Somerset is a county in the South West of the United Kingdom which borders Gloucestershire and Bristol to the north, Wiltshire to the east, Dorset to the south-east and Devon to the south-west. It is bounded to the north and west by the Severn Estuary and the Bristol Channel, its coastline facing southeastern Wales. Its traditional border with Gloucestershire is the River Avon.

• Somerset’s county town is Taunton.
• The city of Bath is famous for its Georgian architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Wells is England’s smallest city.
• “Gert”, or “Gurt”, is used a lot to express a large size. “Ee” is often used in place of “him”: “Look at ee”.
• Shepton Mallet had the oldest prison in England when its jail closed in 2013. It first opened in 1610 and housed and saw the execution of countless inmates for over 400 years.
• Taunton was the first town in the country to be lit permanently by electric street lighting in 1881. This was 12 months before the Electric Lighting Act of 1882 which enforced the switch from oil lamps to electric across the UK.
• Somerset also has the world’s oldest road built by people. It is called the Sweet Track and was built in around 3800 BC.
• The West Somerset Railway is the longest preserved steam railway in the country. It has 20 miles of track running from Bishops Lydeard to its seaside station at Minehead.
• Cheddar is the largest gorge in Britain, standing at around 500 feet.
• The music video for Bryan Adams Everything I do was filmed in Holford.

As the operational base for Alfred the Great, when he successfully repelled the Vikings, Somerset has a wealth of historic treasures tracing a proud past and has the second highest number of Listed buildings outside London.

• The Old English word from which Somerset is derived meant “people living at or dependent on Somerton”. The market town of Somerton in south Somerset is still thriving today, but is no longer the county’s most important town.
• The oldest complete human skeleton ever found in Britain was Cheddar Man, found at Cheddar Gorge. It was aged at around 9,000 years old.

• Hostels are best if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option and you don’t mind sharing facilities. In most British cities there is a selection of simple, clean and good value hostels. starting from £10 a night dorm rooms. Many modern hostels also have private rooms and en-suite bathrooms starting from £25. Amenities usually include free wi-fi, breakfast, a common room, TV and laundry facilities. Check out hostelworld.com
• Airbnb is my preferred budget choice and cost from £20 a night for a private room, while entire apartments/homes can start around £40 a night. Get £30 off your first Airbnb trip of £55 or more click here.
• Stay at the Inn, as traditional as cream tea and cake. The British pub culture often comes with the option of a bed for the night. You can socialise, eat and sleep all under one roof, which is a great way to meet friendly locals. Many date back to the 18th century and some are even older! Expect a warm atmosphere, traditional décor and the possibility of an onsite dog (or cat) to welcome you! Check out stayinapub.co.uk
• Bed & Breakfast, probably the most famous budget accommodation in the UK. These are usually private houses or farms and tend to be family ownership. Facilities can be simple (rooms may not have TV, no telephone or bathroom), but the best of them can be a home from home. Prices include breakfast. Some B&Bs won’t accept credit cards or travel vouchers, so I advise to bring cash with you.
• Budget hotels like Travelodge, Premier Inn or Easy hotel offer the same amenities and start around £30 per night for a twin room. It’s best to book a month or more in advance.
• Campgrounds can be found all around the country and most have basic facilities. Expect to pay around £7 per night for a place to pitch your tent. Check out campinmygarden.com

Somerset is well connected with airports at Bristol, Exeter and the M5 motorway.

• Bus, First Bus covers the county It also operates Park & Ride services in the county town, Taunton.
• Car, by far the easiest way to explore.
• Train, With South Western Railway you can explore Somerset from anywhere in the country.

For up to date travel information visit: travelsomerset.co.uk

• If you’re heading to Wimbleball Lake there is a small free car park and some roadside parking that could save you a fiver on the north side of the lake.