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An Introduction to Somerset

Somerset is set in the south west of England in a region known as the West Country. It is a rural area with miles of unspoilt countryside and some of the best beaches in Britain.

The county has five ranges of hills in particular the Quantock Hills, famous for the large population of red deer and for its close associations with the romantic poets; Coleridge and Wordsworth lived on the eastern edge of the hills and were clearly inspired by the beauty that surrounded them. The area contains not only open moorland but also steep sided valleys, a spectacular coastline and enclosed farmland, the other ranges being the Blackdowns, the Mendips, the Poldens and the Brendons - all with their own special character.

The north of the county lies by the sea and is a popular destination in the summer with the popular resorts of Weston-Super-Mare, Burnham-on-Sea and Minehead.
Somerset’s County Town, Taunton, is ideal for shopping and as a touring base.
Nestling in the Mendip Hills is Wells, England’s smallest city with its beautiful cathedral.

In the north part of the county is elegant Georgian Bath with the Royal Crescent, one of the most majesctic streets in Britain. The traffic free heart of this lively city is full of street musicians, museums, cafes and enticing shops. In paricular is the Abbey built in 1499 and the Roman Baths, recently restored to their former splendour.
Further south, around Yeovil, you will be delighted by the tranquil beauty of the stately houses and gardens

The county has a profusion of good museums from the fascinating depiction of American life at Claverton to the intriguing miniature sculpture at the Impossible Microworld Museum.

A particular attraction is Cheddar Gorge described by Daniel Defoe in 1724 as a “deep frightful chasm” and the Wookey Hole caves with lots of popular amusements