Surrounded by rolling hills and peaceful countryside, the English county of Somerset captures the very heart of rural life in Britain.
Between historic castles, small villages, charming market towns, and dramatic coastlines, Somerset has an undeniable timeless quality. It’s no surprise that legends of Camelot and King Arthur are tied to its landscapes.
It is a place where the rhythm of life feels slower and more grounded, yet the stories hidden in its landscapes are larger than life. Castles stand on hilltops, abbeys rise from fields, and coastlines stretch out into the horizon. Legends of Camelot and King Arthur have taken root here, adding layers of myth to an already fascinating history.
Somerset is not only about its past. Markets, festivals, and welcoming communities bring the county to life in the present. From Roman engineering to medieval artistry, and from Georgian design to contemporary creativity, every era has left its mark.
If you’re looking for an authentic English experience, Somerset offers something for everyone with its mix of history, scenery, and culture that feels both inspiring and deep.
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The most beautiful places to visit in Somerset
Bath
No visit to Somerset would be complete without Bath. This city has been a magnet for visitors for centuries, thanks to its healing waters and stunning architecture.
The Roman Baths are still the city’s beating heart. Walking among the stone pillars and mosaics, you can imagine the time when nobles gathered here to bathe, socialise, and seek cures in the mineral-rich springs. Steam still rises from the waters today, reminding you of its ancient purpose.
But Bath is more than its Roman heritage. During the eighteenth century, it became one of the most fashionable places in Britain. The Circus and the Royal Crescent, with their sweeping Georgian façades, are perfect examples of how architecture can shape the atmosphere of a city. These landmarks still impress visitors with their symmetry and grandeur.
Bath Abbey towers above the city centre, its Gothic details drawing your eyes upward. Inside, sunlight filters through tall stained-glass windows, filling the space with colour and light. Standing beneath its vaulted ceilings is a humbling experience, as if history is watching over you.
For a quieter moment, head to Prior Park. The landscaped gardens, with their Palladian bridge and sweeping views across Bath, capture the beauty of the English countryside. And when evening falls, the lights reflecting on the River Avon make the city glow in a way that feels almost cinematic.
Wells
Nestled in the heart of Somerset, Wells is technically a city, but it has the feel of a market town. Its size makes it welcoming and easy to explore, yet it is home to one of the greatest cathedrals in England.
Wells Cathedral is an extraordinary example of Gothic design. The West Front alone, covered in hundreds of statues, is breathtaking. Inside, the famous scissor arches rise above you like stone ribbons, both beautiful and structurally brilliant. The quiet cloisters provide a moment of calm, while the chapter house steps, worn smooth by centuries of use, remind you of the countless lives that have passed through.
The Bishop’s Palace, surrounded by a moat and home to swans that famously ring a bell for food, adds even more character. Its gardens are a delight to wander, offering views back towards the cathedral.
Life in Wells gathers around the market square. Twice a week, stalls appear with local produce, crafts, and food that celebrate Somerset’s traditions. Whether you’re picking up cheese, cider, or fresh bread, the atmosphere is lively and full of community spirit.
Glastonbury
Few towns in England carry as much myth as Glastonbury. It is a place where history and legend blur, leaving visitors with a sense of mystery.
The Tor, crowned with the roofless tower of St Michael’s Church, dominates the landscape. Climbing it offers sweeping views across the Somerset Levels, and many believe the site holds ancient spiritual energy. Whether you come for the mythology or simply the view, it feels like a special place.
The ruins of Glastonbury Abbey tell stories of both power and loss. Once one of the wealthiest monasteries in the country, it was destroyed during the reign of Henry VIII. Yet its remains, with arches rising against the sky, are hauntingly beautiful. Tradition links the abbey to King Arthur, with claims that his grave was once discovered here alongside Queen Guinevere. This connection to the legendary Avalon keeps the story alive.
Modern Glastonbury is known worldwide for its music festival, one of the largest in the world. Each summer, fields outside the town fill with music, art, and culture, attracting thousands. It’s a reminder that Glastonbury’s appeal is both ancient and modern, spiritual and celebratory.
