The Somerset Handbook

Picturesque Somerset, all year round

Somerset is home to some fantastic points of interest to visit on a day out. No matter what the weather, come rain or come shine, Somerset has many fascinating all-weather places to head to.

Top Christmas markets in Somerset

As the festive season approaches, Christmas markets make a comeback to several towns around the county. In addition to normal seasonal treats offered at these popular markets, there are lots of special trinkets, local produce and gifts available to give you some inspiration for a range of Christmas presents and your all-important festive dinner.

The Somerset beach guide

Somerset boasts a diverse coastline which encompasses dramatic cliffs on the moors, traditional seaside resorts, picturesque harbours and quieter bays. From Clevedon in the North to Porlock Weir in the West, there’s a whole wealth of fantastic beaches to discover. If you’re looking for a holiday beside the Somerset coast, then read our handy guide to help you decide where will suit your needs best.

Dog-friendly beaches in Somerset

So you've found your perfect dog-friendly holiday in Somerset. But most likely your beloved pet will need somewhere to let loose, run, jump, sniff and swim. With that in mind, here's our list of the best dog-friendly beaches in Somerset

Interactive map of Somerset

The north of Somerset is where you’ll find the most populated towns and cities along with the majority of beaches that are in the county. Bristol is the largest city in the county and is home to a host of historical buildings and fun days out with great access to the city via the M5. Clifton is part of the city and is home to Bristol Zoo.

Romantic things to do in Somerset

When on a Somerset holiday it is nice to escape the hassle of everyday life, and Somerset has a wide range of attractions and natural wonders that allow for this to happen. We've brought together our top 5 romantic things to do in Somerset so loved-up couples can have the best romantic holiday possible.

Six things to do in Burnham-on-Sea

Nestled along Somerset’s coastline, the popular holiday spot of Burnham-On-Sea offers the perfect traditional seaside getaway. Visitors return year after year for a dose of fun and excitement on a South West staycation and enjoy a plentiful selection of things to do in and around the town. With affordable accommodation and glorious sandy shores, Burnham-On-Sea is one of Somerset’s most popular destinations.

Somerset's best Mother's Day events

Forget the traditional gifts of flowers and pamper products this year, why not treat your mum to something special and memorable this Mother’s Day. There are plenty of things to do in Somerset that give you a different Mother’s Day experience and offers the family an idyllic opportunity to spend some quality time together.

Top five romantic places in Somerset

The county of Somerset is full of romantic destinations, days out, and unique opportunities to spend some time together on a fantastic Valentine's break. Covering two cities and numerous areas of incredible beauty, there's so much to do in the area with your loved on. We've collected a selection of our favourite romantic Somerset locations with the aim of inspiring you to make Valentine's Day extra special.

Places to propose in Somerset

Somerset is filled with stunning places to propose whether you are looking for a picturesque setting, romantic dining experience or a secluded spot to get down on one knee, the region has an abundance of options. Treating your loved one to a break in the region gives you a plentiful selection of beautiful places to propose - and we’ve picked our top spots to share your special memories.

Things to do in Somerset

Somerset is a county which boasts a wealth of activities, attractions and simply stunning landscapes. Regardless of your age or interests, you can be sure to find things to do in Somerset that will entertain both you and your party during a stay here. With countryside in abundance, a stretch of beautiful coastline and a fascinating heritage, there’s plenty to discover during a holiday in Somerset.

Things to do on New Year's Day

After the excitement of Christmas and enjoyment of indulgences over the festive period, the start of the New Year gives you plenty of opportunities to start making plans for a refreshing beginning to the year. If you are looking for something to keep you entertained, there are plenty of things to do on New Year’s Day that the whole family can enjoy before you get back to the routine.

The biggest events in Somerset

Somerset is a large and diverse county with lots to see and experience, from the rolling Mendip Hills to quaint villages and historic cities such as Bath and Wells. Whatever time of year you decide to visit the region, there is always something going on, so you’re bound to be kept entertained whether you visit our Somerset cottages in the height of summer or in deepest winter.

Top New Year's Eve events in Somerset

Can you believe that we're into the last weeks of 2018? Christmas will soon come and go and then you'll be scrambling around for plans for New Year's Eve. To make life a little easier for you, we've used our knowledge of Somerset to pull together three of the best events taking place this New Year's Eve in Somerset.

The best pub walks in Somerset

Somerset is a great place to explore on foot, with plenty of captivating locations including the National Park of Exmoor, The Blackdown and Mendip Hills both Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Somerset Levels. You can enjoy a gentle stroll through these mesmerising areas or spend a whole day hiking the many trails.

The Somerset food festivals for you

Traditional cider, local beer, Cheddar cheese; Somerset food festivals are well worth a visit for these three delicacies alone! There is, however, so much more to offer in the county's ever-growing list of food and drink festivals, which we've narrowed down to five key categories. So, if you're a chocoholic, vegan, or just craving a local tipple, there's a festival for you…

Affordable family fun ideas in Somerset

The popular saying goes that the best things in life are free, and we agree that you needn't spend a fortune to enjoy some great quality time with your loved ones. Admission to pricey attractions, parking and food and drink can all add up on family holidays, however, Somerset offers some great options if you're looking for some more affordable things to do.

Our top free things to do in Somerset

As the summer holidays get into full swing, many people look for interesting activities to complement the holiday experience including visiting local places of interest, attractions and exploring local towns. When holidaying in the South West, there are lots of fun free things to do in Somerset that don’t add extra costs to your summer break, so you can enjoy a stress-free affordable holiday.

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