both the
Montgolfier brothers and early aviation pioneers).
7. Clevedon – A
charming Victorian seaside resort famous for its beautifully preserved
Grade I listed pier, one of the oldest surviving iron piers in the
world.
8. Glastonbury – A small town steeped in myth and
spirituality, dominated by the striking Glastonbury Tor; widely
associated with New Age culture, the legend of King Arthur, and the
world-famous Glastonbury Festival held nearby.
9. Ilminster - A
peaceful market town with attractive stone buildings and a notable
15th-century minster church.
10. Langport – A small, historic trading
town located right in the heart of the Somerset Levels, offering a
classic view of the region's famous flat, watery landscape.
11.
Minehead – A traditional seaside town serving as a popular gateway to
Exmoor National Park.
12. Portishead – A coastal town that has
transformed from industrial roots into a modern residential and marina
area with attractive waterfront.
13. Shepton Mallet – An old market
town known for its medieval parish church, historic prison, and the
famous Shepton Mallet Cider Mill.
14. Watchet – A picturesque little
harbor town with strong maritime history, colorful painted houses, and
connections to Samuel Taylor Coleridge's "The Rime of the Ancient
Mariner."
15. Weston-super-Mare – One of the UK's classic traditional
seaside resorts, featuring a long sandy beach, iconic Grand Pier, and
the dramatic tidal range.
16. Wincanton – A small market town famous
for its National Hunt racecourse, one of the country's leading jumps
racing venues.
17. Yeovil – The largest town in south Somerset, known
as a manufacturing center (especially helicopters) and home to a
well-regarded football club.
Villages
18. Abbots Leigh – A
quiet village with beautiful countryside views overlooking the Avon
Gorge and close to Bristol.
19. Cheddar – Famous worldwide for its
dramatic Cheddar Gorge, Britain's largest gorge, and the original home
of Cheddar cheese.
20. Long Ashton – An attractive village near
Bristol with historic buildings and good access to the beautiful Ashton
Court estate.
21. Porlock – A pretty coastal village at the edge of
Exmoor, known for its scenic harbor and as a starting point for walks
along the South West Coast Path.
(Note: Several beautiful Exmoor
villages including Dunster, Oare, Porlock Weir, Selworthy, and Winsford
are covered in the separate Exmoor section.)
Other Destinations
Mendip Hills
A beautiful range of limestone hills in northern
Somerset, officially designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
(AONB), featuring dramatic limestone gorges, caves, dry stone walls, and
sweeping views across the surrounding countryside.
Exmoor National
Park
One of Britain's oldest national parks, characterized by vast
expanses of wild open moorland and heather-covered heath, dramatic
coastal cliffs, ancient woodlands, and a rich variety of wildlife
including red deer and Exmoor ponies.
The variety of English you hear in Somerset can vary noticeably
depending on the specific area you visit. For instance, in the historic
city of Bath, you're much more likely to come across speakers using
Received Pronunciation (often called the "standard" or "BBC" accent),
which is associated with educated speech across much of southern
England. By contrast, in towns like Yeovil or more rural parts of the
county, you're far more likely to encounter West Country English — the
traditional regional dialect spoken across much of the southwest,
including Somerset, Bristol, Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, Wiltshire, and
Gloucestershire.
A classic way to hear the contrast between these two
varieties is in the pronunciation of the word "Bath" itself. Speakers of
Received Pronunciation (RP) use a long, open /ɑː/ vowel sound — the same
as in words like "car" or "palm" — resulting in something like "bahth".
West Country English speakers, however, typically retain a long /æː/ (or
sometimes a lengthened [aː]) vowel, sounding closer to the "a" in "ham"
or "cat", but stretched out, giving a pronunciation more like "baath"
with a flatter, broader quality.
Another striking difference appears
in words containing an "r" after a vowel, such as "cider". RP is
non-rhotic, meaning the /r/ sound is not pronounced unless followed by a
vowel — so it comes out as something like "SIGH-duh". West Country
English, on the other hand, is strongly rhotic: speakers consistently
pronounce the /r/, often with a distinctive retroflex or slightly rolled
quality, leading to "SIGH-der" — and in some stronger local versions, it
might even sound closer to "SOY-der" with a rounded quality.
