Sauntering through Somerset

A Quaint Sojourn: A Road Trip Through the Charms of Somerset

I invite you to join me on a delightful journey through the picturesque landscapes and hidden gems of Somerset. Buckle up, grab your map and I mean map as 4g signal is few far between on the coast, and let’s embark on an unforgettable adventure through this idyllic English county.

My journey begins in the charming city of Bath, where time seems to stand still among its elegant Georgian architecture and natural thermal springs. As I strolled along the cobbled streets, I couldn’t help but marvel at the historical significance of the Roman Baths, where people have been soaking and splashing for centuries. The grandeur of Bath Abbey and the panoramic vistas from Alexandra Park are just the beginning of the treasures this city holds.

Leaving Bath behind, I traverse the undulating countryside, where quintessential English scenes unfold around every bend. The rolling hills dotted with fluffy sheep and picturesque villages with names like Cheddar and Wells evoke a sense of enchantment. Ah, Wells – a town so small that you can practically stroll from one end to the other before you finish your scone. But don’t be fooled by its size; the Wells Cathedral with its intricate carvings and the Bishop’s Palace with its mystical moat are monumental surprises.

Now, prepare yourselves for a true taste of Somerset’s allure as I venture to the world-famous Cheddar Gorge. The very thought of this place makes my heart race with anticipation. As I navigated the rugged cliffs and winding roads, the sheer magnitude of this geological masterpiece leaves me in awe. I was left feeling like I was hiking through a Thai gorge and the sharp pinnacles reminded me of hiking in the hills near years ago near the Myanmar boarder.

There are several walks to do here through the valley. Or if you don’t fancy the 6k hike overlooking the valley, which starts at the visitors carpark opposite the cafe and the cheese shop.

Then the village itself is a pretty turn around, and you see the nod the Arthurian legends everywhere including the sword in the stone in the stream which runs through the town.

There are also caves and a museum to enter and a cheese tasting is a must. I treated myself to a birthday cider and a walk up and over the cliffs starting at the watch look tower.

I decided to visit the Wookey Hole Caves in the afternoon as it was my birthday and I wanted to do something fun and different. Adult tickets were £22 pounds and the tour is self guided. The site is packed with other attractions including a papermill, adventure golf and 4d cinema. The Wookey Hole Caves is one of the most popular show caves in England. The show cave features guided tours that take visitors through the impressive underground chambers adorned with stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone formations. The cave system is still being explored and studied to this date. The legend of the Witch of Wookey Hole is a famous tale associated with the caves. Which according to local folklore, a witch was said to have once lived in the caves. The formations within the caves were believed to be the result of her magic.

One my highlights of the Wookey Hole Caves is the underground river that flows through them. I took the boat ride on this subterranean river, experiencing the unique sensation of gliding through the heart of the earth. It was a spectacular place and there is signs of Argon gas, which is radioactive and realised through the rocks and themselves but at a very small level. But it does feel like another world down there! The chambers are tight, low and with uneven under foot, so if you go definitely wear so boots of gripped trail trail shoes as the chambers are damp and wet with puddles in dim lighting making it slippy. Beyond the caves, Wookey Hole also offers a variety of family-friendly attractions, including a dinosaur valley, a fairy garden, a mirror maze, and a circus show.

As I didn’t fancy cooking up a vegetarian feast on my birthday I headed over to Glastonbury to a community hub, hall/gallery/restraunt/bar. The Old Tannery has a very chilled vibe with a huge garden terrace over looking fruit trees and is a little Eden just off the main road in the center of Glastonbury nestled next the old factories it has a gentrified and shabby sheak feel.

The food was incredible and had a great choice of vegan and vegetarian choices. To top the day off I took in the Tor to watch the sun set. Glastonbury Tor is made up of layers of clay, blue lias, and limestone. The layers erode at different rates, resulting in the distinctive terraced appearance of the hill. Climb the Tor, if you dare, and witness a view that reaches beyond the horizon, making you feel like you’re on the edge of the world. The Tor is run by the National Trust and is believed to have been a place of significance for thousands of years, with archaeological evidence suggesting it was used during the Neolithic and Bronze Age periods and has an interesting history so check out the info on the signs when you visit.

What would a Somerset road trip be without a visit to the Somerset Levels and Moors? A mosaic of wetlands, reed beds, and meadows, this landscape is an avian paradise. I wanted to camp out in nature on this trip, and the wetlands did not disappoint. I was astounded by the birdlife that calls this area home, from the elusive bittern to the graceful swans.

My final day took me to the seaside gem St Audrie’s Bay. The smell of saltwater fills the air and the steep cliff paths take you down to this geological feast for your eyes, with cliff rocks of every colour. The beach is shaped by huge fan like rock formations which stretch out to the sea itself, and on the corner of the cliff to the East of bay as you walk down from the steps is a green oasis. The waterfall looks misplaced as it towers over the beach and cascading water falls from the shelf of rock on the cliff and falls to the sea below, the plants and moss that has grown makes a beatifical sceptical. The bay and waterfall is owned by St. Audries Bay Holiday Club and you can park at the victors center there for £4.00 for day parking and pay at reception. (The machine was broken writing this in August).

If you’re feeling particularly sprightly, the West Somerset Railway offers a nostalgic trip aboard a steam train, chugging through the charming countryside which starts and takes you 1 mile south to Killington. Tickets are £8.50 and free for children under 14. There is charming cafe there, where I would recommend a cream tea. The site is mostly run by volunteers and their passion and knowledge for the engines and rail industry was infectiously exciting.

If you are National Trust member I would also recomend a visit to Dunster Castle. I was greeted by a sight that feels straight out of a fairy tale. The village’s medieval charm is immediately apparent, with its cobblestone streets, timber-framed buildings, and the majestic Dunster Castle perched atop a hill. I check into our cozy accommodation, ready to embark on a journey through time.

The castle is £3 for non members but the central parking is great to enjoy and explore the grounds.

Dunster’s allure extends to its historic Priory Church. The tranquil atmosphere and beautiful stained glass windows create a sense of serenity as I explore this centuries-old place of worship. Adjacent to the church, the Priory Gardens offer a peaceful retreat, complete with well-manicured lawns and vibrant flowers. The watch tower makes for a good uphill short hike and allows great views of the valley below.

The grounds are also home to the UK’s tallest tree. There is a short walk along a river which feeds the enormous 70 meter Douglas Firs, which create a magical canopy and is the perfect place for a peaceful walk. I drove up the perilous single track steep track, but was treated to having the place to myself and even enjoyed dinner out the van there taking in the fresh mossy air.

As our Somerset road trip comes to an end, I can’t help but reflect on the countless picturesque landscapes, charming towns, and unexpected surprises that this county has generously bestowed upon me. The driving especially on the backgrounds was narrow and hair raising with many almost van ditch moments, but my gosh it was good fun!

Somerset isn’t just a place on the map – it’s a tapestry of history, nature, and culture that welcomes explorers with open arms and leaves them with memories to last a lifetime. My next adventure was down into Devon and heading further south, so check in next week or subscribe for free to the blog and keep up to date with my adventures using my Instagram. Or if you would like to donate and subscribe to my paid service providing guides, vlogs, and have access to chat with me directly join me on my Patron here.