Sleepy villages, a very English countryside, the bustle of Bristol, and the history of Bath and Wells - weekend breaks in Somerset offer something for every interest. Add in atmospheric Cheddar Gorge and Glastonbury Tor and you'll definitely want to return for more.
Weekend breaks in Somerset should just be long enough to dip into the county's main towns, spend some time on the beach, and relax in the countryside.
The Romans discovered Bath, but the Georgians made it elegant. Explore the intriguing Roman Baths built some 1,800 years ago, then stroll around the Royal Crescent and Assembly Rooms to experience the vivid city descriptions of Jane Austen's novels.
Exmoor provides the perfect contrast to city explorations. It finishes dramatically at the Bristol Channel with the country's highest cliffs while away from the coast, there are ancient woodlands and heather moors dotted with medieval hamlets.
Weston delivers a taste of a typical seaside resort with many reminders of its Victorian origins. At low tide, the beach becomes a huge expanse of sand, while the piers offer plenty of family entertainment.
Go deep into the drama of Britain's largest cave-riddled gorge. Nearby Cheddar is a charming village surrounded by strawberry fields. No visit is complete without a tour of the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company - don't forget to take some cheese home as a souvenir.
Whether you are a festival enthusiast or not, weekend breaks in Somerset should definitely include a visit to Glastonbury. Glastonbury is a tiny village with roots that go back to the 7th century or further. On its doorstep is the sandstone hill known as Glastonbury Tor. The 15th-century St Michael's Tower at its summit is visible for miles around.