Somerset hotels accommodation, attractions
and travel information
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MAIN TOWNS IN Somerset - Axbridge Bath Bridgwater Bristol Burnham
on Sea Castle Cary Chard Cheddar Clevedon Crewkerne Frome Glastonbury
Ilminster Keynsham Midsomer Norton Minehead Nailsea North Petherton
Radstock Shepton Mallet Street Taunton Watchet Wellington Wells
Weston Super Mare Williton Wincanton Winscombe Yeovil. |
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Axbridge. Axbridge is an attractive market town at the foot
of the Mendip Hills. It is located just off the A38, about 7
miles northeast of Junction 22 of the M5 Motorway. It is about
8 miles east of Weston super Mare, 3 miles west of Cheddar and
7 miles east of Burnham on Sea. Axbridge is characterised by
its complete medieval square which is made up of half -timbered
buildings. The most famous building in the town, King John’s
Hunting Lodge, is set in the square and houses the Axbridge and
District Museum. Book
: Somerset County Map. |
More information and
accommodation : Axbridge.
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Bath.
Bath is a particularly beautiful city standing on the River Avon
among the hills on the western fringe of the Cotswolds. Bath
is located about 9 miles south of Junction 18 of the M4 Motorway.
It is about 10 miles southeast of Bristol, 11 miles southwest
of Chippenham and 10 miles northeast of Midsomer Norton. The
Roman baths, the hot springs and spa water together with its
Georgian terraces, combine to produce one of the most elegant
cities in Europe. The Regency Crescents of honey-coloured Bath
stone are just part of the city's charm, with the Italianate
shop-lined Pulteney Bridge, magnificent Bath Abbey and Pump Room. Photo : Bath. |
More information and
accommodation : Bath.
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Bridgwater. Bridgwater is located about 2 miles north of Junction
24 of the M5 Motorway, on the A38. It is about 9 miles north
of Taunton, 15 miles east of Watchet and 14 miles west of Glastonbury.
Bridgwater was once one of Somerset's major ports and still has
its historic bridge, and some fine Georgian architecture in Castle
Street. Bridgwater : |
More information and
accommodation : Bridgwater.
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Bristol. Bristol is a sophisticated and cosmopolitan city,
the biggest and most dynamic city in the West Country. The River
Avon weaves through the centre of the town forming part of the
waterway system that made Bristol a great inland port. Bristol
is about 3 miles SW of Junction 19 of the M4 Motorway and about
5 miles south of Junction 16 of the M5 Motorway. Bristol's famous
symbol Clifton Suspension Bridge is 702ft long, poised 245ft
above the River Avon, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Bristol : |
More information and
accommodation : Bristol.
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Burnham on Sea. Burnham is situated on the coast of Bridgwater Bay,
near the mouth of the river Bruo. Burnham on Sea is about 3 miles
west of Junction 22 of the M5 Motorway, located just off the
A38. It is about 8 miles south of Weston super mare and 7 miles
north of Bridgewater. With 7 miles of golden sands stretching
between the resorts of Burnham-On-Sea and Brean, Burnham-On-Sea
is ideal for the traditional family seaside holiday. Burnham on Sea : |
More information and
accommodation : Burnham
on Sea.
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Castle Cary. Castle Cary is a bustling market town located on
the A371. It is about 5 miles north of Wincanton and the A303,
7 miles south of Shepton Mallet and 10 miles east of Glastonbury.
Castle Cary is built of 'Ham' stone from nearby quarries, which
gives the town's buildings their lovely golden colour. Cloth
has been produced commercially in Castle Cary since at least
the fourteenth century and the work continues today with John
Boyd Textiles, the only horse hair weaving factory in the UK
Castle Cary : |
More information and
accommodation : Castle
Cary.
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Chard. Chard is located on the A30 in the south of Somerset.
It is about 7 miles west of Crewkerne, 5 miles south of Ilminster
and 7 miles north of Axminster. Chard is an ancient borough with
a spacious High Street flanked by two streams and a wide variety
of good shops. It is the most southerly town in Somerset, and
only one mile from the Devon border. There is an excellent museum
at Godworthy House, Chard Reservoir Nature Reserve and Hornsbury
Mill with its working wheel and landscaped water garden are not
far from the town. Chard. |
More information and
accommodation : Chard.
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Cheddar. The village of Cheddar is unique, its distinguishing
feature is the natural phenomenon of Britain's largest Gorge.
Cheddar is located on the A371, about 7 miles northeast of Junction
22 of the M5 Motorway. Cheddar is about 6 miles northwest of
Wells, 3 miles east of Axbridge and 12 miles north of Glastonbury.
60 miles from Exeter and 110 miles from Birmingham. The Cheddar
Yeo in Gough's Cave is Britain's biggest underground river, and
the Gorge Cliffs are Britain's highest inland limestone cliffs.
Cheddar : |
More information and
accommodation : Cheddar.
