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Editorial Section - Area Information for SOMERSET


Contact details
Somerset Tourism, County Hall, Taunton, Somerset TA1 4DY
Telephone: 01823 355255

email: [email protected]

SOMERSET

Somerset is one of the most beautiful counties in England and has a great deal to offer residents and visitors. The varied geology has resulted in a wide range of contrasting land forms from the scenic upland areas of Exmoor, the Quantocks, Mendips and Blackdown Hills, to the extensive, flat and low-lying Levels and Moors in the heart of the county. It is also reknowned for fabulous sandy beaches in the north (Burham-on-Sea and Weston-Super-Mare) and the dramatic rocky western shoreline - together they make up over 45 miles of coast. The remainder of Somerset is famous for its picturesque, rolling countryside. Taunton is the county town and is ideal for shopping or as a base for touring. Further south, one finds Yeovil and Illminster and this area is rich in stately homes and gardens.
Exmoor
This magnificent unspoilt region is a designated National Park in west Somerset. Its 267 square miles comprise high heather moorland (reaching up to 520 metres at Dunkery Beacon) and deep, wooded valleys (combes). The northern coastline is home to England's highest sea cliffs. All horseriders will be aware of the native Exmoor ponies (and red deer which make up the largest wild herd in England) which graze the open moorland and these can be frequently seen from the many well maintained bridleways (400 miles worth) and footpaths (700 miles) that criss-cross the area. The Doone Valley, near Lynton is captivating and a 'step-back-in-time' - the perfect place to relax on horseback or on foot, or try a spot of sailing on Wimbleball Lake. The traditional seaside resort of Minehead is at the foot of Exmoor and quaint rural towns and villages, including Dulverton and Dunster with its imposing castle are well worth a visit.
The Quantock Hills
The Quantocks form a narrow range of hills which extend from the edge of Taunton, north-west to the rocky coastal pavement at Kilve. They are a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and rich in a diversity of flora and fauna. The Hills gently rise to 384 metres at Will's Neck and picturesque villages, such as Crowcombe and West Bagborough are noted for their red sandstone dwellings. It is an archaelogical mecca and contains numerous Bronze Age and Iron Age sites. Riding has also been a part of the history of this area for centuries and horses are welcome everywhere along the super network of trails and bridleways.

The Mendip Hills
The boundary between Somerset and Avon is straddled by the Mendip Hills and they extend from Frome in the east to the seaside resort of Weston-Super-Mare. The carboniferous limestone has slowly formed some of the Mendips spectacular natural features, including Cheddar Gorge, Ebbor Gorge and the Wookey Hole caves. Wells, on the southern slopes, is the smallest city in England and is well known for its magnificent cathedral.
The Blackdown Hills
These rolling hills and incised valleys lie between Taunton, Chard and Wellington and stretch across the boundary into Devon. The most obvious feature is the northern escarpment which falls dramatically into the lowland vale of Taunton. The 175ft Wellington Monument (National Trust) is found here and was built to commemorate his victory at Waterloo. Most of the area is completely unspoilt and it is famous for its hidden valleys and avenues of immense beech trees. It is also a haven for horseriders (and cyclists) with many marked circular routes.

The Somerset Levels and Moors
In central Somerset, the flat and low-lying Levels and Moors take centre stage. They stretch from Glastonbury and Langport in the east, along the western flood plains of the Axe, Huntspill and Parrett rivers to Bridgwater Bay. The Levels and Moors are an internationally important wetland wildlife habitat, noted for their wading birds and otters and are ideal for riders, walkers and cyclists too. These wetlands also provide the ideal place for 'withies' (willows) to grow and these are used to support the traditional weaving and hurdle making industries. The dominant feature of this landscape is the evocative Glastonbury Tor with its 15 century church tower that provides wonderful views of the county.
South Somerset
A rich, agricultural area surrounded by pretty towns, such as Martock and the Roman Ilchester. Many of the properties were built from Ham stone quarried nearby at Ham Hill and the National Trust property of Montacute House is typical of this golden limestone. Further east, the geology changes to blue lias and this rock dominates in towns such as Langport and Somerton.

History
The county of Somerset is bursting with history and legends. There are tales of King Arthur living at 'Camelot' (South Cadbury) and Glastonbury Abbey - the monks once claimed to have found the remains of Arthur and Guinevere. In the Somerset Levels, it's possible to find the Isle of Athelney where King Alfred reputedly burnt the cakes and there are prehistoric timber trackways that date to 4000 BC. Taunton had a major role to play in The English Civil War and there are many signs of battles at the castle, as well as Dunster Castle and the ruined Nunney Castle, near Frome. Taunton was also the place where the Duke of Monmouth was proclaimed King on the 20 June, 1685. For something unusual, take a look at how our ancestors lived at the Iron Age village, Westhay near Glastonbury, or visit the mysterious Tarr Steps on Exmoor - the Devil reputedly built this stone bridge as a place to sunbathe.

