Things to Do around Somerset

Somerset offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, primarily focusing on hiking and touring cycling. The region's varied topography, including hills, gorges, wetlands, and coastlines, provides extensive opportunities for exploration. Over 9,000 public rights of way, totaling more than 3,800 miles (6,100 km), ensure ample access for outdoor enthusiasts.

Somerset is characterized by diverse landscapes, including the limestone ridges of the Mendip Hills, the ancient parkland of the Quantock Hills, and the unspoiled nature of the Blackdown Hills. It also encompasses parts of Exmoor National Park with its moorland and dramatic coast, and the expansive wetlands of the Somerset Levels and Moors. Notable features include Cheddar Gorge and Wookey Hole caves.

Hiking routes in Somerset span various terrains, from challenging cliff-top walks in the Mendip Hills to open moorland in Exmoor National Park. The flat, crisscrossed paths of the Somerset Levels and Moors are also suitable for walking. For detailed routes and inspiration, refer to the Hiking around Somerset guide.

Yes, Somerset offers numerous cycling routes, particularly across the flat, open landscapes of the Somerset Levels and Moors, which include sections of the National Cycle Network. These routes are ideal for touring cycling. Find more information and specific routes in the Cycling around Somerset guide.

Key natural highlights include Cheddar Gorge, Britain's largest gorge with impressive limestone cliffs, and the show caves at Wookey Hole. The Mendip Hills, Quantock Hills, and Blackdown Hills are designated National Landscapes offering scenic views and diverse ecosystems. Exmoor National Park also features dramatic coastal views and heather moorland.

Somerset is home to sections of several long-distance trails, providing extensive walking opportunities. These include parts of the South West Coast Path, the Macmillan Way, the Mendip Way, and the Two Moors Way. These trails traverse varied landscapes across the region.

The Somerset Levels and Moors offer numerous flat, accessible footpaths and bridleways, making them suitable for easy and family-friendly walks. These routes are generally less strenuous and provide opportunities to observe the region's rich biodiversity. Specific routes can be found within the hiking guides.

The komoot community has rated routes in Somerset highly, with an average rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars. This rating is based on feedback from more than 10 visitors who have shared their experiences on the available routes in the region.

Somerset trails feature a wide variety of terrain. Hikers can expect limestone ridges and rocky outcrops in the Mendip Hills, ancient parkland and heathland in the Quantock Hills, and heather moorland in Exmoor. The Somerset Levels offer flat, open paths, while coastal sections provide dramatic cliff-top walks.

For official information regarding Somerset, including local services and general regional details, the official website is somerset.gov.uk. This resource provides comprehensive information about the area.

Yes, Somerset is well-known for its caving opportunities, particularly in the Mendip Hills. Beyond the show caves at Wookey Hole, the Mendips contain some of the finest caves in the country, making caving a popular activity year-round for experienced enthusiasts.

The Quantock Hills, designated as England's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, are known for their ancient parkland, heathland, oak woodlands, and Jurassic coastline. They offer extensive panoramic views and picturesque villages, providing a diverse landscape for outdoor activities.