Beyond
these two main accents, Somerset — like the rest of England — is home to
speakers of many other varieties of English. In larger towns and cities
such as Bath, Weston-super-Mare, Taunton, Yeovil, and Bridgwater, you'll
regularly hear English spoken by people from a wide range of
backgrounds, including non-native speakers who have moved to the area
for work, study, or retirement.
Compared to many other parts of
England, however, Somerset remains relatively homogeneous in terms of
language background. According to the latest available census data
(2021, with figures largely stable into the mid-2020s), only around 8.5%
of the county's residents were born outside the UK overall — though this
rises somewhat higher (closer to 10–15% in some central urban parts of
Yeovil or other towns with more diverse employment). This is
significantly lower than the national average for England, reflecting
Somerset's largely rural character and more limited history of
large-scale inward migration compared to major cities or the southeast.
As a result, local West Country English and standard RP-influenced
speech continue to dominate everyday conversations across the county.
The main airport serving the region is Bristol Airport, located
conveniently close to the northern parts of the county.
By train
Somerset is well connected by rail, with the two principal stations
being Bristol Temple Meads (the region's main hub) and Taunton.
Both
stations are served by regular services from Great Western Railway and
CrossCountry, providing direct connections to major cities including
London Paddington, Cardiff, Manchester, various parts of northern
England, Devon, and Cornwall. Bristol Temple Meads also offers services
to the south coast, including Portsmouth, Weymouth, and other areas of
Hampshire and Dorset.
For the southern part of the county, a more
leisurely alternative is the South Western Railway line running from
London Waterloo to Exeter, which stops at stations including Yeovil and
Crewkerne.
By car
Driving offers the greatest flexibility for
exploring Somerset. The M5 motorway runs through the northern half of
the county, providing fast access to towns such as Bridgwater and
Taunton.
The A303, a historic and often scenic trunk road, serves the
southern part of the county, passing through or near Yeovil, Ilminster,
and continuing westwards.
While public transport links the main towns and cities reasonably
well, hiring a car is generally the most convenient and recommended way
to explore the county thoroughly. Many of Somerset’s most popular
tourist destinations — such as the elegant seaside town of Clevedon —
have no railway station at all. Other places, such as Minehead, are only
served by heritage railways that do not connect directly to the national
mainline network.
For a nostalgic and enjoyable experience, the West
Somerset Railway is the longest heritage railway in England, running
between Minehead and Bishops Lydeard through beautiful Somerset
countryside with beautifully restored steam locomotives.
There is
also the smaller East Somerset Railway near Shepton Mallet, which offers
another delightful heritage rail experience for enthusiasts.
Natural wonders and caves
Cheddar Gorge, located near the village
of Cheddar, is one of England's most dramatic limestone landscapes — a
deep, spectacular ravine carved over a million years ago during the Ice
Age, featuring towering cliffs rising over 400 feet, stunning panoramic
views across the Mendip Hills and Somerset Levels, and rare wildlife
such as feral goats, horseshoe bats, and dormice. The site also includes
famous show caves like Gough's Cave and Cox's Cave, which reveal
extraordinary stalactites and hold significant Paleolithic archaeology
(including evidence of prehistoric human habitation), while the village
itself is world-famous as the home of traditional Cheddar cheese.
Clevedon Pier in the seaside town of Clevedon stands as a beautifully
preserved example of a classic Victorian pleasure pier, offering elegant
architecture and scenic walks over the water.
The Fleet Air Arm
Museum at RNAS Yeovilton (near Yeovil) houses Europe's largest
collection of naval aviation history, with fascinating exhibits of
historic aircraft, simulators, and stories from the Royal Navy's flying
heritage.
Glastonbury Tor is a striking, isolated hill rising
prominently above the town of Glastonbury, steeped in myth, legend, and
spiritual significance — often linked to Arthurian tales, the Holy
Grail, and ancient mystical associations, with breathtaking 360° views
from its summit.
The Haynes International Motor Museum in Sparkford
(about 9 miles west of Wincanton) is a must-see for motoring
enthusiasts, showcasing an impressive collection of over 400 classic
cars and motorcycles spanning decades of automotive history.
