Holidaying with us at Old Oaks is the best way to discover the wider Somerset area, a place of celebrated beauty spots, ancient monuments and vibrant cities.
Lace up your boots and explore the incredibly beautiful countryside, whether it’s spectacular Mendip Hills, the tranquil stillness of ancient woodlands or roaming the wild moorlands.
Back to civilisation to discover the many historic sites including Glastonbury Tor and Wells Cathedral. Spend a while at the medieval Glastonbury Abbey, rumoured to be the final resting place of the legendary King Arthur, or delve underground at the incredible Cheddar Gorge.
There is so much to see and do here that we have whittled down our top 5 places to go in Somerset, ready for you to tick off your list!
1. Glastonbury Tor
A place steeped in history and legend, this iconic landmark is an absolute must-see when staying with us at Old Oaks, and it’s only a 10-minute drive away! Ascending up the steep hill to the summit is well worth it for the magnificent views across the Somerset Levels, Dorset, Wiltshire and even Wales on a clear day. Excavations at the top unveiled the plans of two superimposed churches of St Michael, with the remnants of a 15th Century tower remaining today. Famed for its spirituality, it offers a truly remarkable place to walk, rest and relax.
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2. Mendip Hills
An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the rolling Mendips are recognised as one of England’s most special places. Renowned for being one of England’s most attractive National Landscapes, the Mendip Hills draw walkers and outdoor lovers each year. With plenty of walking trails, cycling routes, pubs and picturesque villages, the Mendip Hills are one of our favourite places to go in Somerset and we recommend them to all our guests.
3. Glastonbury Abbey
This Grade I listed former monastery dates back to the 7th Century and, if legend is to be believed, is the final resting place of King Arthur. The accredited museum here is full of relics and stories from the abbey’s past, providing a fascinating chronology of events along with archaeological finds. The ruins themselves are completely evocative, once the richest monastery in England, today they emit a mystical feeling and we highly advise booking onto one of the free guided tours.
4. Cheddar Gorge
Nestled amongst the breathtaking Mendip Hills, Cheddar Gorge is one of the best places to go in Somerset. The truly extraordinary landscape here sees you arrive between jaw-dropping limestone cliffs before heading off underground to view the impressive stalactite show caves. It is here, at Cheddar Gorge, that Britain’s oldest complete human skeleton was discovered in 1093. Estimated to be around 9,000 years old, this only emphasises why visiting Cheddar Gorge is so very important in understanding our nation’s history.
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5. Wells Cathedral
This Anglican Cathedral is dedicated to St Andrew the Apostle and is the seat of the Bishop of Bath and Wells. Opened in 1239, like much of the Somerset landmarks, it boasts an impressive history. Standing proud in the heart of England’s smallest city, Wells is the earliest English Cathedral to be built in the Gothic style. With an international reputation as a must-see English landmark, it’s little wonder Wells Cathedral has made it onto our top 5 places to go in Somerset list. And whilst you’re there it’s worth spending time exploring pretty Wells itself with its cobbled streets and local shops.
So there you have it, our top 5 places to go in Somerset however there are numerous other things to do and see, enough to occupy each day of the week!
Staying with us at Old Oaks provides easy access to the region’s highlights with a relaxing, welcoming site to return to after a busy day exploring.
Sound tempting? Book your stay today >