Welcome to Somerset
Somerset known to many as the ‘Land of the Summer People’ is situated in the South West of England amongst rural countryside, coastal beaches, a national park and numerous Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Rich in ancient history Somerset was home to two royalties – King Alfred and King Arthur. The area is full of character and stories and is the perfect holiday location for you this year if you’re looking for breathtaking views, culture, endless walks and plenty of traditional pub food.
Nestled amongst Somerset’s rolling hills and the Levels are picturesque chocolate-box villages, small market towns, old age pubs and modern day tourist attractions. In Somerset there is something for everyone no matter what age which makes Lakeview’s luxury self catering holiday cottages your ideal holiday destination!
Somerset Countryside
Somerset’s famous countryside is a blanket of miles upon miles of fields, rolling hills, windy cliff tops, cider orchards and endless flatlands. Somerset is a haven to any walker, hiker or cyclist whether they be amateur or a pro. There are plenty of walks nearby our self catering holiday accommodation Somerset – visit our location page to learn more.
Proudly home to four Areas of Outstanding National Beauty and a National Park there are plenty of walking and cycling routes suited to all abilities in Somerset. Any keen nature watcher should head to Glastonbury Tor which overlooks the Levels and Moors which make up the Somerset flatlands. Glastonbury is approximately 30 minutes drive away. On the way back you could drop into Street and go shopping at the famous Clarkes Village for bargains all less than 30 minutes drive from Lakeview Self Catering Luxury Holiday Cottages/
A visit to the natural yet dramatic Cheddar Gorge will educate you in the history of cheddar cheese; you may even get to sample some! Wookey Hole Caves should be the first thing on your list to do where a land of mysterious, spectacular caves await you; look out for the Extravagant Light Show to see the caves in all their glory. Both Cheddar Gorge and Wookey Hole are very local to our Luxury Holiday Accommodation, many guests call in on route or after departing Lakeview Holiday Cottages.
The Somerset Coastline
Like many of Britain’s fantastic coastlines the Somerset coastline has plenty on offer for all ages. With an array of traditional seaside resorts, pretty harbours, quaint towns, contemporary marinas and fishing ports you will be spoilt for choice on where to go.
Lyme Regis on the south Coast is approximately 40 minutes drive and is a very scenic journey too! While on the south coast you could drive along to Westbay, or even Sidmouth, Seaton or Beer, all of which are beautiful coastlines and very close to Lakeview Holiday Cottages.
Many of our guests enjoy the north coast where you will find Weston Supermare with its newly built Pier, or even Burnham on Sea, both only 20 minutes drive away from Lakeview Holiday Cottages. Minehead with its theme park is only 40 minutes drive from our Luxury self catering holiday accommodation.
Happily participate and explore the coastline on foot, by boat or by coach. Or why not take a picnic and sit back and admire the stunning coastline from the comfort of a deck chair? The South West Coast path runs a fascination 630 miles only a few of which will be enough to give you a real taste of Somerset life.
There are plenty of fishing opportunities on the Somerset canals, at Lakeview Holiday Cottages we offer private fishing on your doorstep with no extra charge. You must have a valid fishing licence.
Exmoor National Park
If you are staying at Lakeview Holiday Cottages for a few days then a visit to Exmoor National Park is recommended. At only a 45 minute-1 hour drive away this National Park is truly breathtaking. Consisting of high cliffs, cozy bays, and wooded valleys amongst wide open moors, hours can be dwindled away effortlessly.
Exmoor National Park is fantastic for walkers, cyclists and horse riders with a staggering 1100km of paths and bridleways at your fingertips. Safari trips are also available to take part in to see if you can spot the exclusive Exmoor ponies or wild red deer. Watersports are on offer too with activities including canoeing, sailing, windsurfing and fly-fishing all on the Exmoor rivers.
Or perhaps you want to try the Quantock Hills, with outstanding views across the River to Cardiff Bay. You could enjoy a walk, hike or cycling along the Quantocks which is within 30 – 45 minutes drive from Lakeview Luxury Holiday Cottages. Take the alternative route back and head for the popular County Town of Taunton, where on route you could try out the wonderful Steam Train, Minehead to Bishops Lydeard, a step back in time. So much to do and see along our Somerset coastlines!
Food and drink
Famous for both cider and cheddar you will sample many of Somerset’s own produce during your stay, but be introduced to many of Somerset’s other specialties too!
Unknown to some Somerset offers wide variety of delicious fruits including Somerset apples with orchards growing throughout the area. From these sumptuous apples locals make a range of apple-based goods including apple juice and of course cider. In the Mendip Hills cheddar cheese is still made and many of the local Somerset produce is sold at farmers markets. Visit a farmers market or a specialist Somerset food shop during your stay and pick up some new flavoursome food products for dinner – and for gifts to take home!
Somerset has lots of cafes, pubs, restaurants and coffee shops that will give you that much-needed drink after a long days walk! Local pubs and restaurants will serve you fresh food and provide friendly, cozy entertainment of an evening. Our Lakeview self-catering accommodation in Somerset come with all your kitchen necessities; there are supermarkets nearby where you can buy your food to stock up for your stay.
Somerset’s History and Heritage
Somerset is rich with heritage and history giving you a small taste of Old England. Wells Cathedral is an exemplary example of early English architecture and the cathedral is what qualifies Wells as being an official city.
There are also numerous quaint villages and small market towns full of local stories and history, many of which hold charming summer fetes. There are many country houses with beautiful gardens that are open to the public and owned by the National Trust or English Heritage. Explore these at your own free will and experience architecture dating back as early as Elizabethan times.
The castles in Taunton and Dunster bravely show their war wounds from the English Civil War and the castle ruins in Nunney near Frome take you back hundreds of years to a time of battle. If you enjoy a re-enactment the Battle of Sedgemoor (1685) is frequently reenacted in full costume and can be a great outing for all the family!
Somerset Festivals
Somerset has something going on at all times of the year! Known for its popularity of crafts, music and cultural events you won’t be stuck for choice! Don’t miss a thing by staying locally in our self-catering accommodation in Somerset.
Internationally acclaimed carnivals take place between September and November when the streets of Somerset towns are adorned with colour and carnival festivity. Carnival fans from all over the world come to see our outstanding carnivals. Make a weekend of it in November to see both the Bridgwater and North Petherton Carnivals two evenings running, then a fabulous firework and bonfire party. Come and stay at Lakeview Holiday Cottages, where you will enjoy comfortable, cosy evenings afterwards. Our luxury Holiday Cottages are only minutes away from both Bridgwater and North Petherton Carnivals, so no worries about parking, you can just walk to both Carnivals.
Food festivals are regularly held and farmers markets are a regular occurrence. The Taunton and Wincanton racecourses are nearby to Lakeview if you fancy trying your luck!
Somerset Activities
As mentioned there is lots to do in Somerset! If you love being outdoors or trying new activities then you’ll be more than satisfied with your stay at Lakeview Holiday Cottages in Somerset. Activities available throughout the area include:
- Mountain biking
- Caving
- Hiking
- Rock climbing
- Abseiling
- Paragliding
- Jet skiing
- Horse riding
- Golfing
- Cycling
- Fishing (Private Fishing at Lakeview)
- Canoeing
- Canal Boat Rides
- Museum Tours
- Nature Safaris
For any further advice on what to do in Somerset and places to visit in Somerset head to the Visit Somerset Tourist Information website. If you would like more information on things to do within a few minutes walk of Lakeview Holiday Cottages then please visit our Lakeview Holiday Cottages Location page.
