The county of Somerset sits in the heart of the West Country, nestled between Devon, Dorset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and the Bristol Channel. The perfect combination of picturesque countryside, dramatic coastline, quaint villages and bustling towns, the county offers a balance of tranquil country escapism and modern vibrancy and buzz.
The main towns of Taunton, Yeovil, Bridgwater and Frome offer a diverse and affordable range of property, shops, sports and leisure activities, while Somerset’s vibrant market towns, rural villages and seaside spots offer a broad choice of stunning locations. With excellent transport links, outstanding education provisions and an endless supply of things to do, from popular attractions to hidden gems, it really is an excellent choice for those seeking a first-class quality of life. Somerset is also a low-pollution environment with low crime rates, making it one of the healthiest and safest regions to call home.
Getting around
The county lies near to the bustling cities of Bristol and Bath to the north-east and Exeter to the south-west, and is perfectly placed to offer easy travel across the country, with the M5 and A303 roads and excellent railway links allowing for speedy connections to London, the South East, the Midlands and beyond.
Sports and Leisure
However you like to spend your time, there’s always something going on in Somerset, including a huge choice of sports and leisure pursuits to try. From watching big fixtures at Somerset County Cricket Club and Yeovil Town Football Club, to having a go at water sports on Wimbleball Lake or teeing off at one of the county’s many golf courses, there are plenty of new things to try. For some retail therapy, Somerset is the proud home of Clarks Village shopping centre in Street. And if walking is your hobby, you are simply spoilt for choice, with coastal and rural routes criss-crossing the county and offering stunning views, such as Brean Down coastal walk, Cheddar Gorge trail, and Fyne Court wildlife walk to name but a few.
As well as being one of the largest counties in the UK, Somerset is also one of the most beautiful. It boasts the outstanding areas of national beauty of Exmoor, the Mendips and the Quantock hills, and a magnificent coastline stretching from Porlock in the west to Burnham-on-sea and Brean in the east. From national treasures such as Glastonbury Tor, Dunster Castle and Well’s Cathedral to lesser known beauty spots waiting to be discovered, the stunning scenery of Somerset is hard to beat.
Culture and arts
Somerset is steeped in rich history and culture. Home to the world-famous Glastonbury Festival, the county also boasts a number of illuminated carnivals, including the iconic Bridgwater Carnival. Those interested in period drama may recognise a number of locations from TV, including National Trust properties like Montacute House and Barrington Court, as well as Wells Cathedral and the Bishops Palace, all waiting to be explored. A number of interactive museums can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages, such as the Museum of Somerset, based in the county town of Taunton. You could take a soak in the Roman Baths, ride the historic West Somerset Railway, or explore the famous gardens at Hestercombe House, while the Sand Sculpture Festival at Weston-super-mare makes for a perfect day out – it’s all on your doorstep if you choose to make this sunny county your home.
Education
Somerset’s education services are considered first-rate. There are rural community nursery groups, outstanding state primary and secondary schools, world-famous private schools such as Millfield School in Street and easy access to a number of leading universities in the South West. There are also specialist vocational and non-vocational provisions for adults at Bridgwater & Taunton College, Richard Huish College, Strode College and Yeovil College.
Making the move
Somerset offers a desirable blend of peaceful, easy country living with exciting opportunities and endless potential to explore, making it a popular choice for those who work locally and second home-owners alike. As residential property search agents, we specialise in helping people find their dream home in Somerset, Devon and Dorset, with in-depth local knowledge in this area. To find out how we can help, contact us today.