Gorgeous views

If you’re heading into Somerset from the north then one of the first places that you’ll come to after crossing the border of the county will be the small village of Cheddar. While there are some lovely shops in the area, it is the stunning Cheddar Gorge and caves that bring most people to the area. Take time to explore the amazing stalactite caverns and find out where Britain’s oldest skeleton – Cheddar Man – was discovered. Travel up the prehistoric riverbed and gaze up at the wonderful cliffs, formed many millions of years ago.

Cheddar Gorge by Anup Shah

Glastonbury

Just a few miles down the road from Cheddar is the town of Glastonbury, a place where myth and magic can be found everywhere. Take a walk up to Glastonbury Tor and gaze out onto the town and surrounding countryside, enjoy a tour of Glastonbury Abbey and visit Gog & Magog – two oak trees supposed to be the last remains of a Druidical avenue which winds its way up to the Tor. The music festival which has taken the name of the town is held close by near the village of Pilton.

Glastonbury Abbey by Elliott Brown

Coleridge Cottage

Head further into the county and aim for the coast. Arrive at the village of Nether Stowey and you’ll find 35 Lime Street – a cottage that was home to the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge at the end of the 18th century. Some of Coleridge’s most famous works including The Rime of the Ancient Mariner and Kubla Khan were penned here.

Coleridge cottage, Somerset, England, UK by Andrew Riley

Minehead

Follow the road further along the coast and you will come to the town of Minehead – a must for anyone who is looking for a traditional seaside holiday filled with days out on the beach and quaint tea rooms. There’s also plenty of attractions in the area including Exmoor Owl and Hawk Centre and Combe Sydenham Country Park.

Minehead, Somerset, England, UK by Wsupermain2

Porlock

The chocolate-box village of Porlock won’t fail to charm you and have you checking in the window of the local estate agent to see how much you could snap up one of the wonderful cottages for. Take your time to wander round the independent shops, and perhaps enjoy a walk along the sands to Porlock Weir a few miles down the coast, finishing up with a well-deserved pint of cider in the Ship.

Porlock Weir, Somerset, England, UK by Timkevan

Woolacombe

If you’re in the mood to spend some time on the beach – and let’s face it, why wouldn’t you be, then consider a trip to the sands at Woolacombe. You can while away the hours hunting through rock pools, stretching out on the wonderfully sandy beach, eating ice creams, splashing in the surf and of course if you’re brave enough you can always take a dip!

Woolacombe, Devon by Phil Whitehouse

Article contributed by Lauren Belfield, a regular visitor to Somerset, particularly booking her holidays with https://www.holidayparkoffers.co.uk/ or local cottages to really take in all the delights Somerset has to offer on holiday.

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Fingal’s Cave, Scotland, UK by Croila

The UK is a lovely country which has a constitutional monarchy, which consist 4 constituent countries. These are Wales, England, Northern Ireland and Scotland. All these groups collectively make up the United Kingdom. This is one the most industrialized parts of the world, with extensive big industries in various parts of the country. All the sectors of the economy are significantly experiencing a great boom and this has lead to an improved of living of both the citizen and the foreigners living in the country.

However, besides industrialization, real estate and tourism, seems to be another important part of the economy. Several thousands of tourists do use to visit the country annually, thereby bringing in millions of foreign currency into the economy. The city of London is the most popular and so far, the commercial center of the country. Apart from being the capital of England, the city, is also the most visited area in the UK.

Cheddar Gorge, UK by Arpingstone

There are lots of prominent tourist places in the city of London and other parts of the UK. Some of these places are historical, ancient edifice, while others are impressive, new modern structures. Some are natural; while others are man-made, but a visit to the country will give you the opportunity to experience the natural attractions of UK.

Natural attractions of UK:

1.) Fingal’s Cave, Scotland

Fingal’s Cave is located in Staffa Island, in Scotland. A tourist visit to United Kingdom is never completed without the Fingal’s Cave. This is a Cave that brings the sound of water flowing into the sea cave pipe.

2.) Cheddar Gorge, England

Cheddar is one of natures most remarkable in England. History has it, that this place has been a center of tourist attractions for several decades and the country has been able to manage and preserve its natural environment. Encroachment to its natural beauty has been prevented over the years and this is despite the high numbers of tourist visiting this rocky place every year. Rock climbing is better there than anywhere else and you may also need to climb up to the tower and get to know of the presence of nine thousand year old , England’s oldest skeleton.

Pistyll Rhaeadr, UK by Velela

3.) Pistyll Rhaeadr, Powys, Wales

This is believed to be the tallest fall in Wales, the literal translation of its name is “spring of the waterfall”. This natural wonder is situated just 4 miles from the Llanrhaedr-ym-Monchant and just below the fall, is an elegant cafe with the name, Tan-y-Pistyll. This is where, tourist and visitors to the site, can relax and have a wonder experience of the natural falls.

4.) Earls Court Exhibition Centre, London, England

Whenever you want to schedule a vacation trip to any country, it is usually a good option to include a visits to special Museum, in the country. This Exhibition centre is actually a whole row of several museums worth seeing. A visit to the place will give you the chance to have a glimpse of several artifacts of great historical values. This is actually, a science and arts museum, which was built and dedicated to the history of London.

Giant’s Causeway, Ireland by Jim

5.) The Giant’s Causeway, Ireland

This is Ireland most popular United Kingdom natural attraction. This is a Giant’s Causeway on the coast of County Antrim in Northern Ireland. And it is actually a place with serene environment and unique natural beauty.

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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

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