Visit Somerset

Visit Somerset
Name	Visit Somerset
Settlement type	Tourist information initiative
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United Kingdom
Subdivision type1	County
Subdivision name1	Somerset

Visit Somerset is a regional tourism initiative promoting Somerset as a destination within the United Kingdom. It highlights attractions across urban centres such as Bath, Taunton, and Bridgwater and rural areas including the Mendip Hills, the Quantock Hills, and the Somerset Levels. The initiative connects visitors with heritage sites like Glastonbury Abbey, natural reserves such as Cheddar Gorge, and cultural institutions including Wells Cathedral.

Introduction

The project operates in concert with organisations such as VisitBritain, National Trust, English Heritage, Historic England, and local authorities like Somerset Council to curate itineraries, promote events including the Glastonbury Festival, and support businesses in Bath and North East Somerset and North Somerset. It targets audiences interested in archaeological sites like Stonehenge (regional itineraries), literary connections to Jane Austen in Bath, and food tourism featuring producers on the Somerset Levels. Partnerships extend to transport providers like Great Western Railway and heritage bodies including the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society.

History and Heritage

Promotion of Somerset tourism builds on centuries of heritage linked to Roman occupation (evidenced at Bath and the Roman Baths), medieval religious centres such as Glastonbury Abbey and Wells Cathedral, and post-medieval industries like coal mining on the Somerset Coalfield and the cider tradition rooted in orchards across Taunton Deane. Influences include historic figures associated with the county: monarchs recorded in Domesday Book entries, reformers tied to Somerset parishes, and writers whose works reference local landscapes, notably William Wordsworth's era contemporaries and Thomas Hardy-era regionalisms. Conservation movements have engaged organisations like the National Trust and the Somerset Wildlife Trust to protect sites such as Glastonbury Tor and Westonzoyland wetlands. Industrial heritage has been preserved at locations including the West Somerset Railway and former port infrastructure at Bridgwater Docks.

Geography and Climate

Somerset’s topography ranges from the low-lying Somerset Levels—noted for wetland ecology and drainage works by engineers historically influenced by figures connected to Sewerage Acts and land reclamation—to upland landscapes like the Mendip Hills, Quantock Hills, and Exmoor National Park (partly in Devon). Coastal features include the cliffs around Porlock Bay and estuaries such as the Parrett Estuary. The climate is temperate maritime influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, with milder winters compared to inland Midlands locations and variable precipitation patterns that affect events like marshland bird migration monitored by groups such as the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds at reserves like Shapwick Heath. Geological sites include the limestone of Cheddar Gorge and fossil localities connected with research housed at institutions like the Natural History Museum.

Attractions and Activities

Key visitor sites promoted include Glastonbury Tor, Cheddar Gorge and Caves, Wells Cathedral, the Roman remains at Bath, and the heritage rail experience on the West Somerset Railway. Outdoor activities span hiking on routes such as the Macmillan Way and the South West Coast Path, cycling through lanes near Quantock Hills and birdwatching on the Somerset Levels at reserves managed by the Somerset Wildlife Trust and the RSPB. Cultural offerings range from concerts at venues in Bath Spa and Taunton to theatrical productions connected with companies like the Royal Shakespeare Company touring repertory. Food and drink trails promote cider producers from areas like Taunton Deane and artisanal cheeses that feature in markets at Wells and Bridgwater.

Accommodation and Dining

Accommodation options highlighted include heritage hotels in Bath housed in Georgian terraces designed by architects associated with the Georgian era, country house hotels on estates formerly tied to families recorded in Burke's Peerage, and boutique guesthouses in towns such as Bruton. Camping and glamping opportunities are promoted in proximity to Exmoor National Park and private farms participating in agritourism schemes. Dining emphasises local producers: cider houses producing scrumpy, farm shops retailed through networks such as the Farm Retail Association, and Michelin-listed restaurants found in the county that attract culinary attention alongside regional suppliers linked to Somerset markets.

Events and Festivals

Flagship events include the internationally recognised Glastonbury Festival and heritage festivals staged in Bath such as the Bath Festival. Agricultural shows and county fairs occur at venues like the Royal Bath and West Showground and support livestock and horticultural societies with histories tied to the Agricultural Revolution. Seasonal events include bird migration festivals coordinated with conservation bodies like the RSPB at Shapwick Heath and music series hosted in historic venues associated with ensembles from BBC National Orchestra of Wales touring collaborations.

Transport and Access

Access routes promoted for visitors include rail services by Great Western Railway to Bath Spa and connections to Bristol Temple Meads, road corridors such as the M5 motorway linking to Bristol and Taunton, and regional bus services coordinated by operators like First West of England. Air access utilises Bristol Airport for international connections, with onward coach links provided by national operators serving stops at hubs including Bridgwater and Yeovil. Heritage transport experiences include steam services on the West Somerset Railway and cycling infrastructure connected with national routes such as the National Cycle Network.

Category:Tourism in Somerset