From its beautiful coastline to its sprawling hills, Somerset is one of the most picturesque counties in England. Those in the know head here for its unspoilt beauty, and dotted amongst the glorious countryside are a plethora of pretty towns and villages that are a delight to explore.
Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie seeking artisanal goodies, looking for a bit of retail therapy or simply happy to have a chilled-out wander, Somerset has a host of gorgeous places to visit. From historic Glastonbury to oh-so-vibrant Frome, and tranquil Porlock to chocolate-box-pretty Selworthy, there’s certainly an enormous array to choose from, so here are our top picks of the prettiest towns and villages in Somerset to help you plan your next scenic stay.
Frome
Offering both bucolic charm and an artsy buzz, Frome lies on the eastern edge of the Mendip Hills. With its ancient cobbled streets (such as Cheap Street, one of the best preserved mediaeval streets in Europe) and attractive historic buildings (it has some of the most listed buildings in the whole of Somerset), this vibrant town has beauty by the bucketload and you can spend hours simply wandering through the winding alleyways, stopping now and again to admire the views from the towns’ elevated position.
Frome also has a bustling creative scene thanks to enterprises such as The Frome Independent, a monthly market that showcases the best artists, crafters, and artisanal foodstuffs from all over the South West of England. There’s also a wealth of excellent places to eat and more than its fair share of fantastic boutique shops to explore.
Wedmore
Enjoying loft views across the Somerset Levels between the River Axe and the River Brue, the pretty village of Wedmore is known locally as the Isle of Wedmore, as legend has it that it used to be surrounded by water. Boasting a stunning Grade I listed church with parts dating back to the 12th century, this is an oh-so-pretty village that’s well worth stopping for, not least for its award-winning pubs and excellent food shops such as Hector’s Farm Shop where you can pick up some tasty delights to take back to your holiday cottage in Somerset.
Interestingly, Wedmore is home to the delightfully named Turnip Prize, which celebrates the worst of bad modern art (awarded on the same day as that other well-known art competition) and it also hosts a spectacular Real Ale Festival every September, where you can sample over 60 locally-produced ales, Perrys, ciders and wines.
Wells
This gorgeous spot at the southern foot of the Mendip Hills is actually the smallest city in England and is a must for history lovers. Established in the 12th century, Wells (so-called due to the springs found in the area) boasts an imposing Gothic cathedral, as well as the beautiful moated Bishop’s Palace, home to the bishops of Wells and Bath for over 800 years. For Instagram-worthy shots, head to Vicar’s Close – for 650 years people have made their home here, making it the oldest continuously lived-in street in Europe.
So pretty is Wells that it’s appeared in several films and on TV – such as Hot Fuzz, which featured Market Place and the church of St Cuthbert. It’s a great place for a spot of shopping and a bite to eat, while the Wells and Mendip Museum offers a fascinating look into the history of the area. While here, make sure to pop up the road to explore the caves and caverns of Wookey Hole.
Glastonbury
While its primary fame may be due to its oh-so-popular festival, the town of Glastonbury itself has plenty to be proud of, making it worthy of a day out. While its streets are beautiful and cram-packed with interesting shops, there are plenty of other things to see and do. First off, head to Glastonbury Tor for breathtaking views – swathed in myth and legend, it’s supposedly the home of the King of the fairies and the Holy Grail!
You’ll also find the mysterious White Spring (so-called for its calcium deposits) at the foot of the Tor. Next up, the peaceful Chalice Well and Gardens, a spiritual spot for many people and a lovely spot for a stroll and a moment of reflection, while the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey, which dates back to the 13th century, is said to be where King Arthur and Guinevere were laid to rest.
Mells
Lying west of Frome, the charming village of Mells is quintessentially English and comes complete with a 15th-century manor house, gently flowing river, pretty lanes, a fantastic pub and the stunning 15th-century church St Andrew’s, which is said to be one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in England. Boasting a rich history dating back to the Roman era, Mells was once an important centre for trade in the area.
Today, the village boasts a bustling community that runs its own shop, post office, and café, while the Walled Garden, set within monastic walls and complete with a small nursery and an outdoor café, is well worth a visit. Interestingly, Mells Manor, under the Asquith family, attracted many literary figures to the village including Evelyn Waugh, JM Barrie, and the war poet Seigfried Sassoon, who also happens to be buried in the churchyard at St Andrew’s.
Porlock
Nestled between the rolling hills of Exmoor National Park and the sea, Porlock is as traditional a village as it gets. Have a potter around its pretty streets and you’ll discover a host of traditional and independent shops to peruse, many of which showcase the talents of local Exmoor artists. If that’s worked up an appetite, Porlock is also the perfect spot for a cream tea and there’s lots to choose from, such as the delightfully-named Whortleberry Tearoom. If you fancy a stroll, head out into Porlock Vale and down to Porlock Bay, a marsh and shingle landscape that’s a Site of Scientific Interest and a walker’s dream. For something a little less strenuous, a visit to the tranquil Greencombe Gardens is a delight.