Stanton
Drew stone circles (postcode BS39 4EW), near the village of Stanton
Drew, form a remarkable prehistoric complex. The Great Circle is the
second-largest stone circle in Britain (after Avebury), measuring around
113 metres in diameter, and includes surviving upright stones alongside
evidence of ancient ritual features like surrounding ditches and
possible timber predecessors — a quiet, atmospheric site dating back to
the Neolithic period.
Wookey Hole caves near Wells are a fascinating
series of limestone caverns open to the public as a popular show cave
attraction, featuring stunning underground formations, mythical tales
(including the legendary Witch of Wookey), and a variety of
family-friendly exhibits.
On the shores of the Bristol Channel,
Hinkley Point Nuclear Power Station appeals to those interested in
science, energy, and modern technology. Note that visits require advance
registration through the EDF Visitor Centre in Bridgwater (near
Cannington), where interactive exhibits explain nuclear power
generation. Security is strict — an identity check is mandatory as part
of the pre-visit process, so remember to bring your passport or other
valid photo ID.
Historic houses (many cared for by the National
Trust):
Barrington Court near Ilminster is a fine early-Tudor manor
house dating from the 1500s, featuring elegant architecture, intriguing
restoration history from the 1920s, and beautiful formal gardens
influenced by designer Gertrude Jekyll.
Dunster Castle and its
historic watermill, near Minehead, is a dramatic National Trust country
house and former medieval castle perched overlooking a picturesque
village within Exmoor National Park; it boasts a thousand years of
history, unique painted leather hangings, and scenic grounds.
Hestercombe House and Gardens near Taunton is widely regarded as one of
the finest surviving examples of the celebrated collaboration between
renowned garden designer Gertrude Jekyll and architect Sir Edwin
Lutyens, with stunning landscaped gardens and elegant house interiors.
Montacute House and Gardens near Yeovil is a magnificent Elizabethan
mansion built of golden ham stone, complete with grand long gallery,
formal gardens, and parkland — a National Trust treasure often featured
in films and celebrated for its Renaissance architecture.
Tyntesfield
at Wraxall (near Long Ashton) is a breathtaking Victorian Gothic Revival
masterpiece, boasting ornate interiors, extensive gardens, parkland, and
an arboretum — transformed by the Gibbs family into one of the most
spectacular National Trust properties in the region.
Somerset is a county rich in genuine charm and warmth, where you’ll
find plenty of truly authentic, cosy country pubs scattered across its
picturesque countryside, surrounded by sweeping rolling hills, lush
green fields, and peaceful rural landscapes that invite leisurely
exploration.
In the North Somerset region especially, the area shines
with iconic natural and historical wonders. Highlights include the
dramatic Cheddar Caves and Gorge — with its towering limestone cliffs,
deep ravines, and fascinating show caves — as well as the legendary
Wookey Hole Caves, home to stunning underground chambers, mythical tales
like the Witch of Wookey, and even family-friendly attractions such as
vintage penny arcades and adventure golf. Nearby, the mystical
Glastonbury Tor rises dramatically above the landscape, offering
panoramic views and deep spiritual significance, while the historic
Glastonbury Abbey ruins tell stories of ancient legends, medieval
history, and Arthurian myths. For a classic seaside escape, the vibrant
Victorian resort of Weston-super-Mare provides sandy beaches, a
traditional pier, and lively coastal vibes.
The county is a paradise
for outdoor enthusiasts, with countless incredible walking routes that
reveal Somerset’s many hidden gems — from quiet woodland trails and
ancient footpaths to scenic hillside rambles that showcase its unspoiled
beauty and lesser-known treasures.
Birdwatching enthusiasts will be
captivated by the abundance of reserves managed by the RSPB and WWT. The
renowned wetlands of the Somerset Levels form a world-class avian haven,
particularly in winter when hundreds of thousands — sometimes even
millions — of starlings gather in breathtaking murmurations at dusk.
These swirling, shape-shifting clouds of birds create one of England’s
most awe-inspiring natural spectacles as they descend to roost in the
reedbeds, often accompanied by sightings of bitterns, great white
egrets, marsh harriers, cranes, and vast flocks of wintering wildfowl.
