SOMERSET
Inhabited since ancient times, this county at the heart of England offers historic buildings and fine landscapes, says Bryony Symes
1 Sacred hilltop
Glastonbury is far more than just a festival ground; the Tor is steeped in the myths and legends of King Arthur and Avalon, having been a sacred site since ancient times. There are also breath-taking views across three counties from here. Visit the romantic ruins of Glastonbury Abbey, where costumed guides roam the grounds from March to October. Web www.glastonburytic.co.uk
2 Natural wonders
Venture down into the stalactite-covered caverns of Cheddar Caves, where you can discover all about our prehistoric ancestors or have an adventure at this international centre for caving and rock climbing. Of course, there’s also the towering cliffs of the gorge above to contend with; while you are here, check out the fantastic views from Jacob’s Ladder. Web www.cheddargorge.co.uk
3 Steaming through the countryside
Take a nostalgic trip back in time on the West Somerset Railway, the longest heritage railway in England. The line takes you through the Mendips for a scenic journey, with 10 stops that take in everything from historic Dunster Castle to Minehead’s traditional seaside charm. Web west-somerset-railway.co.uk
4 Family heirlooms
No trip to Somerset would be complete without visiting one of the many historic houses. Perhaps the most impressive is Stourhead, a magnificent Palladian mansion that was the family home of the Hoare family. It is surrounded by pristine lawns and parkland, with the banking family’s Regency treasures and Chippendale furniture displayed in the grand rooms. Web www.nationaltrust.org.uk
5 Georgian life
The ancient city of Bath is the beating heart of Somerset, packed with attractions to suit the most discerning traveller. From the Roman baths and the Georgian townhouses of the Royal Crescent, to the Thermae Bath Spa and the huge selection of shops and museums, there’s something for everyone here. Web www.visitbath.co.uk
6 Raise a glass
One of the county’s most famous products is cider, so it would be remiss not to find out a little more about it. Head to Torre Cider, where they have been producing scrumpy for more than 20 years. You can take a tour of the farm, or simply go to the shop for a tasting and visit with the farm animals. Web www.torrecider.co.uk
7 Making tracks
Discover the rich history of the Avalon Marshes, a unique landscape of lowland wetlands that has been slowly reclaimed from marshes throughout the past 10,000 years. There’s wildlife galore, and if you visit Shapwick Nature Reserve you can follow the route of the Sweet Track, a wooden trackway that was built across reed-swamp in 3806 BC and preserved in peat. Web www.avalonmarshes.org
8 Quite a collection
Anyone with even a passing interest in cars will love Haynes Motor Museum, home of the astounding collection of cars, motorbikes and so much more that was started by John Haynes. There are nearly 400 vehicles in the collection, with displays about everything from the dawn of motoring through to modern supercars and motorsport. Web haynesmotormuseum.com
9 Where ancient meets modern
Fittingly, the Museum of Somerset is in the heart of the county town, within the walls of the historic 12th-century Taunton Castle. The galleries tell fascinating stories of the area, exploring a history that started 400 million years ago. Web www.swheritage.org.uk
10 Heritage on Exmoor
Two-thirds of the land included within the expansive Exmoor National Park falls inside Somerset’s boundaries; that’s a lot of very special landscape to explore, so strap on your walking boots and get out in the fresh air. The area is a haven for wildlife, particularly birds and butterflies. Keep an eye out for the elaborate Grade I-listed churches, a remnant from the area’s distant past. Web exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk