Youth Market

The Jewel of the South West

Somerset - just a few hours from London, easily accessible by train or by road, this is the heart of the West Country. Famous for its history and heritage, Somerset is the home of King Arthur, and Wells is the smallest city in England but this is also a vibrant county with busy, friendly towns nestling in wonderful countryside. Exmoor National Park is great for walkers, and the Levels and Moors are ideal for cyclists.

Glastonbury is a centre of mystery and legend and the town, which lies in the shadow of the world famous Tor, is full of 'New Age' shops. For those who want to shop till they drop, Clarks Village at Street is a factory shopping complex with real bargains to be had on top names. Taunton, the county town of Somerset is a pretty and lively place, full of great pubs and nightclubs. The coastal resorts of Weston-super-Mare, Burnham-on-Sea and Minehead are ideal for fun seekers and there are some great attractions such as the caves at Cheddar or Wookey Hole (home of the 'Witch of Wookey'), you can go ten pin bowling in Taunton or explore your adventurous side with a visit to the Mill on the Brue activity centre, near Bruton.

Somerset is where Cheddar Cheese started (at Cheddar Gorge) and it's the home of the world famous pop festival at Glastonbury (held at the end of June). There are hundreds of events happening all year but here is just a selection: -

30 June-1 July: Truckfest SouthWest (Bath & West Showground)
Date to be confirmed: Channel 4's T4 on the Beach (Weston-super-Mare)
7 July: Yeovilton Air Day (Fleet Air Arm Museum, Yeovilton)
13-14 July: Newt Beer Fest (North Newton)
26-30 July: Weston super Helidays (Weston-super-Mare)
17-18 August: Blackdown Beer and Music Festival (Smeatharpe)
October-end November: Spectacular Illuminated Carnivals throughout Somerset

For more information contact the Somerset Visitor Centre tel: 01934 750833 or take a look at the website: www.visitsomerset.co.uk