Somerset is located on the South Western coast of England, and the Saxons and Celts described it as “the land of the summer people”. It is a rural county, with an agriculture, sheep and cattle farming and willow cultivation based economy. Recently, it began developing in areas such as retail, manufacturing and tourism.
Many landscapes in Somerset are part of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty: old parklands, conifer plantations, caves, rivers, moors, sandy beaches and coastline. This is the place for a relaxing holiday, connecting with nature, discovering the local culture and trying new food and drinks. The accommodation units include some of the finest hotels, B&Bs, inns, cottages, farms, campsites and self-catering units. Choose and book according to your needs and enjoy a wonderful stay. The hotels will welcome you with great service and trained personnel. At the end of the day, you know that people are the ones making the difference. If you can’t part from luxurious living conditions not even on holiday, these may be the best option for you. The top-rated are Salisbury House, Winford Manor, The Castle at Taunton, Holbrook House, Walnut Tree and Exmoor White Horse. If you are looking for a more traditional, cozy and personalized stay, choose one of over 100 quality units: Stilegate, Little Orchard, Huntstile Organic Farm, Copper Beeches, The Rock. Also, check out The King Arms, The Boat & Anchor, The Red Lion, The White Hart. These units provide a unique experience in travelling.
When it comes to food, Somerset is famous for its apples, strong Cider and Cheddar cheese. Small producers developed their recipes and improved them over the years in order to produce some of the best food experiences. You can try them in restaurants and pubs or at the local markets, where you are also given the chance to meet the producers. A travelling experience is not fulfilled until you have tried the local food, right? Whatever your quest is, a delicious and nutritious breakfast, a satisfying lunch or a light dinner, consider these: the Clavelshay Barn serves quality local products and a countryside experience. Queen Victoria Inn will dazzle you with its huge fireplaces and friendly atmosphere. BRAZZ is perfect for a quick lunch if you are in the mood for burgers, salads, pasta or grill dishes. If you are simply in the mood for a quiet tea or drink with friends, choose a cafe or pub: The Almhouse Tea Shop, The Pig and Fiddle, The Lamb or The Cross Keys.
Regarding the emblematic attractions of the county, you can either go for the natural ones (countryside walk, sandy beaches) or manmade (museums, gardens, cathedrals). The Wells Cathedral, the Glastonbury Tor and Abbey, the Museum of Somerset, Montacute House and the Roman Baths Museum are stunning historical buildings that will amaze you with their astonishing features. The Royal Victoria Park was opened in 1830, and it is a delight to both eye and soul. The car and plane enthusiasts are likely to fall in love with the Haynes International Motor Museum and The Fleet Air Arm Museum. But if the purpose of your journey is more about learning and less about visiting architectural monuments and buying stuff, we have other ideas.
Take a stroll and visit the old towns and villages: Glastonbury, Wells, Taunton, Yeovil, Minehead, Weston Super Mare. Take pictures, invite the locals to share stories, observe the wild habitat. Ask for recipes of their most delicious delicacies, take in the fresh air as you admire the protected natural areas. Make a stop on the coastline and observe the people, the seaside resorts, marinas and harbours, the boats that row gently down the river. Let yourself get inspired by the colourful and picturesque quirky, lovely, old houses.
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