Museum of Somerset* Donations Welcomed
The Museum of Somerset is housed inside Taunton’s Grade I Listed Castle and tells tales of the county from prehistoric times to present day. Learn about how the landscape has shaped lives from the very first foundation stones, through farming, traditions, expansion of the roads, railways & civil war. Take a look at Military History throughout the years of peace and war. Learn about the Castle itself, the role it played in the English Civil War & its near decline to ruin.
The Castle boasts a lovely café, The Courtyard. Serving up a wide range of freshly made food and drinks. There is also a shop, offering up souvenirs as well as a range of Made In Somerset products.
Tarr Steps
Located in Exmoor National Park, is an ancient clapper bridge spanning the River Barle. Constructed from large, flat stone slabs placed on stone supports, this historic bridge is believed to date back to 1000 BC, making it the longest-surviving medieval clapper bridge. According to local folklore, the Devil himself placed the stones and vowed to kill anyone who dared cross, but after negotiating with a local parson, he agreed to let people use it—so long as they avoided the bridge when he wanted to sunbathe.
For a peaceful stroll, there’s a lovely 1.8-mile walk upstream through the wooded valley, marked by orange waymarks. The walk takes about an hour, and you might spot some local wildlife, including red deer, otters, and bats.
Brean Down* Parking Charges apply
Brean Down is situated just along the coast from the famous Weston – super – Mare. Climb to the top of the Down and take the 1.5 mile walk along the outstretched landscape. As the Down stands 97m high, the views from the top are incredible, looking out over the Bristol Channel towards South Wales and over the Somerset Levels. Go off and explore the Down to find the Palmerston Fort (built to defend the country against a possible Napoleonic invasion) and the site of a Roman temple or just relax on the beach at the foot of the Down. Why not visit the Cove Café for a cuppa or an ice cream treat.
Glastonbury Tor & Town* Parking Charges apply
This iconic landmark offers incredible views of the Somerset Levels, Dorset, Wiltshire and Wales. There is evidence of Christian and Pagan settlements at the top, and it is well known as being one of the most spiritual sites in the country. The large tower you will see at the top of the Tor is the last remains of St Michael’s Chapel.
When you’ve climbed back down, why not take a stroll around the town and take in its magical atmosphere.
Nunney Castle
Nunney Castle is a picturesque moated mediaeval castle just outside of Frome. It dates from the 1370s & was built by Sir John de la Mare, under a Royal licence. Having been much modernised in the late 1500’s, the castle was besieged and damaged in 1645, during the English Civil War. Now ruined, Nunney’s dramatic great tower is very well preserved. In the village, once a year on the first Saturday in August, the streets are turned over to stalls of all kinds for a good old fashioned Street Fayre.