Caving is another major draw, thanks to the Mendip Hills being riddled
with an extensive network of underground passages. Beyond the accessible
tourist show caves, there are numerous more challenging and technical
systems suited to experienced cavers. For those new to the sport but
eager to try, several operators offer guided, paid expeditions with
expert instructors, providing safe introductions to the thrill of
exploring narrow crawls, dramatic chambers, and ancient geological
formations.
Music lovers know Somerset for the legendary Glastonbury
Festival, held at Worthy Farm — one of the world’s largest and most
iconic performing arts events, drawing massive crowds for days of
world-class music, art, theatre, and culture.
For a more intimate
folk experience, the Priddy Folk Festival (held north of Wells on the
Mendip plateau) delivers a friendly, community-focused three-day
celebration of traditional music, dance, workshops, and family
entertainment in a stunning rural setting.
Sports fans can catch live
action with Somerset County Cricket Club, who play their matches at the
historic County Ground in Taunton — a scenic venue perfect for enjoying
a relaxing day of cricket amid the county’s gentle landscapes.
Finally, the Strawberry Line offers a delightful 9-mile (approximately
14.5 km) traffic-free walking and cycling trail following a former
railway trackbed. This scenic route runs north from Cheddar through
charming villages like Axbridge, Sandford, and Congresbury to Yatton,
passing through cider apple orchards, peaceful woodlands, open fields,
and even a historic railway tunnel. It’s an easy, family-friendly way to
soak up the varied beauty of North Somerset’s countryside, with minimal
gradients and plenty of wildlife along the way.
Whether you're
seeking natural wonders, cultural highlights, or peaceful outdoor
adventures, Somerset delivers an unforgettable mix of authentic
experiences in every corner.
Indulge in Strawberries & Cream
During the summer months, treat
yourself to the simple but heavenly combination of fresh, ripe local
strawberries paired with thick, luxurious Somerset clotted cream. The
strawberries from the region's farms are wonderfully sweet and juicy at
their peak – a true taste of the English countryside in season.
Authentic Farmhouse Cheddar
Make sure to try genuine Somerset
Farmhouse Cheddar cheese. Crafted traditionally using raw or lightly
pasteurised milk and matured in cloth-bound truckles, it delivers a
rich, complex, savoury flavour with crystalline crunch in the best
examples. This is in a completely different league from the bland,
mass-produced block cheddar found in most supermarkets.
Traditional
Somerset Casserole
Enjoy a comforting Somerset casserole, a hearty
local dish typically featuring tender meat (often beef, pork, or game)
or sometimes a substantial meaty fish, slowly braised in local cider
together with chunks of potato, onions, and earthy mushrooms. The cider
adds a gentle sweetness and gentle acidity that perfectly balances the
rich savoury flavours.
Cider – The Drink of the West Country
Somerset is justly famous for its cider, and you'll find excellent
opportunities to sample this iconic West Country drink throughout the
region. Many small family-run farms still produce traditional scrumpy –
a cloudy, powerful, and often very dry farmhouse cider made with
whatever apples are available. Most rural pubs proudly serve proper
draught farmhouse cider straight from the barrel. Be warned though: some
of these traditional ciders are surprisingly strong (often 7–9% ABV or
more), so drink with respect!
A particularly good place to buy
excellent cider – and learn more about how it's made – is Sheppy's Cider
Farm near Taunton, a family business with a long history and a
well-stocked farm shop.
Prehistoric Somerset
Somerset's human history stretches back
hundreds of thousands of years, with evidence of occupation from the
Palaeolithic era. Flint hand axes and points from this period have been
discovered across the region, indicating early hunter-gatherer activity.
Around 500,000 years ago, ancestors of modern humans, possibly Homo
heidelbergensis, quarried flint at sites like Westbury-sub-Mendip,
though the human origin of some artifacts remains debated. During the
Upper Palaeolithic, modern humans (Homo sapiens) settled in caves in the
Mendip Hills, such as Gough's Cave, where remains from around 12,500
years ago suggest possible cannibalistic or ritual practices, including
the use of skulls as cups. The Last Glacial Maximum (25,000–15,000 years
ago) likely turned the area into a tundra, leading to temporary
abandonment.
