Somerset

Somerset ranges from grand Georgian streets to quiet coastal flats, so the choice of base depends on the kind of trip you fancy. Bath offers elegant architecture and a sense of occasion, while Wells, England's smallest city, has a calmer, cathedral-town charm. Frome and Crewkerne suit those who like independent shops and market-day bustle, and Taunton and Bridgwater serve well as practical inland hubs with good transport links.

For the coast, Minehead, Brean and Highbridge bring traditional seaside holidays, sandy beaches and caravan parks, ideal for family breaks. Glastonbury draws visitors with its mythology and hilltop tor, a good stop for something more reflective. Cheddar, near its famous gorge, and the village of Sandford suit those wanting countryside walks and a slower pace away from the busier towns.

Somerset offers a wide spread of places to stay, from grand Georgian townhouses in Bath to modest guesthouses tucked into the coastal streets of Minehead and Weston-super-Mare. Bath naturally has the largest concentration, with properties like Brooks Guesthouse Bath and Abbey Hotel Bath sitting close to the centre, while smaller B&Bs such as Montrose Guest House and The Cedars Bed & Breakfast suit those wanting a quieter base a short walk out.

Away from Bath, the choice changes character. Glastonbury and Frome have B&Bs geared towards visitors exploring the Tor, the abbey ruins or the antiques trade, while Dunster's cottages and lodges, including Bossington Cottage and Milton Lodge, put you within reach of Exmoor and the coast path. Minehead and Weston-super-Mare add seaside options for those wanting easy access to the beach and promenade.

With 664 places listed across the county, it is worth deciding first whether you want a city stay, a rural retreat, or a coastal base, as Somerset's towns each pull in a different direction.

Somerset's mix of gorge, moor and coastline gives its campsites plenty of variety. Around Cheddar and Wells, sites like Grove Hill Campsite make the most of the limestone scenery and easy access to the caves and gorge walks, while Glastonbury draws visitors keen to combine camping with the Tor and the town's festival heritage.

Further out, Wedmore and Somerton offer quieter, more rural settings, with small farm-based sites and glamping pods such as Apple Tree Glamping and Hadspen Glamping suited to those wanting fewer neighbours. Loxton Hill Wild Camping and Shiplate Farm Fishery cater to a more back-to-basics crowd near Weston-super-Mare, whereas Tall Trees Glamping and Ruby's Retreat lean towards comfort, with proper beds and less packing required.

Bath's sites tend to suit those splitting their trip between city sightseeing and countryside nights, while Highbridge and Castle Cary work well as bases for exploring the Somerset Levels. Certificated locations like Metcalfe House suit smaller units after a simple overnight stop.

Somerset's self-catering cottages range from converted barns on working farms to small stone houses tucked into village lanes, giving visitors the freedom to set their own pace across the county. Places such as Midknowle Farm Cottages show how one farm can offer several styles of stay, from the Barn to the Snug, each suited to different group sizes.

Choosing where to base yourself often comes down to what you want nearby: the Levels and Quantocks suit those after walking and quiet countryside, while cottages closer to the coast or towns like Wells put shops and pubs within easy reach. Properties like Nantucket House, The Bolt Hole and Hollies Cottage reflect the mix of characters on offer, from cosy retreats to roomier family houses, so it's worth matching the setting to how much you plan to explore versus settle in.

Somerset covers a lot of ground, and its days out reflect that. Bath holds the obvious draw of the Roman Baths and the wider Georgian city around it, while Cheddar offers gorge walks and show caves that make for a different kind of afternoon. Glastonbury adds its own mix of myth and history, and Weston-super-Mare and Burnham-on-Sea keep things firmly seaside.

Beyond the well-known sites, the county has plenty of smaller, activity-led attractions worth building a visit around. Taunton and Minehead have adventure centres and indoor pursuits like VR and laser games, useful for wet days or younger groups, while more unusual outings such as sheep trekking or treasure trails give visitors a reason to explore Frome and Bruton too. Choosing often comes down to whether you want heritage, coastline, or something more active.

Somerset's dining runs from Bath's crowded, competitive streets, where places like the Olive Tree hold their own among a dense choice of restaurants, to the more spread-out pub scene across Taunton, Bridgwater and the smaller towns. In the county's rural corners, food is often tied to a wider day out, with venues such as Haselbury Mill combining a meal with grounds, gardens or events rather than sitting alone on a high street.

Coastal towns like Burnham-on-Sea, Highbridge and Weston-super-Mare lean towards easy, family-friendly stops and seafront cafes, while Bath's options run more formal, with steakhouses and wine bars alongside its cafes. Choosing between them usually comes down to whether you want a quick coffee stop, a proper pub meal, or somewhere to make an evening of it.