Somerset: 9 Fun Experiences

You’ll discover that Somerset packs an incredible punch when it comes to unforgettable experiences. From soaking in ancient Roman waters to exploring mysterious underground caves, this English county doesn’t hold back on adventure. Whether you’re drawn to dramatic limestone landscapes, mystical hilltop legends, or charming steam train journeys through the countryside, Somerset’s got something that’ll capture your imagination. Here are nine experiences that’ll transform your visit into an extraordinary journey you won’t soon forget.

Soak in History at the Roman Baths in Bath

When you step into the Roman Baths in Bath, you’re walking through nearly 2,000 years of history where ancient Romans once soaked in the same naturally heated mineral waters that still bubble up today. You’ll explore the magnificent Great Bath, where 300,000 gallons of 115°F mineral water flow daily from natural hot springs.

The ingenious Roman engineering amazes visitors as you walk through the caldarium, tepidarium, and frigidarium – rooms that showcase their sophisticated heating systems.

Don’t miss the fascinating curse tablets display, where Romans wrote pleas to goddess Sulis Minerva asking for justice against thieves. This sacred site blends Celtic and Roman cultures beautifully.

The audio guide brings ancient voices to life, making your visit incredibly immersive. You can even taste the mineral-rich waters in the Pump Room afterward. The museum houses remarkable artifacts including the gilt bronze head of goddess Sulis Minerva, one of the most significant archaeological treasures discovered at the site.

Explore Britain’s Most Spectacular Cave System at Wookey Hole

Descending into Wookey Hole’s limestone chambers, you’ll discover Britain’s most spectacular cave system where ancient legends meet geological wonders spanning 35,000 years of history. You’ll encounter the famous “Witch Stone” stalagmite, centerpiece of local folklore about a witch turned to stone.

The caves stretch nearly 4,000 meters through Carboniferous limestone, carved by the River Axe flowing through dramatic underground passages.

Archaeological treasures reveal continuous human occupation from Paleolithic times through Roman periods, with ancient tools and artifacts discovered in sediment layers alongside extinct animal remains.

Beyond the guided cave tours, you’ll enjoy adventure golf, vintage penny arcades, and a fascinating museum showcasing 1930s cave diving equipment. The caves maintain a constant temperature of 11°C year-round, creating perfect conditions for exploring regardless of weather.

It’s easily accessible from Bath and Bristol, making it perfect for unforgettable day trips.

Hike the Dramatic Limestone Cliffs of Cheddar Gorge

Towering nearly 1,000 feet above Somerset’s countryside, Cheddar Gorge’s dramatic limestone cliffs offer some of England’s most spectacular hiking experiences through ancient geological formations carved over millions of years.

You’ll find trails ranging from 3 to 6.4 kilometers, with most popular loops taking 2-3 hours to complete. The moderate difficulty terrain features rocky paths, steep climbs, and elevation gains reaching 395 meters.

Don’t miss climbing Jacob’s Ladder to Jacob’s Tower for panoramic views across the Mendip Hills and Somerset Levels.

Stay on marked footpaths to avoid rockfall danger, and wear proper hiking boots for the uneven limestone surfaces. The area features a well-marked 5.0 km looped trail that provides an excellent introduction to the gorge’s stunning landscape.

Start your adventure from Cheddar village, where you’ll find convenient parking, visitor information, and facilities before tackling these magnificent clifftop walks.

Climb Glastonbury Tor for Mystical Views and Ancient Legends

Rising 518 feet above the mystical Somerset Levels, Glastonbury Tor beckons adventurers with its iconic silhouette and legendary tower that’s visible from 20 miles away. You’ll find two maintained pathways leading to the summit, including one starting opposite Chalice Well Gardens. The National Trust provides free access to this Grade I listed site.

As you climb, you’ll notice the mysterious seven terraces carved into the hillside—their origins hotly debated between natural erosion and medieval farming. The Tor rises dramatically from the reclaimed fen plain of Summerland Meadows, creating its distinctive island-like appearance that has captivated visitors for centuries.

At the top, St Michael’s Tower awaits, a roofless medieval structure steeped in Arthurian legend and tales of Avalon. The panoramic views reward your effort, stretching across Glastonbury Abbey, the Mendip Hills, and Wells Cathedral, making this climb both physically invigorating and spiritually enriching.

Take a Steam Train Journey on the East Somerset Railway

Step aboard a piece of living history at the East Somerset Railway, where vintage steam locomotives chuff through Somerset’s picturesque countryside just as they did over 150 years ago. You’ll travel on Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s original 1858 railway line, now lovingly preserved by dedicated volunteers who rescued it from closure in 1968.