Post-glacial resettlement occurred around 8000 BC after
the Younger Dryas cold snap. Mesolithic hunter-gatherers left artifacts
in over 70 sites, including burial caves like Aveline's Hole, which held
50–100 skeletons. Cheddar Man, Britain's oldest complete skeleton, dated
to about 7150 BC, was found in Cheddar Gorge and showed signs of violent
death. Rising sea levels flooded much of the Somerset Levels (formerly
dry land connected to the Bristol Channel), creating marshes but leaving
elevated "islands" like Glastonbury and Brent Knoll inhabited since the
Mesolithic.
The Neolithic period (around 3500 BCE) marked the shift
to farming, with evidence of animal management, crop growing, and
woodland clearance on uplands like Exmoor and the Mendips. Monumental
structures emerged, including long barrows (e.g., Stoney Littleton),
stone circles (e.g., Stanton Drew), and henges. The Sweet Track, a
wooden plank walkway across the Levels dated to around 3807 BCE, is one
of Europe's oldest engineered roads, built on the earlier Post Track.
Lake villages at Glastonbury and Meare provided defensive settlements in
the marshes.
In the Bronze Age (c. 2500–800 BCE), mining for ores
began on the Mendips, with lead extraction for tools and weapons. Burial
mounds like Battlegore at Williton and hill forts transitioned from
domestic enclosures. The Iron Age (c. 800 BCE–43 CE) saw Celtic tribes
such as the Dobunni (north), Durotriges (south), and Dumnonii (west)
dominate, producing coins and establishing hill forts like Cadbury
Castle, Ham Hill, and Worlebury Camp for defense and trade. Celtic
worship sites included temples at Brean Down and possibly the hot
springs at Bath dedicated to the goddess Sulis. Archaeological findings,
including palaeontology and early human sites, highlight Somerset's
diverse geology from uplands to lowlands, supporting varied prehistoric
activities.
Roman Somerset (43–410 CE)
The Roman invasion
began in 43 CE, with Somerset conquered by 47 CE under Vespasian's
Second Legion Augusta. Hill forts like Ham Hill and Cadbury Castle were
captured, possibly linked to the Boudiccan Revolt of 60–61 CE. Lead and
silver mining on the Mendips, centered at Charterhouse, was a key
economic driver, initially military-controlled. Roads like the Fosse Way
connected forts at Bath (Aquae Sulis) and Ilchester (Lindinis),
facilitating trade and defense.
Bath became a major spa town around
AD 70, built on natural hot springs—the only such in Britain—dedicated
to Sulis Minerva, attracting pilgrims and featuring elaborate baths,
temples, and curse tablets. Villas proliferated east of the River
Parrett, with mosaics and hypocausts; notable sites include Chew Park
(with early writing tablets) and Pagans Hill Temple. Salt production
occurred near Highbridge, and quarrying supplied stone for Bath. Towns
like Camerton and ports like Combwich developed, while Ilchester and
Bath may have been civitas capitals. Hoards like the Frome (52,500
coins) and West Bagborough reflect late Roman wealth. Romano-British
remains, detailed in archaeological surveys, underscore Somerset's
integration into the empire, with settlements at Catsgore and Sigwells.
Sub-Roman and Early Saxon Period (410–800 CE)
After Roman
withdrawal around 410 CE, Somerset remained Romano-British for a
century, with hill forts like Cadbury Castle reoccupied by local
tyrants. The area was a borderland between Britons and advancing West
Saxons, marked by defenses like the Western Wansdyke. Battles such as
Mons Badonicus (c. 500 CE, possibly near Bath) halted Saxon advances
temporarily. Imported pottery and cemeteries like Cannington indicate
elite continuity, amid plagues and flooding on the Levels.
Saxon
conquest intensified after the Battle of Deorham (577 CE), pushing the
border south. King Cenwalh of Wessex advanced in 652–658 CE, reaching
the River Parrett after battles at Bradford-on-Avon and Penselwood. By
the 7th century, Somerset was the western edge of Wessex. King Ine
(688–726) consolidated control, building a fort at Taunton (destroyed
722 CE) and fighting Welsh kings. Christianity spread, with isolated
communities until the 673 CE Council of Hertford; Glastonbury may link
to early Christian writers like Gildas. Myths tie the area to legends
like Joseph of Arimathea planting the Holy Thorn at Glastonbury and King
Arthur's burial at Avalon.
