Family Holidays in Somerset

Summer holidays are always great fun. When the kids finish school you know it’s not long until you’ll all be making your way to a select destination that you have picked apart and found everything you want to do while there. In recent times many British families have rediscovered the pleasures of a countryside holiday in the UK.  I have always had a terrific time in Somerset as there is so much to do and a large variety too. In this post I’ll look at some of the fun and unusual activities to do with the family that will keep everyone entertained.

Cheddar Gorge

Cheddar has fascinating history – both ancient geology and more recent discoveries.  Set in a huge limestone gorge, this is where the remains of Britain’s oldest complete human skeleton were found.  Excavated in 1903 the remains are kept by the Natural History Museum in London. If you and the family are interested in seeing a replica of the skeleton though, a replica is exhibited in the “Cheddar Man and the Cannibals” museum in Cheddar village.

The Cheddar Gorge is Britain’s biggest canyon; a beautiful scenic place that will be interesting to the whole family. There are many caverns, caves and hidden features to explore and countless opportunities for great photos. The Cheddar Man is estimated to be around 9000 years old.

Cheddar Gorge, Somerset, England, UK by Paul Lewin

Myths and Legends

Kids love myths and Glastonbury is filled with them. From UFO sightings to ghosts appearing in old churches, shops and pubs there is definitely something extraordinary going on in this charming little town. One of the most famous legends in English history is King Arthur who, according to medieval histories, led the British defence of Britain against Saxon invaders in the early 6^th century. In Arthurian legend, the island of Avalon is where King Arthur’s sword Excalibur was forged and later, where Arthur was taken to heal from his wounds after battle. In 1190 Avalon became associated with Glastonbury as Monks at Glastonbury Abbey claimed to have discovered Arthur’s bones. What is now known as Glastonbury used to be The Isle of Avalon. To explore these legends I’d suggest staying at local Premier Inn so that you will be able to take your time around these beautiful sights.

(The below is the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey – legendary resting place of King Arthur and his Queen Guinevere)

Glastonbury Abbey, Somerset, England, UK by Jim Linwood

Roman Baths

This complex is of historical interest in the city of Bath. These are a major tourist attraction and receive more than 1 million visitors a year. The baths were used as public bathing but visitors are not allowed in anymore however, you can still view the baths and enter the museum which are both spectacular. The museum is of particular interest as it holds artefacts from the Roman period including objects which were thrown into the Sacred Spring. Among these objects include 12,000 Roman currency coins – the largest collection from Britain.

Roman Baths in Bath, Somerset, England, UK by Heather Cowper

Tags: Cheddar Gorge, city of Bath, family holiday, family holidays in uk, glastonbury festival, myths and legends, roman baths, somerset england

Category: United Kingdom