Stylish self-catering holidays and short breaks in Somerset
My Favourite Local Somerset Websites to Visit
We love living and working in Somerset, it’s a great county to live in so I thought I’d share some of my favourite Somerset websites with you!
Visit Somerset
https://www.visitsomerset.co.uk/
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If you are on holiday near Longleat or Frome and want to find out things to do then the Visit Somerset website should be your first port of call. The team work tirelessly to promote Somerset as a major holiday destination for visitors from the UK and around the world (and they make a very good job of it too). If you need any information on how to get to Somerset, where to stay, what to do when you’re here and how to get around once you’re in the right place. I regularly refer those staying in my Longleat holiday cottages to check them out!
National Trust Somerset
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/somerset
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You can never get bored of things to see and do if you spend some time visiting National Trust properties or other historical places in Somerset.
From mansion houses and lush gardens to hidden gorges and eye-catching tors there always something for the whole family to enjoy on a day out in Somerset.
I’d even say it might pay to become a National Trust member before you start your Somerset holiday and save a fortune on entrance fees and car parking!
Museum of Somerset
https://swheritage.org.uk/museum-of-somerset/
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If you’re a history fan then you MUST check out the Museum of Somerset in Taunton and slightly closer to us the Somerset Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury. With over 3 million historical items under their care both museums are well placed to tell you the story of our remarkable county and life in general in the South West of England. t.
Somerset Wildlife Trust
https://www.somersetwildlife.org/
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Somerset Wildlife Trust manage over 17 hectares of land for wildlife that call Somerset home. Their experts concentrate on restoring habitats to support a diverse range of wildlife and restore natural processes that are essential for healthy landscapes - clean air and water, food, carbon absorption and flood alleviation.
We also really like that Somerset Wildlife Trust connect other wildlife sites across the county as well inspire young locals to take the time to care for wildlife in their part of Somerset.
Visit South Somerset
https://www.visitsouthsomerset.com/
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As we sit in an easterly position within Somerset we do get many people wanting to check out the south part of Somerset as it's easy access from our location. One place if you are out and about is to the South Somerset Visitor Information Centre just off the A303 at Cartgate Picnic site. It’s one to stop in and find out more!
There's lots to see on the website too.
Somerset Lavender
https://www.somersetlavender.com/
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Originally a dairy farm producing creamy milk from its Jersey and Guernsey cows, the farm has transformed itself into a haven for lavender in no uncertain terms. It’s taken its time to become an attraction but we love visiting here, the smell of lavender is such a calming thing. They've a lovely calming website too.
Definitely one to check out whilst you’re holidaying with us!
The Newt Garden in Somerset
https://thenewtinsomerset.com/garden
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Our recent visit to The Newt in Somerset's garden was an absolute delight! The moment we stepped into this captivating oasis, we were enchanted by the lush greenery and stunning blooms. It’s clear how much time and effort has gone in to come up with such beautifully manicured
Definitely worth checking out their website AND the garden itself, Steve and I always feel a sense of tranquility and connection with nature when we visit, as well as it being a place to rejuvenate too.
Hauser Wirth
https://www.hauserwirth.com/locations/10068-hauser-wirth-somerset/
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Located in one of Bruton’s former farmsteads, Hauser & Wirth Somerset offers a captivating cultural experience with art exhibitions, events, learning activities, and artists' residencies, connecting with the local community and landscape.
There’s always something to see at the venue or even just perusing online at their beautiful website. Worth checking out.
West Somerset Railway
https://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/
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If you’ve never experienced the simple marvel of taking a nostalgic trip by steam train then now is the time to embark. West Somerset Railway offers a charming country branch line of the old Great Western Railway taking passengers through time and some very picturesque Somerset countryside. The train ride serves as a living tribute to the railway and industrial heritage that it’s volunteers take steps to preserve.
One to take a look at!
The Tourist Trail Somerset
https://www.thetouristtrail.org/locations/england/somerset/
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I love this site! If you’re visiting Somerset for the first time and aren’t too sure of the best itinerary then this website is for you. They host a raft of tourist trails for you to follow, it’s so good I’d even recommend it to Somerset locals, I bet there’s a trail or two they’ve never considered.
Somerset First Bus
https://www.firstbus.co.uk/somerset
We might be rural but we do try to do our bit when it comes to being environmentally conscious. It might be difficult to catch a bus direct from our door but if you’re looking for options it might be an idea to drive close to your destination and then catch a bus for the last few miles. As they say, every little helps!
Somerset Food Trail
https://www.somersetfoodtrail.org/
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If food is your thing then you can’t go wrong with the Somerset Food Trail! It’s currently held from the 14th to 30th July for 2023 and likely to be on similar dates for next year.
I always find something new here every time I visit – new food ideas or new food producers. It’s definitely one I keep a pretty regular eye on!
Somerset Day
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As a local Somerset business owner, I wholeheartedly believe that Somerset Day is an essential celebration for our county, and I encourage everyone to check the website out. This valued organisation is is dedicated to fostering a deep appreciation and love for Somerset among its people, businesses, and communities. Seems to do a good job too!
The next Somerset Day is now in 2024 but it’s worth finding out more, whether you’re a visitor or a local!
Visit England - Things to Do in Somerset
https://www.visitengland.com/things-to-do/somerset
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I’ve written a lot about things to do in various towns around Somerset, as well as a detailed guide to visiting Bath, but I like to check out the Visit England site as there’s always something different going on.
Ever fancy a Bushcraft course in the Mendip Hills? Nope, not that of that myself but with the cost of food it does sound tempting!
Certainly do take a look at this Somerset things to do site – there’s tonnes on offer, it’ll keep you busy for ages.
Well that rounds off my list of favourite Somerset websites, I hope you found them useful! If you know of a Somerset based website that should be featured here please do let me know.