Saxon and Viking Era (800–1066 CE)
Viking raids began in the 9th century, with a defeat at the Parrett
mouth in 845 CE, marking the first use of "Somersæte." In 878 CE, Alfred
the Great hid in Athelney marshes, rallied forces, and defeated the
Danes at Ethandun (possibly Edington), leading to the Treaty of Wedmore.
He built burhs like Lyng and a network of roads and forts. The Alfred
Jewel, found near North Petherton, symbolizes this era. Mints operated
at Watchet, and royal palaces at Cheddar hosted Witenagemots.
Agriculture shifted to villages east of the Parrett, with monasteries at
Bath, Glastonbury, and Frome. By 1066, the Godwin family controlled much
of the area, with Danish settlements in places like Thurloxton. King
Edgar's coronation at Bath Abbey in 973 CE set the template for English
coronations.
Medieval Somerset (1066–1485 CE)
Post-Norman
Conquest, the Domesday Book (1086) recorded a population of about 67,000
in 13,399 households, with prosperous farming. Castles like Dunster (by
William de Moyon) and Taunton were built for control. Somerset played a
minor role in King Stephen's civil war but was involved in events like
Thomas Becket's murder. The Black Death (1348) killed up to 50% of the
population, disrupting feudalism. Monasteries reclaimed the Levels for
agriculture; wool trade boomed, making it England's largest industry,
with coal mining on the Mendips and quarrying near Bath. Over 20
monasteries existed, including Hinton Charterhouse (1232), and parish
churches were rebuilt. Bridgwater Castle (1202) and ports like Langport
supported trade; Ham Hill supplied hamstone via the Parrett. Bath
thrived in wool, while Exmoor focused on sheep farming.
Tudor and
Stuart Periods (1485–1660 CE)
The Tudor era saw monastery
dissolutions (1530s), with Glastonbury Abbey the last in 1539; Abbot
Richard Whiting was executed on Glastonbury Tor. Population growth led
to specialized farming, but no new towns emerged; grand houses like
Montacute and Hinton St George were built. The 1607 Bristol Channel
floods devastated the Levels. In the English Civil Wars (1642–1651),
Somerset was mostly Parliamentarian, except Royalist strongholds like
Dunster. Key battles included Lansdowne (1643) and Langport (1645);
Taunton endured a prolonged siege (1644–1645) under Robert Blake. Many
castles were slighted post-war.
Later Stuart and Georgian Periods
(1660–1837 CE)
The Monmouth Rebellion (1685) saw the Duke of Monmouth
land at Lyme Regis, rally supporters, and damage Wells Cathedral before
defeat at Sedgemoor—the last pitched battle on English soil—followed by
the Bloody Assizes under Judge Jeffreys. The 18th century was relatively
peaceful, with declining traditional industries but agricultural
improvements via societies like the Bath and West (1777). Bath became a
fashionable spa resort, revived by figures like Celia Fiennes, who
described unique bathing customs. Quaker entrepreneurs in Street founded
C&J Clark shoe manufacturing. Canals like the Somerset Coal Canal and
Bridgwater and Taunton linked industries. Arthur Wellesley (Duke of
Wellington) took his title from a local town.
Industrial
Revolution and Victorian Era (1837–1901 CE)
Turnpikes, canals, and
railways transformed transport, though many canals later became
recreational. Population rose from 274,000 in 1801 to 551,000 by 1951,
boosting seaside towns like Weston-super-Mare. Innovations included John
Stringfellow's powered flight experiments in Chard (1848) and early
acetylene lighting in North Petherton (1906). Ports like Portishead
developed docks, and industries expanded in Taunton and Yeovil.
Agriculture focused on dairy, stock, and cider; Cheddar cheese
originated in the Mendips. Quarrying of limestone and sandstone
continued in uplands. Somerset County Council formed in 1889.