Selworthy
Small but perfectly formed, Selworthy is a collection of picture-perfect thatched cottages within the massive Holnicote Estate on the northern fringe of Exmoor and just over 3 miles from Minehead. Managed by the National Trust, the photogenic, butter-yellow cottages nestle around Selworthy Green, beautifully preserved in all their glory and bedecked in climbing roses and wisteria.
The historic All Saints Church is worth visiting with its 12th-century font, painted nave ceiling, and handsome views over the Vale of Porlock. There are lots of walks you can take from here, too. One of the best is up to Selworthy Beacon where you can see across Wales and Dunkery Beacon, the highest point in Exmoor National Park. If you’ve worked up an appetite, stop off at the gorgeous Periwinkle Tea Room in the heart of the village for afternoon tea and cake.
Holford
Lying at the foot of the Quantock Hills, the fascinating village of Holford dates from the Iron Age but really came into its own during the 16th century when the villagers used the fast-flowing River Holford to develop a thriving textile industry. Head to the older part of the village and you’ll discover remnants of this age such as the ruined Huguenot silk factory in Holford Glen (which also happens to be where the music video for Bryan Adam’s song (Everything I do) I do it for you was filmed), and Combe House Hotel where you’ll spot the original water wheel for the tannery and mill.
Additionally, a visit to the now-empty Alfoxden Hall, once lived in by William Wordsworth and his sister, and the 13th-century Grade II listed church, are well worth a visit. Blessed with narrow winding streets flanked by houses from different ages, plus some great eateries (such as the fab Plough Inn), this is a lovely village to explore.
Dunster
An excellent example of a mediaeval village untouched by time, Dunster is a stunning settlement and needs to be on your list of must-visit places in Somerset. Blessed with an impressive castle dating back to the Norman times that sits perched above the town, Dunster is also home to over 200 listed buildings, making it one of the largest and most well-preserved mediaeval villages in the country.
Buildings of note include the Yarn Market (once a hub for the Exmoor wool trade), which sits in the high street (itself unchanged for centuries), the ruins of a Benedictine priory, a fully-functional watermill, Iron Age settlements and a packhorse bridge. There are plenty of other things to do too; you can pay a visit to the dolls museum and wander around the art and craft shops, before stopping off at a tearoom or café, many with sunny gardens to sit in and soak up the atmosphere.
Dulverton
Nestled on the southern edges of Exmoor within a lovely wooded valley, the tiny town of Dulverton, known as the ‘gateway to the moors’ is a great place to stop when out and about. You’ll find the Exmoor National Park Centre here, a hub for gathering useful information to help you plan your days out on the surrounding moorland, as well as many independent shops selling everything from antiques to art equipment.
The award-winning Woods restaurant is well worth a visit (the King himself has eaten here), while if you’re looking for something a little more laid back there are some quaint tea rooms with sunny gardens and cosy rooms too. Stroll down to the bridge over the River Barle for bucolic views or explore the pretty woodland walks that start from here.
Chard
At 500 feet above sea level, Chard is the highest town in Somerset and also the most southerly, lying close to the border with Devon. A pretty market town, it founded its wealth through cloth, made possible by the thriving sheep farming in the surrounding area. Today, it’s a bustling town with a beautiful, wide high street and gorgeous historic buildings, plenty of exceptional places to eat, and some great artisanal shops.
A short distance away is Forde Abbey House and Gardens, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past with exquisite gardens. Foodies will love Barleymows Farm Shop for picking up a fantastic range of local produce all gathered within a 25-mile radius. If you fancy stretching your legs, Chard Reservoir is a short walk away with plenty of places to stroll, from shady woodland to flower-filled meadows - it’s also a haven for birds, butterflies, and mammals so bring your binoculars!
Bruton
The small town of Bruton is a hidden gem in Somerset. Behind its picture-perfect streets, you’ll find a thriving creative scene of contemporary art and exceptional food. Mainly instigated by the world-renowned Hauser & Wirth who have created an art gallery here, there’s also a chic restaurant, garden, and a farm shop that’s a must-visit. The town also boasts an unusually high number of chic eateries, such as the Michelin starred Osip.
There’s a great museum that delves into the history of the town, while a climb up to the town’s famous 16th-century dovecote (managed by the National Trust) will reward you with exceptional views over the town and neighbouring countryside. Potter through the streets and you’ll find fantastic independent shops to explore, as well as the beautiful River Brue that flows through the heart of the town.
Feeling inspired? Take a look at our stunning holiday cottages in Somerset and start planning your getaway to this beautiful county today.