Houses & Gardens
There are few counties that can provide a better selection of country houses and gardens. In South Somerset, Montacute, Tintinhull and Barrington Court date to Elizabethan times and the Edwardian Gardens at Hestercombe, near Taunton are one of Gertrude Jekyll's greatest gardening achievements. The famous garden created by Margery Fish at East Lambrook Manor is also open to visitors. Tyntesfield in North Somerset is a truly spectacular Victorian House and was saved for the nation by the National Trust in June 2002.
Somerset Activities

Riding
Somerset offers a wealth of opportunity for riders and is home to many hunts, including the Devon and Somerset Staghounds. Taunton and Wincanton have impressive racecourses which stage regular National Hunt meetings. The spring and summer months are packed with agricultural and horse shows and The Royal Bath and West Show in early summer is probably the most established. Horse trials are also regularly held in the grounds of great houses, such as Montacute. Other notable events include The Golden Horseshoe Endurance Ride at Exford on Exmoor. For those who love the peace and scenic pleasure of hacking out, then Exmoor and the Quantocks are hard to beat for their safe and well signposted trails and bridleways.

Walking
Somerset has plenty to satisfy walkers from short, gentle strolls in the countryside to spectacular rambles, such as Watersmeet in Exmoor and the more demanding long-distance routes, such as: South West Coast Path (West Somerset Coast)
Two Moors Way (Exmoor) The Leland Trail (South Somerset)
The Liberty Trail (South Somerset) Taunton to Bridgwater Canal Towpath (Central Somerset)
The Parrett Trail (East and South Somerset)
There is also the partially signposed Grand Western Canal Walk (Central Somerset) and the West Mendip Way and East Mendip Way.

Cycling
If you like to cycle, then Somerset is the perfect base. The Levels and Moors are flat and suit the gentle pace of beginners, whereas seasoned cyclists can look to the challenges of the Mendips, Exmoor and the Quantocks. There is also a long-distance 'West Country Way', a cycle route that joins Bristol to Padstow in Cornwall and it crosses through Somerset.
A Somerset Cycle Guide is available from any Tourist Information Centre.

Fishing
There is plenty of quality fishing to enjoyed in Somerset, whether it is coarse fishing in rivers, ponds and canals, fly fishing in lakes, rivers and reservoirs and a trip out to sea from Minehead.

Food and Drink
Cider, cheese and cream teas are all part and parcel of Somerset's culinary heritage. One can see Cheddar cheese being made in Cheddar Gorge and there are many cider farms and orchards open to the public. For a copy of 'Somerset Cider and Apple Juice' - a guide to orchards and cidermakers, call 01823 336344. The country is also known for its wine and vineyards and strawberries.

Arts & Crafts
There are major Art Centres in Yeovil, Bridgwater and Taunton, as well as local art and craft centres in smaller towns and villages. Of particular importance is the Willow (withies) Industry, which is most extensive in the Levels and Moors. The manufacture of willow baskets, hurdles and the like can be explored further at the Willows and Wetlands Centre at Stoke St Gregory.

Tourist Information Centres
The following Tourist Information Centres will be happy to offer information, help and advice to all visitors to Somerset.
Somerset Visitor Centre
Sedgemoor Services M5
Tel: 01934 750883 Email: [email protected]
Bridgwater Tel: 01278 427652 Email: [email protected]
Burnham-on-Sea Tel: 01278 787852 Email: [email protected]
Cartgate (picnic area A303) Tel: 01935 829333 Email: [email protected]
Chard Tel: 01460 67463 Email: [email protected]
Cheddar Tel: 01934 744071 Email: [email protected]
Frome .Tel: 01373 467271 Email: [email protected]
Glastonbury Tel: 01458 832954 Email: [email protected]
Minehead Tel: 01643 702624 Email: [email protected]
Shepton Mallet Tel: 01749 345258 Email: [email protected]
Street Tel: 01458 447384 Email: [email protected]
Taunton Tel: 01823 336344 Email: [email protected]
Wellington Tel: 01823 663379 Email: [email protected]
Wells Tel: 01749 672552 Email: [email protected]
Yeovil Tel: 01935 462991 Email: [email protected]

Disabled Visitors in Somerset
For general advice and information, contact: Signposts, County Hall, Taunton.

Tel: 0800 317220 �

USEFUL WEBSITES TO VISIT:
www.celebratingsomerset.com/visitors
www.somersetartweek.org.uk
www.somerset.gov.uk/tourism

www.southsomersetwalking.co.uk

www.exmoornationalpark.gov.uk/aboutus/anniversary/50th.asp

www.somersetfarmersmarkets.co.uk
www.tasteofthewest.co.uk

www.somersetcoast.com


For accommodation, attractions, events and news in the South West of England visit the Regional Tourist Board website at www.visitsouthwest.co.uk.


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