20th Century to Present
The World Wars brought casualties, with WWII
seeing ROF Bridgwater produce explosives, airfields, POW camps, and
defenses like the Taunton Stop Line. Post-war, protected areas emerged:
Exmoor National Park (1954), Quantock Hills AONB (1956), and Mendip
Hills (1972). Nuclear power began at Hinkley Point A (1957–2000),
followed by B (1967–2023) and planned C. Administrative changes included
the 1974 creation of Avon (absorbing parts into Bristol), dissolved in
1996 to form unitary authorities like North Somerset and Bath and North
East Somerset. Tourism boomed, drawn to Bath (UNESCO site since 1987),
Wells Cathedral, Glastonbury Abbey ruins, and coastal resorts like
Minehead and Burnham-on-Sea, home to England's shortest pier. The
Glastonbury Festival started in 1970 with 1,500 attendees and has grown
to over 200,000. Modern economy blends agriculture (mechanized dairy and
cider in Taunton and Shepton Mallet), light industry in Bridgwater and
Yeovil, and renewable energy initiatives, like Bath Abbey's 2018 heat
exchangers using Roman springs. Somerset's myths, from Arthurian legends
to Alfred's burnt cakes, continue to enrich its cultural identity as
England's seventh-largest county by area, with over 400 villages and a
wealth of historic sites.
Somerset is a ceremonial county located in South West England,
covering an area of approximately 4,170 square kilometers (1,610 square
miles), making it the seventh-largest ceremonial county in England by
area. It is predominantly rural, with a population of around 1,012,934
as of 2024, resulting in a relatively low population density of 243
people per square kilometer (630 per square mile). The county's
geography is diverse, featuring a mix of low-lying wetlands, rolling
hills, upland moors, and a rugged coastline along the Bristol Channel.
Its central feature is the Somerset Levels, a vast coastal plain and
wetland, while the surrounding areas include significant upland regions
such as the Mendip Hills, Quantock Hills, Blackdown Hills, and parts of
Exmoor National Park. This variety contributes to Somerset's role as a
key agricultural and natural heritage area in the UK.
Location
and Boundaries
Somerset is bordered by the Bristol Channel to the
north, providing a maritime boundary, while its land borders include
Bristol and Gloucestershire to the north, Wiltshire to the east, Dorset
to the southeast, and Devon to the southwest. The northern boundary
largely follows the southern bank of the River Avon, starting from the
Bristol Channel and extending upstream, with deviations to incorporate
the city of Bath and its surrounding areas north of the river. This
boundary has remained relatively stable since medieval times, though
historical adjustments occurred around Bristol, which was separated as
its own county in 1373. The county's position in the heart of South West
England places it adjacent to other regions like North Somerset and Bath
and North East Somerset, which are administratively separate but
geographically connected. Overall, Somerset's boundaries encompass a
blend of coastal, lowland, and upland terrains, influencing local
administrative divisions and green belt policies.
Topography and
Physical Features
Somerset's topography is marked by stark contrasts,
ranging from flat, low-lying areas to elevated hills and moors. The
central and most iconic feature is the Somerset Levels, a coastal plain
and wetland basin covering about 647.5 square kilometers (160,000
acres), primarily in the Sedgemoor district and extending into southwest
Mendip. This area is predominantly flat, with elevations barely above
sea level—reaching a maximum of about 8 meters (26 feet)—and includes
smaller raised features known as "burtles" and isolated hills. Divided
by the Polden Hills, the Levels consist of marine clay along the coast
and peat inland, supporting 70% grassland and 30% arable land.
To the
northeast, the Mendip Hills rise as moderately high limestone
formations, designated as a National Landscape (formerly Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty) spanning 198 square kilometers (76 square
miles), with calcareous grassland and arable farming. The county's
highest point is Dunkery Beacon on Exmoor at 519 meters (1,703 feet)
above sea level, part of the Exmoor National Park in the west, which
features high Devonian sandstone moors. Other notable uplands include
the Quantock Hills (99 square kilometers or 38 square miles) in the
southwest, with heathland, oak woodlands, and ancient parklands; the
Blackdown Hills in the south; and parts of the Cotswolds in the
northeast. The North Somerset Levels form a smaller coastal basin around
Avonmouth.
