9 Amazing Free Things to Do in Somerset

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Are you looking for free things to do in Somerset? This county has so many wonderful things to do, and many of those don’t cost a penny!

This charming county located in the southwest of England is well-known for its rolling green hills, gorgeous countryside villages, and stunning coastal towns.

Featuring some of England’s most charming history and stunning natural beauty, Somerset is one of my favourite areas of the country. And while many of the activities might be expensive, there are plenty of free things to do if you’re visiting Somerset on a budget.

From beautiful gardens and historical landmarks to fascinating museums and lively festivals, there is something for everyone in this charming county. So, read on to discover the top 9 free things to do in Somerset!

What’s Somerset famous for?

Somerset is famous for a lot of things. It’s the home of Glastonbury Festival, one of the largest and most well-known music festivals in the world.

It’s also where you’ll find Cheddar Gorge, England’s biggest gorge and one of the natural wonders of Britain. This ultimately means that the area is also famous for cheddar cheese!

It’s home to the stunning city of Bath, near enough to Dorset for a few wonderful day trips, and you’ll also find the artsy city of Bristol pretty close by.

But, there are plenty of other things to do in Somerset besides attending festivals and sightseeing. If you’re a fan of the outdoors, then you’ll be spoilt for choice with all the walking and hiking trails on offer.

And if you’re looking to relax and unwind, then you can enjoy a spot of fishing or take a leisurely stroll through one of the many gardens and parks.

Where are the best free things to do in Somerset?

So, what are the best free things to do in Somerset? Here are my top picks:

1. Visit the Museum of Somerset

Located in Taunton, the Museum of Somerset covers the history of the county from prehistoric times to the present day. In fact, its contents span over 400 million years. It’s a great place to learn about Somerset’s culture and heritage, and there are also regular exhibitions and events taking place.

Plus, the entrance is completely free!

2. Be amazed by the Cheddar Gorge

Possibly the best free thing to do in Somerset is to visit Cheddar Gorge. This natural wonder is Britain’s biggest gorge and home to some of the most stunning scenery in the country.

You can explore the Gorge on foot, or take a scenic drive through it. Either way, it’s sure to take your breath away.

Of course, to go into the caves (one of Somerset’s other most famous attractions), there is a fee. However, if you simply want to admire the scenery, take a hike to the top of the gorge for some gorgeous photographs, or even take a walk through it, it’s absolutely free.

And arguably one of the best hiking trails in England.

3. Visit Wells Cathedral

As a place of worship, the Cathedral of Wells is free to enter although there is a charge for access to the tower.

Dedicated to St Andrew the Apostle and seat of the Bishop of Bath and Wells, this stunning Gothic cathedral is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved in England. It’s also one of the most popular tourist attractions in Somerset.

Inside this masterpiece of a building, you’ll find an awe-inspiring collection of art and architecture, as well as a number of fascinating historical artefacts, and beautiful stained glass.

Make sure to take a look at the 14th-century astronomical clock, which is still working today.

4. Wander Around the city of Bath

Taking in stunning views is one of the best things to do in any city, and this is no different in the historic English city of Bath.

Possibly one of the best ways to see Bath is from above, and there are several places to do this. My personal favourite is Alexandra Park, where you can see the Royal Crescent and Pulteney Bridge all in one go.

Located just a short distance from the city’s centre, the viewpoint is one of the best free things to do in Somerset. Once you’re at the top, you’ll find yourself on a steep ledge overlooking the whole of the city of Bath below you. And it’s absolutely beautiful.

5. Walk along the Taunton Canal

For this next one, you’ll need to travel a little bit south of Bath. Taunton is a lovely town located in the heart of Somerset, and it’s home to a number of great attractions. This includes Taunton Canal, which is a lovely place to take a stroll on a sunny day.

The canal is around fourteen miles long, and, if you fancy a longer stroll, you can walk or cycle along its entire length. It actually opened in 1827, so it’s also a great way to take a step back in history.

Plus, it’s a beautiful spot for a picnic, and you might even spot some wildlife along the way.

6. Explore Somerset’s beaches

There are some great beaches around the UK and Somerset is certainly home to a few of them. In fact, the county has more than its fair share of coastline with 50 miles of the UK’s coast located in Somerset. And it also has a beach for every occasion.

If you’re looking for a traditional seaside resort, then Weston-super-Mare is probably your best bet. However, if you’re after something a little bit more low-key, then I would recommend Brean Down or Burnham-on-Sea.

For a beautiful and a little less well-known beach, head to Blue Anchor Bay, a dog-friendly sandy beach that’s also a prime spot for fossil hunting.

And, of course, beaches are absolutely free to visit. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy the Somerset sunshine!

7. Visit the Willows and Wetlands Visitor Center

For those who enjoy getting back to nature, this is definitely one of the best free things to do in Somerset. The Willows and Wetlands Visitor Centre is hidden away in the rural village of Stoke St Gregory, situated in the heart of the Somerset Levels.

The Coates family has been using the land to make baskets and willow charcoal for almost 50 years, as the wetland environment is perfect for growing withies.

Now, the Centre is open to visitors who can learn all about this traditional way of life, take a stroll around the willow beds and wetlands, or even have a go at basket-weaving themselves. It’s also a great place to see some of the local wildlife, including otters, waterfowl, and wetland birds.

8. Climb up to Glastonbury Tor

Glastonbury is a town located in the southwest of England, in the county of Somerset. It’s probably most famous for its annual music festival, but there’s actually a lot more to Glastonbury than that.

One of the best things to do in Glastonbury is to climb up to Glastonbury Tor. This is a hill located just outside of the town with the ruins of a 14th-century church perched on top. It offers stunning views of the surrounding British countryside and is also a great place to watch the sunset.

9. Have a picnic in Victoria Park

Last but not least, one of the best free things to do in Somerset is to have a picnic in Victoria Park. This is a large public park located in the centre of Bath, and it’s the perfect place to relax on a sunny day.

The park actually has a very interesting history. It was opened in 1830 by the 11-year-old Princess Victoria shortly before her ascent to the throne, and it was the first park in the country to bear her name.

The park has plenty of green space, beautiful floral arrangements, as well as a lake, and an obelisk dedicated to the princess, making it the perfect spot for a peaceful picnic. You can also take a stroll around the park, or even hire a boat and go for a row on the lake.

Final Thoughts on the Best Free Things to Do in Somerset

Somerset is a great county to explore in the UK. I absolutely love it there and every time I visit, I find something new to do or somewhere different to explore.

The best thing about Somerset is how many of the things there are completely free to visit. It’s definitely worth exploring the county in more depth and I’m sure you’ll have a fantastic time.

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