10 Most Picturesque Villages in Somerset
Head Out of Bath on a Road Trip to the Villages of Somerset
The most picturesque villages in Somerset are dotted with unique attractions, such as eclectic independent shops, riveting museums and historic homes. There are even some famous attractions like the Shepton Mallet Prison.
Each town and village offers its own unique brand of small-town charm for the perfect holiday experience. You’ll find quaint communities all across the region that offer scenic tranquillity in addition to unique features you won’t find anywhere else. Here’s our pick of the most picturesque villages in Somerset to visit and enjoy a memorable holiday.
1. Frome
Enjoy a combination of contemporary and historical things to do
Ideal para: Famílias, Compras, História, Vida noturna
Frome tends to diverge from the typical market town offerings by being a combination of historical and contemporary. This is thanks in large part to the bustling arts scene in town that includes numerous galleries, independent boutiques and even frequent musical performances held in established venues or simply on the side of the street.
All sorts of events take place here every year, such as the Frome Festival, which offers 10 straight days of live performances and art exhibitions each July.
Frome
2. Glastonbury
A mystical town with an eclectic high street
Ideal para: Famílias, Compras, História, Foto, Alimentação
Glastonbury is a lot more lively than your average Somerset village. Along the streets, you’ll find eclectic shops, including 1 that offers odd minerals and another called Man, Myth and Magik.
The Glastonbury Tor is a popular spot for adventurers. At the top of this hill, you’ll find a towering landmark from centuries past, as well as a satisfying view after a scenic hike. If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, you’ll be happy to know that many of the cafés in town cater to your diet specifically.
Glastonbury
3. Castle Cary
Explore a town that’s notably modern
Ideal para: Famílias, Compras, Alimentação
Castle Cary is a quaint town that feels more modern than many other communities in the region. Even the most well-known historical sites here only date back a few hundred years – the Grade II*-listed Hadspen House, for example. Instead, you’ll find a diverse selection of modern offerings that are especially alluring if you’re looking for good food.
All sorts of restaurants have popped up around town, including more obscure cuisines like Middle Eastern fare. Of course, you can always stop by a local pub to grab a pint if you’re looking for something more traditional.
Castle Cary
4. Shepton Mallet
Visit a community dating back to the Roman occupation
Ideal para: Famílias, História, Viagens alternativas
Shepton Mallet is one of the oldest communities in all of Somerset, dating back to the Roman occupation. You can explore a wide variety of historical landmarks here, such as the Market Cross that’s been in the centre of town for more than a century, along with the Shepton Mallet Prison. You can even take a tour of the prison that can potentially include a 12-hour overnight stay in the ‘A Night Behind Bars’ experience.
Alternatively, you can visit the Secret Gardens that have functioned as a serene escape from the busy town centre for a century now.
Shepton Mallet
5. Axbridge
Step back in time when visiting this quaint village and its old buildings
Ideal para: Famílias, História, Foto
Visiting Axbridge is like taking a step back in time. This quaint village is made up of old half-timbered buildings, with the Church of St John towering over the town’s square. The church itself dates back to the 13th century, but that’s just the beginning of the historical sites available here.
You’ll also find King John’s Hunting Lodge. This establishment was once a wool merchant’s house back in medieval times, but now it serves as a museum of local history.
Axbridge
6. Wincanton
Find relaxation with a game of golf or watching the races
Ideal para: Famílias, Compras, História, Aventura
Wincanton is an easy place to find relaxation. The entire town seems to be designed to make life just a little bit easier, as even the streets are generally wider than what you’d normally find in a Somerset village. You can spend the day on the greens at the Wincanton Golf Club or browse the numerous independent shops around town.
Don’t forget to watch the Wincanton races, if you’re looking for something a bit more thrilling. If you’re a Terry Pratchett fan, you’ll enjoy stopping by the Discworld Emporium located here.
Wincanton
7. Watchet
Find fun by the quiet coast
Ideal para: Famílias, Compras, História, Alimentação
Watchet is a coastal town, so it’s a great destination for travellers looking to spend some time by the water. Despite its coastal location, Watchet is relatively quiet, making it easy to relax among its modest marina and charming shops and eateries. Be sure to check out the fish and chip shops as their fish are caught right offshore.
In addition to the attractions in the town itself, you’ll also find yourself just steps away from Exmoor National Park. You can enjoy a more nature-oriented experience during your holiday here.
Watchet
8. Bridgwater
Explore Georgian architecture and see the Willow Man
Ideal para: Famílias, História, Foto
Bridgwater contains plenty of historical sites, even though it didn’t really emerge on a significant scale until after the Industrial Revolution. The Georgian architecture from that time still reigns supreme from King Square to the West Quay on the River Parrett.
Bridgwater is home to the iconic Guy Fawkes Carnival, which features an impressive display of sparkling fireworks that illuminates High Street in dazzling flames. On the way into town by the M5, be sure to keep an eye out for the Willow Man, a 40-ft-tall art installation of a man created from willow withies.
Bridgwater
9. Crowcombe
Get away from the hustle and bustle of the city
Ideal para: Famílias, História
Crowcombe is a remarkably small village with a tiny population, so it’s a top destination for travellers looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. During your holiday here, you can visit some iconic landmarks, including Crowcombe Court, a massive 18th-century country house, and Halsway Manor, which dates back to the 15th century.
You’ll find a 14th-century church here that oddly features some pagan symbols carved into the bench ends, such as the Green Man and historical figures fighting a dragon.
Crowcombe
10. Dulverton
Stroll alongside the River Barle
Ideal para: Famílias, Compras, História, Alimentação, Aventura
Dulverton is a lovely town by the River Barle with much to see and do all year long. The walking paths by the river bank are especially spectacular, and you’ll even find the oldest medieval bridge in the Exmoor region here.
The shops of the town are largely independent, as are the pubs, so it’s easy to get some local flavour and stay away from the more widespread franchises. Additionally, Dulverton’s proximity to Exmoor makes it easy to embark on outdoor adventures through a well-maintained park.
Dulverton
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