The coastline stretches 64 kilometers (40 miles) along the
Bristol Channel and Severn Estuary, known for the world's second-largest
tidal range (over 12 meters or 39 feet at spring tides, e.g., at
Burnham-on-Sea). It varies from dramatic high cliffs and waterfalls in
the west (near the Exmoor plateau) to low wetlands in the mid and
northern sections, including reserves like Bridgwater Bay. Coastal towns
such as Minehead, Watchet, Burnham-on-Sea, Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon,
and Portishead dot the shore, with islands like Steep Holm included in
the county.
Geology
The underlying geology profoundly shapes
Somerset's landscapes. In the north, limestone karst and lias dominate,
forming features like the Mendip Hills with extensive cave systems
(e.g., Wookey Hole, Cheddar Gorge, Ebbor Gorge) and underground rivers.
These areas contain Paleolithic evidence, such as human bones from
Gough's Cave dated to 12,000 BCE and the Cheddar Man skeleton from 7150
BCE. Central regions feature clay vales and wetlands, while the east and
south have oolitic limestones, and the west is characterized by Devonian
sandstone. The Somerset Coalfield, extending into Gloucestershire, was
active until the 1970s but is now defunct. Sedimentary and karst
processes have created gorges, caves with ancient art (e.g., Aveline's
Hole), and reclaimed wetlands, reflecting a history of geological
evolution influenced by marine and fluvial deposits.
Hydrology
and Rivers
Somerset's hydrology is intricate, with numerous rivers
draining into the Bristol Channel. Key rivers include the Avon (flowing
through Bath and Bristol), Axe, Brue, Parrett (tidal almost to Langport
and draining much of the Levels), Chew (tributary to the Bristol Avon),
Cary, Sheppey, Tone, and Yeo. The Levels' flat terrain has necessitated
extensive drainage systems since Roman times, expanded by Anglo-Saxons,
medieval abbeys (e.g., Glastonbury Abbey from 1400–1770), and modern
efforts like the Huntspill River during World War II. Artificial
channels, such as those diverting the River Brue near Glastonbury, and
ongoing pumping manage flooding in this brackish, marshy region. The
Severn Estuary's influence extends inland, contributing to tidal
dynamics and wetland habitats.
Climate
Somerset experiences a
temperate maritime climate, wetter and milder than the UK average, with
an annual mean temperature of about 10°C (50°F). Proximity to the sea
moderates seasonal extremes: summer highs in July–August average 21°C
(69.8°F), while winter lows in January–February range from 1–2°C
(33.8–35.6°F). Annual sunshine is slightly below the national average at
around 1,600 hours, with convective clouds limiting summer exposure.
Rainfall totals about 700 mm (28 inches) per year, peaking in autumn and
winter from Atlantic depressions, and supplemented by summer convection
and showers. Snowfall occurs 8–15 days annually, and winds are strongest
from November to March, predominantly south-westerly. Data from
Yeovilton (1981–2010) illustrates this: January averages include a high
of 8.1°C (46.6°F), low of 1.4°C (34.5°F), and 72 mm (2.8 inches) of
precipitation; July features a high of 21.7°C (71.1°F), low of 11.9°C
(53.4°F), and 48.9 mm (1.9 inches). Annual totals are 724.5 mm (28.5
inches) of rain over 121.2 days, with 1,522.7 hours of sunshine.
Landscape, Ecology, and Environmental Aspects
Ecologically, Somerset
is rich, with over 100 Sites of Special Scientific Interest and
designations like National Landscapes for the Mendip, Quantock, and
Blackdown Hills, plus Exmoor National Park. Habitats range from
calcareous grassland on the Mendips to heathland and woodlands on the
Quantocks, and peat-based moors on Exmoor, home to native Exmoor Ponies.
The Levels support wetland biodiversity, with reserves like Bridgwater
Bay (a National Nature Reserve) and areas like Weston Bay and Sand Bay.
Environmental management focuses on conservation, flood control, and
sustainable land use, reflecting the county's history of wetland
reclamation and ongoing efforts to balance agriculture with nature
preservation. This geographical diversity not only defines Somerset's
physical character but also supports its cultural and economic identity
as a rural, scenic region.