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SOMERSET
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. |
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| Somerset
Activities |
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. |
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