Watch magnificent steam engines like “Black Prince” and “The Green Knight” power your journey between Cranmore Station and Mendip Vale. The railway’s fascinating backstory includes artist David Shepherd’s 1970s rescue mission, transforming abandoned tracks into today’s thriving heritage attraction.

You’ll experience authentic brake van rides and witness locomotive restoration in action. The line originally operated on Brunel’s broad gauge before converting to standard gauge in 1874. Special steam gala days offer extra excitement for railway enthusiasts, while family-friendly excursions provide perfect introductions to Somerset’s industrial heritage through scenic countryside that once served local quarries.

Discover Medieval Monastic Life at Cleeve Abbey

When you wander through Cleeve Abbey’s ancient gatehouse, you’ll enter a remarkably preserved medieval world where Cistercian monks lived, prayed, and worked for over three centuries.

You’ll discover one of Europe’s most complete medieval tiled floors in the 13th-century refectory, featuring stunning heraldic and geometric patterns.

The dormitory reveals fascinating glimpses into monastic life—you can see where monks slept on simple mattresses and stored their few belongings in personal chests. This exceptional dormitory stands as one of the finest surviving examples in Britain, retaining most of its original medieval structure.

Don’t miss the impressive wall paintings from the late medieval period, which dramatically contrast with the abbey’s originally austere white-washed interiors.

As you explore the ruins, you’ll walk through spaces where a small community of about 28 monks studied in their unusual library and followed the strict Cistercian routine until Henry VIII’s dissolution in 1537.

Walk Through 18th-Century Elegance at Prior Park Landscape Gardens

From the austere stone walls of medieval monasticism, you’ll find yourself transported to an entirely different world of refined Georgian taste at Prior Park Landscape Gardens. This 18th-century masterpiece near Bath showcases one of only four Palladian Bridges worldwide, built in 1755 as the garden’s stunning centerpiece.

You’ll wander through Ralph Allen’s vision brought to life by Capability Brown, where serpentine lakes reflect classical architecture and sweeping valley views frame the city of Bath below. The landscape evolved from an ancient deer park that originally served the Bishop of Bath and Wells around 1100.

The National Trust’s meticulous restoration has revived original features like the small cascade and fish ponds, while winding paths reveal hidden grottoes and exotic plantings.

Your 1–1.5 hour stroll through this Georgian gem offers panoramic countryside views and a perfect glimpse into 18th-century landscape design elegance.

Cycle the Scenic Pier to Pier Route Along Somerset’s Coast

While Prior Park’s manicured elegance showcases Somerset’s refined past, you’ll discover the county’s natural coastal beauty along the brand-new Pier to Pier Way, a 13-mile cycle route that opened in 2024 connecting Weston-super-Mare’s Grand Pier to Clevedon’s historic Victorian Pier.

This mostly flat route combines quiet roads with traffic-free paths, making it perfect for families and commuters alike. You’ll enjoy stunning Bristol Channel views and glimpses of Wales while safely avoiding the busy A370. At both ends of your journey, you can cool off with a refreshing dip in the marine swimming lakes that await cyclists at each pier.

The well-signposted trail features blue cycle signs and brown Pier to Pier markings, plus exciting stops like the historic Birnbeck Pier and optional detours through Sand Bay.

New infrastructure includes the Tutshill Greenway and safe motorway crossings, creating Somerset’s most accessible coastal cycling experience.

Uncover Dark Tales at Farleigh Hungerford Castle

Moving inland from Somerset’s sunny coastal paths, you’ll find a much darker chapter of history waiting at Farleigh Hungerford Castle, where medieval stone walls conceal centuries of murder, betrayal, and political intrigue.

You’ll discover the gruesome tale of Agnes Hungerford, who murdered her first husband and burned his body in the castle’s kitchen furnace before meeting her own end at the gallows. As you explore the atmospheric ruins, you’ll uncover stories of family treachery, political executions, and violent power struggles that plagued the Hungerford dynasty.

The castle’s chapel, with its haunting murals, adds to the sinister atmosphere. Beneath the chapel lies a mysterious crypt containing lead coffins with moulded death masks of former owners. These dark tales make Farleigh Hungerford one of England’s most fascinating heritage sites.

The Sum Up

You’ve got an incredible adventure waiting in Somerset! Whether you’re drawn to ancient mysteries at Glastonbury Tor, thrilling cave explorations at Wookey Hole, or peaceful steam train journeys through the countryside, there’s something here that’ll capture your imagination. Don’t just pick one—mix history with nature, combine castle tales with coastal cycling. Somerset’s diverse experiences mean you can create the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and discovery that suits your travel style.