England

Somerset

Cider sipping and stunning gardens

The county of Somerset is immediately synonymous with the sweet scent of apples and cider. However, there's more to Somerset than sleepy orchards and rural charm. Encapsulated within the county's undulating, verdant hills are atmospheric sites steeped in history - from the lore of Glastonbury to the grandeur of Wells, there is something for everyone to discover.

THE PASTORAL CHARM OF SOMERSET

'Southwest is best'

  • Explore quaint little Wells with visits to its cathedral and Bishop’s Palace
  • Immerse yourself in lore and legend at Glastonbury Abbey
  • Stourhead (NT) - a masterpiece of Palladian landscaping
  • Get to the heart of Somerset with a Cider Farm Tour & Tasting
  • Explore the impeccable grounds of Hestercombe Gardens
  • Executive coach travel from your choice of pick up points
  • 4 nights half board accommodation

From £545
per person

based on two sharing in a twin/double room, with a minimum of 30 passengers travelling in a specific month

Best time to go

January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

Suggested Hotel

Best Western Shrubbery Hotel Ilminster

  • Located in a traditional Somerset market town
  • Overlooking Herne Hill Nature Reserve
  • En suite facilities with tea / coffee making in room 
  • Restaurant & lounge bar  
  • No lift but ground floor annex rooms available on request

Not the hotel for your group? Other hotels are available, contact us.

Attractions:

  • Wells Cathedral
    West-Front-of-Wells-Cathedral-and-Cathedral-Green-Wells-Somerset

    This ‘most poetic of English cathedrals’ is the country’s earliest Gothic style cathedral, looking all the more monumental thanks to its situation in the heart of Wells – England’s smallest city. The cathedral has a large collection of historic stained glass, and several unique features such as its elegant scissor arches, chained library, fan-vaulted ceilings and the fascinating Wells Clock mechanism. Adjoining the cathedral, Vicar’s Close is impossibly picturesque.

  • Bishop's Palace and Gardens
    Bishops-Palace-Lawn-Adjacent-to-Wells-Cathedral-Wells-Somerset-England

    Seat of the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years, this medieval palace dating back to the 13th century is encircled by acres of astounding grounds. Amongst the enchanting gardens you can find the palace’s moat, the pools which gave the city its name, varied planting and some resident swans – who ring a bell at the gatehouse when they want to be fed!

  • Glastonbury Abbey

    A place of history, legend and spirit, the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey sit evocatively at the heart of the town. It is one of the earliest sites of Christian worship in Britain.

  • Stourhead (NT)
    Stourhead-JC

    Stourhead is an elegant Palladian property which oozes with inspiration from the Italian ‘Grand Tour’. The real joy of Stourhead, however, is the incredible and extensive estate. Every shade of green is represented and reflected in the lake which forms the centrepiece of the grounds, and set amongst the rare and exotic trees like jewels you will find dripping grottoes, classical temples and Gothic stonework. Stumble upon stunning viewpoints framed by greenery as you wander the undulating pathways through this Georgian masterpiece of landscaping.

  • Cider Farm Tour

    Enjoy a tour and a tasting of traditional Somerset cider. Discover how cider is made, see the orchards, and learn about the history of cider production in Somerset. Round of your visit with a tasting of the aromatic and fruity liquid.

  • Hestercombe Gardens

    This stunning landscape gardens in the heart of Somerset were designed by Gertrude Jekyll and Sir Edwin Lutyens. Tranquility and colour abound amongst the woodland trails, formal terraces, temples, lakes and cascades.

Enquire

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