11 places to visit in Somerset
From rolling hills and sandy beaches to awe-inspiring caves and rivers, the county of Somerset has it all. And with our Somerset motorhome dealers located just minutes from some of the region’s most popular visitor attractions, you can consider us your unofficial tour guides!
Often overlooked in favour of Devon and Cornwall when touring the South West, Somerset's incomparable geology and vast history offers a smorgasbord of breath-taking places to visit during your next motorhome trip.
With quaint coastal resorts like Weston-super-Mare and Burnham-on-Sea (where you'll find our motorhome showground), unique places of historical interest and an abundance of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), here are just a few of our favourite motorhome holiday destinations in Somerset.
Coastal Adventures in Somerset
Brean Down
A natural pier with dramatic cliffs and the remains of a Napoleonic fort. Spend your day relaxing on the beach at the foot of the downs, or embark on the 3-mile circular coastal walk.
Showing signs of life dating back to 10,000BC, Brean Down is steeped in intriguing stories, including rumours of prehistoric worship and Second World War weapon testing!
Brean Down is also renowned for its wildlife, so if you embark on the coastal walk, keep a look out for a great variety of birds, plants and butterflies.
Weston-super-Mare
If donkey rides, arcade games, ice-cream on the beach and fish and chips are your thing, then you'll love the Victorian seaside town of Weston-super-Mare.
The Grand Pier offers hours of entertainment for visitors, with a great mix of new and retro rides and games, plus Britain's smallest roller coaster. The town also boasts two theatres, two cinemas, a free museum and the Southwest's highest indoor climbing walls.
Burnham-on-Sea
Famous for its sandy beaches, unspoilt dunes and spectacular sunsets, Burnham-on-Sea is a thriving seaside town.
The town is also home to a cinema, theatre, gardens, park, lots of independently owned cafes and restaurants, plus the UK's shortest pier!
The Jurassic Coast in West Somerset
It's more than likely that you've heard of the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, but did you know that Somerset has its very own Jurassic Coast?
Search for fossils on the Jurassic Beaches between Lilstock and Blue Anchor where the towering cliff formations have been classified as a Site of Specific Scientific Interest. This is actually the same band of rock that crosses Devon and Somerset, extending to the Bristol Channel coastline, and it too holds plenty of fossils.
History and Heritage in Somerset
Cheddar Gorge and Caves
A spectacular natural wonder and one of Somerset's top visitor attractions. Delicious cheddar cheese is still matured on shelves in the caves today.
Forged during the last ice age, Cheddar Gorge is the largest gorge in England, at almost 400ft deep and three miles long. With over 20 different attractions, visitors can experience cliff-top walks, rock climbing and the Museum of Prehistory.
The UK's oldest complete human skeleton, Cheddar Man, was discovered in the caves in 1903 (dating to around mid-to-late 9th millennium BC).
Gough's cave is the largest in the network and is a cathedral of stalagmites and stalactites.
Bath
Bath has been attracting visitors since Roman times and the relaxing waters of the Roman Baths are still a big draw today. Book a tour of the Baths and walk in the footsteps of the Romans, whilst exploring one of the finest spas of the ancient world.
The stunning Georgian architecture of the city centre is overflowing with places to eat and drink and fans of retail therapy will find a fantastic variety of high street favourites and independent outlets.
Enjoy the perfect city break in Bath and experience year-round festivals, theatre, music and sports.
Glastonbury
Rich in myth and legend, Glastonbury is known for its New Age community, quirky shops and beautiful landscapes, as well as being home to one of the UK's biggest musical festivals.
Allegedly the final resting place of King Arthur, the town has a fascinating Pagan and Druid connection.
Climb the iconic Glastonbury Tor, drink at the Chalice Well, visit the White Spring, explore Glastonbury Abbey or hike Glastonbury's numerous walking trails.
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Somerset
There are 33 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England, and four of them can be found in Somerset.
Somerset Levels
Attracting large numbers of wading birds each year, the Somerset Levels and Moors are brimming with rare wildlife. Nature lovers will be in their element with the opportunity to see Starling Murmuration’s, hear the remarkable far-carrying sound of the male Bittern and watch Otters in their natural habitat.
Stretching from the Avalon Marshes to the feet of the Mendip and Blackdown Hills, the Somerset Levels are well served by footpaths and cycle routes, as well as outlets for local crafts and produce.
Blackdown Hills
The Blackdown Hills, on the Devon and Somerset border, is a beautiful landscape of steep valleys, forest and farmland, laced with rivers and streams.
Boasting excellent cycling, walking and riding, The Blackdown Hills are dotted with pretty villages, where good food and drink is always on offer.
History buffs will find plenty of interesting places too, with two Iron Age hill forts, an Elizabethan woollen mill, two airfield heritage centres and a medieval castle to explore!
Mendip Hills
The limestone Mendip Hills, with the lakes of the Chew Valley, is a stunning landscape of steep slopes, spectacular gorges and rocky outcrops.
Home to a spectacular diversity of wildflowers, the Mendip Hills is one of the few places in the UK where you can find acid-loving plants growing next to their alkaline counterparts.
An amazing 50-mile long-distance walking trail, The West and East Mendip Way, connects Weston-super-Mare, Cheddar, Wells, Shepton-Mallet and Frome. Suitable for long-distance walkers or shorter trips, The Mendip Way takes in all of the special qualities of the Mendip Hills.
Quantock Hills
Combining panoramic views of rocky Jurassic coastline, exposed heathland and deep wooded combes, the Quantock Hills are an area of wilderness and tranquillity.
Red Deer can often be seen grazing on the heathland and the area is often favoured by Redstart and Tree Pipit. The ancient wooded valleys are a magical landscape reminiscent of Lucy and Mr Tumnus’ first meeting place in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and the coast contains an abundance of geology that is well worth exploring.
Which brings us to the end of our tour of Somerset! We hope that you’ve found this article interesting and, as you can see, Somerset has some fantastic places to visit.
If you’re considering buying your next motorhome in Somerset, we would love to help. Please take a look at our fantastic selection of campervans and motorhomes for sale.