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Clevedon. Clevedon is located on the B3133, about 1 mile west
of Junction 20 of the M5 Motorway. It is about 5 miles south
of Portishead, 12 miles west of Bristol city centre and 4 miles
west of Nailsea. Clevedon became a very popular Victorian seaside
resort and has many fine examples of architecture from that era,
including the pier. Clevedon
: |
More information and
accommodation : Clevedon.
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Crewkerne. Crewkerne is located on the A30 in the south of
the county, about 8 miles southwest of Yeovil and 7 miles east
of Chard. Crewkerne has been an important town since pre-Norman
Conquest times, it has a 15th Century parish church, Georgian
town houses and streets of old stone cottages standing alongside
the busy modern shopping centre. The town centre reflects a prosperous
cloth-making past; the sails for Nelson's flagship Victory were
made here. Crewkerne |
More information and
accommodation : Crewkerne.
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Frome. Frome is located on the A361, about 8 miles west
of Warminster, 8 miles southwest of Trowbridge and 8 miles southeast
of Midsomer Norton. Frome to Bath is about 13 miles, Longleat
is about 4 miles, Wells is about 15 miles and Salisbury is about
26 miles. Frome is an attractive town, with cobbled streets,
built on steep hills and has more listed buildings than any other
town in Somerset. Frome
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More information and
accommodation : Frome.
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Glastonbury. Glastonbury lies at the centre of the "Isle
of Avalon", a region rich with mystical associations. Glastonbury
is located on the A39, 5 miles south of Wells, 2 miles north
of Street and 8 miles west of Shepton Mallet. Glastonbury Abbey
was a Celtic monastery founded in the 4th or 5th century, making
this the oldest Christian foundation in England. Nearby Glastonbury
Tor is a 521 ft landmark that can be seen for miles around, the
view from the top encompasses the city of Wells, the Quantocks,
the Mendips and sometimes the Welsh mountains. Glastonbury : |
More information and
accommodation : Glastonbury.
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Ilminster. Ilminster is a quiet town in the county of Somerset
built of the local mellow hamstone. Ilminster is located just
off the A303, about 5 miles north of Chard, 12 miles south of
Taunton and 7 miles northwest of Crewkerne. It is about 30 miles
from Exeter. From nearby Herne Hill there are pleasant views
over this charming market town.
Ilminster : |
More information and
accommodation : Ilminster.
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Keynsham. Keynsham lies halfway between Bristol and Bath,
on the A4. Bristol is about 4 miles to the northwest and Bath
is about 5 miles to the southeast. Midsomer Norton is about 10
miles to the south. The River Avon flows around Keynsham and
visitors can enjoy riverside walks. The town is famous for its
chocolate factory, part of the Cadbury group. Keynsham : |
More information and
accommodation : Keynsham.
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Midsomer Norton. Midsomer Norton is on the A 362. A nearby large
town is Frome. Midsomer Norton is about 70 miles from EXETER
and about 65 miles from SOUTHAMPTON. The two towns of Midsomer
Norton and Radstock are known collectively as Norton Radstock.
Midsomer Norton is a traditional market town situated beween
Bath and the Mendip Hills. The River Somer runs through the centre
of the town. Midsomer Norton has a variety of different and specialist
shops, some fine historic buildings and a Farmers Market on the
first Saturday of every month.
Midsomer Norton : |
More information and
accommodation : Midsomer
Norton.
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Minehead. Minehead is a seaside resort on the west Somerset
coast, located off the A39. It is about 55 miles from Exeter
and the M5. Minehead is 6 miles west of Watchet, 20 miles north
of Tiverton and 16 miles east of Lynmouth. Minehead’s Town
Hall forms part of a Grade II Listed building in the centre of
town; much of the town retains its Victorian and Edwardian charm.
Minehead : |
More information and
accommodation : Minehead.
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Nailsea. Nailsea is a thriving town which nestles in beautiful
North Somerset countryside, close to the Bristol Channel and
the Mendip Hills. Nailsea is located on the B3130, about 5 miles
east of Junction 20 of the M5 Motorway. It is about 4 miles east
of Clevedon and 8 miles from Bristol city centre. Nailsea has
grown from a village into a small town but whilst it has all
the modern facilities, it still managed to retain its village
atmosphere. Nailsea : |
More information and
accommodation : Nailsea.
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North Petherton. North Petherton is a small town boasting a church
with a highly decorated tower. North Petherton is located about
2 miles from Junction 24 of the M5, just 2 miles south of Bridgewater
on the A38. Taunton is about 6 miles to the south and the Quantock
Hills are about 5 miles to the west. In the past North Petherton
had a brewery and light engineering works, but local emplyment
is now largely restricted to farming and service businesses. North Petherton : |
More information and
accommodation : North
Petherton.
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Radstock. The two towns of Midsomer Norton and Radstock are
known collectively as Norton Radstock. Radstock is located on
the A367, with Bath about 8 miles to the north and Shepton Mallet
about 8 miles to the south. Frome is about 6 miles to the east.
Radstock is a former coal-mining town, and local people and visitors
can discover the history of the area in the Radstock Museum. Radstock : |
More information and
accommodation : Radstock.
