Simon L
19 December 2017
Where else in the world can boast hip and happening cities, majestic moorland, beautiful beaches, castles, cathedrals and ancient ruins?
Well, that's what you get when you visit Somerset, with many magnificent viewpoints and vistas showcasing the exquisiteness of the county. And when you have so many picturesque locations to choose from, it's hard not to get your camera out!
We've therefore put our heads together at Stay In HQ and have come up with a list of 11 Somerset locations you won't be able to resist photographing.
Described by Alec Clifton-Taylor as the “most poetic of the English Cathedrals”, the cathedral is found right in the medieval heart of the city and is the earliest English cathedral to be built in the Gothic style. The seat of the Bishop of Bath and Wells dates back nearly 1,000 years, with construction starting in 1170 and the cathedral dedicated in 1239.
This gorgeous former motte and bailey castle atop one of Somerset's many tors is now a National Trust country house, open to the public. The house is full of wonders, with a Victorian reservoir beneath your feet, subtropical gardens and a working watermill all offering the chance to take some magnificent pics.
If you've ever watched Glastonbury Festival on TV, you'll have seen this historic hill just outside of the festival site. The TV cameras love zooming in on the roofless St Michael's Tower – one of the South West's most famous monuments – on top of the tor, while it's also known as being one of the most spiritual sites in the UK.
Somerset Levels
Glastonbury Tor also offers spectacular vistas across the Somerset Levels; a wetland area which spreads across around 160,000 acres. On the Levels, you'll find some of the UK's rarest plant, bird and animal species, meaning it's a huge draw for nature photographers.
Bristol is one of the UK's most exciting cities, with an arts scene, top restaurants and brilliant bars to rival the likes of London. Not only that, but it also sets the scene for a cracking picture, with attractive houses, harbours and rivers begging to be photographed – so much so, that we've had to choose two locations offering some multi-coloured housing!
Totterdown:
When it comes to picture-perfect locations, you can't get much more alluring than the city of Bath. Out-of-this-world cathedrals and Roman baths give way to scenic rivers and buildings, resulting in a historic landscape of opportunity. Simply put, you can walk down any of the streets in Bath and there will be a photograph waiting for you!
Clevedon Pier
This Victorian seaside pier was used during Victorian times to transport and receive paddle steamer passengers from South Wales. Nowadays you can take boat rides, go fishing, and visit an art gallery, while it's also a focal point for Somerset events throughout the year. It's a wonderful place to visit during the summer for a picnic!
This peaceful location has a long beach, offering a lovely place to while away some time with your camera. It's a great location for anglers and ramblers and is surrounded by alabaster cliffs which make for an excellent photographic backdrop. While in the area, enjoy a ride along the West Somerset Steam Railway which runs through the village.
This gorge in the Mendip Hills has to be seen to be believed. The dramatic limestone cliffs, the stunning stalactite caverns beneath your feet, the rare animals living within the caves and the jaw-dropping views from the Clifftop Gorge Walk all add up to a wonderfully photogenic location. You'll even find Britain's oldest complete human skeleton here – the Cheddar Man is estimated to be over 9,000 years old!
On the edge of the Mendip Hills is another picturesque, almost unbelievable location. Wookey Hole Caves is the UK's largest show caves system, with a series of limestone caverns adding to the popular attraction. Make sure you snap a pic of the Wookey Witch – a human-shaped rock formation that is said to be a witch turned to stone by a monk from Glastonbury!
Not only is Landacre Bridge a popular spot for picnics during the year, it's also a great place to go wild swimming in Somerset! The bridge, a Grade II-listed building, extends over the River Barle, near Withypool on Exmoor, and the shallow waters make for a great paddle in warmer climes! It's also a great place to get a few photos of local wildlife, including the regal Exmoor Ponies.
And with Exmoor being the first International Dark Sky Reserve in Europe, you might even be lucky enough to catch some stars, just like this Instagrammer!
Have we inspired you into visiting the wonderful county of Somerset? Why not check out our cottages and find somewhere to make a weekend of it?
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.