What to do and see in Somerset, England: The Best Historic Sites

August 18, 2021 Jacquiline Delozier

Discover the best top things to do in Somerset, United Kingdom including Wells Cathedral, St Peter's Church, Minehead Quay, Bath Abbey, The Roman Baths, King John's Hunting Lodge, Bath Street, Farleigh Hungerford Castle, Glastonbury Abbey, Chalice Well, Somerset Rural Life Museum.
Restaurants in Somerset

1. Wells Cathedral

Wells Cathedral Cathedral Green, Wells BA5 2UE England +44 1749 674483 [email protected] http://www.wellscathedral.org.uk/
Excellent
81%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3,708 reviews

Wells Cathedral

Climb the spiral staircase to walk in the footsteps of Cathedral masons with behind-the-scenes tours of Wells Cathedral’s High Parts; the most memorable thing to do in Wells! Discover hidden spaces and chambers, explore the south transept roof space and marvel at the nave from a very different perspective! Tours run regularly throughout the week; book via the website. Terms and Conditions apply.

Reviewed By DKS824 - Harrow, United Kingdom

This Cathedral is very beautiful both in and out, I loved seeing the clocks striking on the quarter hour and hearing the choir practising was a special joy while wandering around. There are some steps up to the Chapter House on the left which is a light area with a very attractive ceiling and a good place to sit peacefully for a few minutes.

2. St Peter's Church, Minehead Quay

Harbourside, Minehead Harbour Minehead Quay, Minehead TA24 5BJ England
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 6 reviews

St Peter's Church, Minehead Quay

3. Bath Abbey

Bath BA1 1LT England +44 1225 422462 http://www.bathabbey.org/
Excellent
62%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 8,059 reviews

Bath Abbey

Begun in 1499 by Bishop King, this is England's last great medieval church, dissolved in 1539 and now serving as a parish church.

Reviewed By russelljf72 - Brixham, United Kingdom

What a thoroughly interesting site, spent a good while looking around the place, which is worth a visit in itself. We came back for the next available TOWER TOUR which was very reasonably priced and the absolute highlight of my day - you need to be able bodied and physically fit to climb the steep and very numerous stairs of the spiral staircase, but you are well rewarded. Very knowledgeable guides, small groups (due to space confines) and amazing content - sitting behind the clock face, on top of the Fan ceiling, in the Bell Room and on the roof of the tower with its stunning views of Bath are BIG highlights. I'd give this 6 out of 5 if I could!

4. The Roman Baths

Abbey Church Yard, Bath BA1 1LZ England +44 1225 477785 [email protected] http://www.romanbaths.co.uk
Excellent
71%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 22,941 reviews

The Roman Baths

The Roman Baths is one of the finest historic sites in Northern Europe, and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the UK. Hidden beneath the present city of Bath lies the stone remains of one of the finest religious spas of the ancient world.

Reviewed By 2chopper - Banbury, United Kingdom

Excellent and unique must see attractions in Bath, is fascinating to learn the history of the Roman Baths, the free audio guide provides extra information too

5. King John's Hunting Lodge

The Square, Axbridge BS26 2BY England +44 1934 732012 http://www.kingjohnshuntinglodge.co.uk
Excellent
48%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 96 reviews

King John's Hunting Lodge

Reviewed By Dave250570 - Uckfield, United Kingdom

A medium sized, three storey, magnificently preserved uneven floored and staired! building, that is filled with history, from pre Roman to very recent times; from Wedmore, Cheddar, Brent Knoll and Mark and all the villages within this area. While a NT property it is leased to Axbridge and District Museum Trust who now run the property and provide guides on site. The entry fee is miniscule compared to the pleasure and excitement you will experience. Words cannot sufficiently explain or do justice to this fantastic museum. But what can be said is that if you are ever within 30 miles of Axbridge you should make the time to detour to this fascinating tiny town - which in part still resembles a 14th/15th century village to - from 1pm onwards - spend 2 hours or so looking around this magnificent museum.