Montacute House
In the village of Montacute stands one of England’s finest Elizabethan mansions. Montacute House, built in the late 1500s, is a masterpiece of symmetry, stonework, and style.
Inside, you’ll find lavish rooms decorated with ornate ceilings, grand fireplaces, and a collection of portraits that bring the Elizabethan era to life. The Great Hall, once used for feasts and gatherings, still carries the sense of an age when display and ceremony were everything.
The gardens are equally impressive, with long avenues, sculpted hedges, and colourful flowerbeds. Strolling here feels like stepping back in time, yet the house also hosts exhibitions and cultural events that keep it relevant today.
Quantock Hills
If you love the outdoors, the Quantock Hills are a highlight of Somerset. Designated as England’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, they offer miles of trails through heathland, woodland, and farmland.
Poets such as Wordsworth once walked here, finding inspiration in the landscapes. Today, the hills are perfect for hiking, cycling, or simply enjoying a picnic with views stretching to the Bristol Channel. Wildlife thrives too, from red deer to rare birds, making every walk an adventure.
Dunster Castle
Perched above the village of Dunster, this castle has witnessed nearly a thousand years of history. From Norman fortress to elegant country home, Dunster Castle reflects the changing fortunes of England.
Its towers and battlements hint at its defensive past, while the richly furnished interiors show its later transformation into a stately residence. Each room tells a different chapter, from medieval kitchens to Victorian drawing rooms.
Outside, the terraced gardens, subtropical plants, and sweeping views of Exmoor make the grounds as memorable as the castle itself. The nearby village, with its thatched cottages and medieval yarn market, is one of the most charming in Somerset.
Stourhead
Though just over the county border in Wiltshire, Stourhead is often included in Somerset itineraries because of its beauty. Created in the eighteenth century, it is one of the finest examples of a landscaped garden in England.
The centrepiece is a tranquil lake, surrounded by temples, grottoes, and sweeping lawns. Each turn in the path reveals a new scene, designed like a painting brought to life. In autumn, the trees blaze with colour, while spring brings fresh blossoms and bright reflections on the water.
It is a place where nature and art combine, leaving visitors in awe.
West Somerset Railway
For a different way to see Somerset, step aboard the West Somerset Railway. This heritage steam railway runs for more than 30 kilometres, making it the longest of its kind in Britain.
As the engine whistles and the carriages rattle along, you pass through countryside that seems unchanged for generations. Green fields, rivers, and coastal views roll by, offering a window into the county’s rural life.
You can hop off at stations along the way, many of them beautifully preserved in period style. Small villages, seaside stops, and local pubs add to the experience, making the railway a favourite for families and history enthusiasts alike.
Bath as a study holiday destination
A study holiday is about more than just lessons. It’s about living the language, discovering new cultures, and creating memories that last.
Bath is the perfect location for this kind of experience. Safe, welcoming, and easy to explore, it offers all the charm of a small city with the bonus of being close to Bristol and London. That means you can enjoy both peaceful countryside and exciting day trips.
We at Astrolabio offer study holidays based at Bath Spa University, set in beautiful green surroundings. Accommodation includes single en-suite rooms in the college or the option to stay with a local family for an even more authentic experience. Transport passes and shuttle services make getting around simple.
Excursions are a key part of the programme. You’ll explore Bath in depth, discover Bristol through its famous street art, and enjoy a walking tour of London’s sights. There’s also time for half-day trips, sports, and cultural activities in Bath itself.
English lessons are organised by level and age, with 15 hours of tuition each week. Younger students join the Voyagers course (11–14 years old), while older students take part in the Trailblazers course (14–17 years old). For those who want it, the Trinity GESE Exam is also available.
But the experience doesn’t stop in the classroom. Evenings are filled with activities, from discos and karaoke to film nights and international clubs. It’s a chance to practise English in a relaxed, fun environment while building friendships with students from all over the world.
