Secret Somerset

Overview

In areas as rich in history and heritage as Somerset and Exmoor, it is not surprising that there are some mysteries that have been uncovered that surprise even those who live here. As a bit of fun a few years ago, we decided to ask residents and visitors for their suggestions of some of our more intriguing secrets and they came up with 50! We have arranged them for you on a map and devised some itineraries if you want to explore them further.

Active Secrets

For those who like to be active, we have identified some fun things to do in Somerset and Exmoor that you might not have thought about. Exmoor is perfect for exploring, particularly its wilder areas, as is the new stretch of the England Coast Path which takes you from Minehead to Brean Down. You can try coasteering, climbing, caving, canoeing and more.

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Nature Secrets

In a largely rural County like Somerset, there are numerous opportunities to get close to nature and there are some surprises too when you realise that it has its own Jurassic Coast. It has the tallest trees in England and inspired words for the popular hymn ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful.’

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Culture Secrets

Somerset’s rich cultural credentials range from world class galleries and gardens to remote corners of the County where artists have gathered and flourish. The secret is knowing where to find them. Some have moved since we compiled this list – the Bakelite Museum and Contains Art but new ones are springing up all the time. Our landscape has inspired writers for centuries, most notably the Romantic poets in whose footsteps you can walk.

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Heritage Secrets

Some of the best kept secrets relate to the County’s history whether it is a recent as the last war and or a largely lost in the mists of time and the Levels when ancient kings and mythical figures walked the land. There are abandoned villages, grotesque carvings and echoes of battles fought long ago.

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