Agriculture plays a lead role in Somerset’s business world. The county produces
not only apples and Cheddar cheese, but also wool and willow.
Walks
Somerset, with its rolling green hills and peaceful farming countryside, is
the perfect place to enjoy a walk. Routes include the Bradford on Avon to
Bath walk, the Glastonbury Tor walk (3.5 miles), the Weston Super Mare walk
(1.2 miles) and the Taunton Walk (4.5 miles).
Bike trails
If you fancy getting around the Somerset countryside faster than you would
walking, then grab a bike and take one of the several trails around the county,
such as the Chard to Cheddar bike trail. South Somerset also has its own
cycle route.
Family Attractions
Somerset is the ideal place to spend a break away with the family. With adventure
parks, farms and hundreds of other attractions, you will find something to
suit both young and old.
The Fun Farm, Taunton: The Fun Farm is full of farmyard animals, and the farmer
and his wife are always ready to answer any questions. Visitors are welcome
to feed the animals and are invited to take a ride on the new Barrel Train.
Animal Farm, Burnham on Sea: This farm is packed full of Jersey and Highland
cattle, donkeys, llamas, Shetland ponies, rare breed sheep and even exotic
birds, which have their own island and pond.
Cheddar Crazy Golf: This 18 hole golf course is set amongst a gorge on different
levels, and features a 19th century grotto and views of the cliffs. The course
makes an ideal place for a day out.
Gardens
There are many gardens to be visited in the county of Somerset, all with something
a bit different to offer.
Cheddar Garden Centre: The Cheddar Garden Centre has an abundance of excellent
plants on offer, water gardens to walk around and friendly on-hand staff. All
this set in the beautiful Mendip Hills.
Hestercombe Gardens: These three beautiful gardens near Taunton are set over
40 acres of Woodland, with a Courtyard Café serving delicious food and tea,
a Gift Shop selling all kinds of gifts to take home, and an impressive Plant
Centre.
Jill’s Garden: This garden in Grove Park, Weston super Mare, holds a lot of
importance as it is dedicated to the memory of Jill Dando, who grew up in the
town. Opening in 2001, Jill’s family and friends received the help of the BBC
Ground Force Team in helping to shape the garden. It is a peaceful and tranquil
place which has fast become one of Weston Super Mare’s most popular attractions.
History and Museums
The county is celebrated in nearly every phase of English history, from
the legendary past of King Arthur and the Isle of Avalon, and the less remote
period when King Alfred is supposed to have burnt the cakes in the Isle of
Athelney, down to comparatively recent times when the Duke of Monmouth was
defeated at Sedgemoor, and Judge Jeffreys held the Bloody Assize at Taunton.
Battle Sites: The Battle of Sedgmore took place on 6th July 1885 between the
Royalists under the Duke of Feversham, who defeated the Rebel Army who were
under the Duke of Monmouth. The Battle of Langport took place on 10th July
1645 and saw the royalists fight against the parliamentarians. The two sites
at Bridgwater and Langport respectively give an insight into
the old battles which took place in this part of England.
Because of this vivid history, Somerset has many fascinating museums.
The Somerset Rural Life Museum: Based in Glastonbury, this museum takes visitors
back in time to Somerset during the Victorian period, with a barn and courtyard
displaying tools used in mud horse fishing, cider making and peat digging.
A shop and tea room is also on site.
Seaquarium: This sea life centre in Weston Super Mare lets visitors
walk through an underwater tunnel, with sharks and rays just inches away on
the other side of the glass.
And that’s not all: there are further 25 displays at the Seaquarium, all with
something different.
Hayes Motor Museum: This museum in Sparkford is home to vintage cars of the
50s and 60s, including Rolls Royces and Bentleys, alongside modern cars such
as the Ferrari 360 and the Jaguar XJ220. There are a total 400 glorious cars
and bikes housed in the museum.
Somerset Brick and Tile Museum: The Brick and Tile Museum in Bridgwater gives
visitors an insight into brick and tile making, and houses the only remaining
tile kiln in Bridgwater.
Glastonbury Festival
Somerset cannot be discussed without mentioning the world-famous Glastonbury
Festival. A five day music festival, everyone from Nirvana to Bruce Springsteen
has played here. Music isn’t the only part of the festival: visitors can
even get a massage between seeing bands play live, whilst many dance and
acrobats put on displays. It may be cursed by rain and a lot of mud, but
Glastonbury is certainly a magical experience.