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Shepton Mallet. Shepton Mallet is an ancient market town on the
edge of the Mendip Hills. Shepton Mallet is located on the A37,
about 8 miles west of Glastonbury, 5 miles west of Wells and
Midsomer Norton about 8 miles to the north. There is a market
held in the square every Friday morning, where a rare example
of an ancient market stall, the ‘Shambles’, stands
in the market square.
Shepton Mallet : |
More information and
accommodation : Shepton
Mallet.
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Street. Street is a village located on the A39, just 2
miles south of Glastonbury. It is about 6 miles north of Somerton
and about 11 miles east of Bridgwater. The town has an indoor
swimming pool and the Strode Theatre. Clarks, the world famous
shoe manufacturers, is now a major factory shopping complex with
80 outlet shops. There is an interesting Shoe Museum at the company's
headquarters. Street : |
More information and
accommodation : Street.
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Taunton. Taunton is situated on the River Tone in Somerset
and is famous for its cider. It is located about 3 miles west
of Junction 25 of the M5, on the A38, about 6 miles northeast
of Wellington and 10 miles east of Wiveliscombe. Taunton is about
30 miles from Exeter. The town’s skyline is dominated by
the tower of the parish church of St Mary Magdalene. Standing
at 163 feet it is the tallest tower in Somerset and has been
described by some as "the finest tower in England".
Photo : Taunton. |
More information and
accommodation : Taunton.
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Watchet. Watchet is a small harbour town and a popular seaside
destination, located on the B3191, about 8 miles east of Minehead.
It is 2 miles north of Williton and about 14 miles west of Bridgwater.
Watchet is rich in reptile remains, and ammonites are also common
in Warren Bay. Watchet
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More information and
accommodation : Watchet.
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Wellington. Wellington is a small town between the River Tone
and the Blackdown Hills. Wellington is about 2 miles west of
Junction 26 of the M5, about 6 miles southwest of Taunton. It
is about 7 miles south of Wiveliscombe and 15 miles northeast
of Tiverton. Wellington is about 30 miles from Exeter. The town
is close to the M5, making it an ideal stopping -off place. Wellington
Monument, built in honour of the Duke of Wellington, is a landmark
of the area and can be seen from many parts of the town. Photo : Wellington. |
More information and
accommodation : Wellington.
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Wells. Wells, England's smallest city, lies at the foot
of the Mendip Hills in Somerset. Wells is located on the A39,
about 5 miles northwest of Shepton Mallet, 5 miles northeast
of Glastonbury and 7 miles southeast of Cheddar. The west front
of the magnificent Wells Cathedral has about 400 carved figures.
Wells holds two weekly markets in the market place on Saturdays
and Wednesdays. Wells
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More information and
accommodation : Wells.
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Weston Super Mare. Weston-super-Mare has become one of the premier
holiday resorts in the West Country. It is located about 4 miles
west of Junction 21 of the M5, about 8 miles north of Burnham
on Sea. Weston Super Mare's beach and seafront host a varied
programme of family events throughout the summer, including
spectacular firework displays over Weston Bay every Saturday
evening throughout August. Weston
Super Mare : |
More information and
accommodation : Weston
Super Mare.
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Williton. Williton is situated 2 miles south of Watchet on
the coast and is roughly equidistant from Minehead, Bridgwater
and Taunton. It is located on the A39, about 8 miles north of
Wiveliscombe. Williton is about 45 miles from Exeter and the
M5. Williton is a good centre for visiting the Quantocks, the
Brendons and Exmoor as well as the coast. Williton : |
More information and
accommodation : Williton.
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Wincanton. The charming market town of Wincanton has elegant
Georgian houses and coaching inns from its days as a staging
post on the main road from London to Plymouth. Wincanton is located
on the A303, about 5 miles south of Castle Cary and about 12
miles northeast of Yeovil. Wincanton Racecourse has jump racing
fixtures between October and May. Wincanton Golf Club sits in
the middle of the racecourse, half a mile from the town centre. Book: Yeovil and Sherborne, Somerton
and Wincanton (Explorer Maps). |
More information and
accommodation : Wincanton.
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Winscombe. Winscombe is a small village situated close to the
Mendips, overlooked by Winscombe Hill. Winscombe is located about
6 miles southeast of Junction 21 of the M5 Motorway. It lies
about 16 miles south of Bristol just off the A38, 5 miles from
Cheddar and 8 miles from Weston-super -Mare. Winscombe : |
More information and
accommodation : Winscombe.
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Yeovil. Yeovil is a vibrant pleasant market town, situated
in the beautiful Somerset countryside west of the river Yeo.
Yeovil is located on the A30, about 4 miles west of Sherborne
and 9 miles northeast of Crewkerne. Yeovil offers a wide range
of national and independent shops situated within the Quedam
Shopping Centre and other streets around the town centre. Book: Yeovil and Sherborne, Somerton
and Wincanton (Explorer Maps). |
More information and
accommodation : Yeovil.
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Somerset
Attractions |