6. Bath Street

Bath BA1 1EE England
Excellent
55%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 810 reviews

Bath Street

Reviewed By lovetrav_9 - Old Colwyn, United Kingdom

This is one of our favourite streets to stroll down in the UK. The architecture is superb and there are plenty of shops and cafes/restaurants to choose from. It really is full of character and history. We were very fortunate on our recent visit to have lovely weather which made the stroll even more pleasurable. Bath is a lovely friendly city to visit and one we never tire of.

7. Farleigh Hungerford Castle

Farleigh Castle A366 Farleigh Hungerford, Norton St Philip, Bath BA2 7RS England +44 1225 754026 [email protected] http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/farleigh-hungerford-castle/?utm_source=Trip%20Advisor&utm_campaign=Local%20Listings&utm_medium=Trip%20Advisor%20Profiles&utm_content=farleigh%20hungerford%20castle
Excellent
51%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 265 reviews

Farleigh Hungerford Castle

In a beautiful valley of the river Frome, on the border between Wiltshire and Somerset and only nine miles from Bath, stands the remains of Farleigh Hungerford Castle. Started in the 14th century, it still has much for visitors to enjoy and provides a great day out for families with children, couples and even walkers enjoying the beautiful surrounding countryside.

Reviewed By dianesK2533KM - Frome, United Kingdom

We live nearby but this was our first visit, excellent. Easy to pre-book, very friendly and helpful staff using masks inside and hand sanitiser before handing things to me. Very good and easy to use audio guide. Clear signage and one way system. Interesting history, fab family tree in the Priest’s house, chapel and crypt amazing. We will go again.

8. Glastonbury Abbey

Abbey Gatehouse Magdalene Street, Glastonbury BA6 9EL England +44 1458 832267 [email protected] http://www.glastonburyabbey.com/
Excellent
67%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,736 reviews

Glastonbury Abbey

A hidden jewel in the heart of Somerset, Glastonbury Abbey is traditionally associated with the earliest days of Christianity in Britain and figures such as Joseph of Arimathea, St Patrick and St David. It is also the resting place for three Saxon kings and the legendary King Arthur. Set in 36 acres of parkland in the middle of the town, the histories, mysteries and myths of Glastonbury Abbey define it as a place of extraordinary spiritual significance. Open 364 days a year, welcoming dogs on short leads, with summer cafe, costumed guides, accredited museum and gift shop.

Reviewed By bleuberry99 - San Diego, United States

To sit and take in the beautiful structures while daydreaming that King Arthur and Guinevere are buried here fulfills a wanderlust in my spirit that was awoken as a child when I was first told of the mythical legends and folklore that still entice me today. The height and architecture of some of the remaining structures are just awesome to gaze upon. Being there at sunset added to the beauty. If you love the legends a much as I do you’ll be happy to have stepped foot into this place.

9. Chalice Well

Wellhouse Lane, Glastonbury BA6 8BL England +44 1458 831154 http://www.chalicewell.org.uk
Excellent
78%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,302 reviews

Chalice Well

Reviewed By Inspire546537

This is like a sanctuary, a peace of heaven on earth, its well kept, pretty, lots of nooks and crannies for mrditation, views of the Tor, you can sample the well water, its reasonably priced and worth your time visiting on your pilgrimage.

10. Somerset Rural Life Museum

Abbey Farm Chilkwell Street, Glastonbury BA6 8DB England +44 1458 831197 [email protected] http://www.SRLM.ORG.UK
Excellent
55%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
5%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 168 reviews

Somerset Rural Life Museum

Situated just below Glastonbury Tor the Museum is a unique heritage attraction on the site of the former Abbey Farm. Here you can explore rural life from the 1800s onwards and discover more about the county’s heritage. The farmhouse and former farm buildings are home to a series of galleries and exhibition spaces. Outside spaces, including in the farmyard and orchard, offer interpretation and family trails. The magnificent 14th-century Abbey Barn is one of the West Country’s finest buildings and the centrepiece of the site. With the Museum Unlimited annual pass visitors pay once and visit for a whole year free of charge.

Reviewed By jillbL18DD

Very informative and well laid out museum. Welcoming and helpful staff. One waY system in place round the museum which works well - hand washing and sanitising facilities easily available. Amazing medieval barn. Lovely orchard to picnic in or the cafe is clean with a good choice of food and snacks. Good covid precautions in place. We'll worth a visit.

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