The lovely rural town of Somerton is set in the heart of Somerset and is perfect as a base for discovering some of the best attractions and countryside that make the county so popular with tourists. Also within reach for day trips from here is Exmoor National Park. Also accessible for day trips is the Somerset coast. The ever popular seaside town of Weston Super Mare is 31 miles from Somerton whereas Burnham on Sea is 24 miles away. Inland, the town of Taunton is 19 miles away, Bridgwater just 16 miles and Glastonbury 8 miles from Somerton. A cottage holiday in Somerton offers you the opportunity to experience some of the best of Somerset.
What Somerton offers for Cottage Breaks
Somerset takes its name from Somerton and the town had royal connections from its early history in Saxon times right up to before the reign of Elizabeth I. It is recorded that Somerton was originally in the hands of the kings of Wessex, was taken by the king of Mercia, visited by Vikings and Romans and then returned to Saxon rule. The town was an important coaching centre on the London to Taunton run and the railway came to Somerton in the early 1900s. This rich history makes Somerton a fascinating place for a cottage holiday.
Today Somerton is a mix of ancient and modern where evidence of its past sits side by side with a shopping centre, kids playgrounds and a skate park. However it is the magnificent historic architecture that is the jewel in Somerton’s crown. The most popular is its market cross or butter cross. Built in 1673, by the then Lord of the Manor, on the site of previous crosses, the covered cross was designed to keep traders and their butter, cheese and other foodstuffs dry. Many inns used to exist around the square during coaching times and some of the buildings still remain today.
It’s fitting that a town like Somerton should have an antique centre. Another notable attraction in Somerton is the Viaduct Fishery which specialises in course fishing in its 6 well-stocked lakes in the beautiful, peaceful surroundings of the River Cary valley.
Although the town doesn’t have its own Tourist Information Centre, nearby Shepton Mallet has one so if visiting you can pop in there for free leaflets, advice and more.
If you happen to be in Somerton for a self-catering break during July you may be lucky enough to catch the annual week-long arts festival. The town is transformed into an entertainment centre with music for every taste, drama and fun-filled events both day and night.
Whether you need to find a log cabin, a pet-friendly cottage or a romantic retreat we hope you find the best accommodation to meet your needs on Country Cottages Online.
Whether you choose to book a holiday cottage in Somerton, an apartment, a lodge or another type of self-catering holiday accommodation, we hope you have your best holiday yet in Somerset.