At the heart of the West Country, Somerset''s rolling hills, deep gorges and flowing rivers tell the tales of myths and legends.

From castles, abbeys and museums, to classic English houses and gardens, this is rural England at its best, and with such a wide range of things to see and do, a cottage holiday here provides the perfect base from which to explore the area.

Begin your visit to Somerset by exploring some of the area''s rich heritage, starting off with the enigmatic Glastonbury Tor. Sitting high above the land like a beacon, it holds stories of the legends of King Arthur and the Holy Grail. At the base of the Tor lie the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey, set in 36 acres of beautiful parkland and ponds it''s the perfect destination for a family day out. There''s an abundance of historical places in the region so take the time to explore as many as possible, especially Wells Cathedral and the Roman Baths and its museum.

If you can tear yourself away from exploring Somerset''s past there’s a lot more to explore. Longleat Safari Park is just one of the many animal attractions in the area, but you can also get up close and personal with magnificent shire horses birds of prey and marine life.

From the open expanses of gardens and ancient oak woodlands to sparkling rivers and sandy beaches, Somerset is a haven for lovers of the great outdoors. There are some great natural wonders to explore and with its steep inclines, dramatic peaks and amazing views, Cheddar Gorge makes an ideal location for walkers, climbers, cavers and sightseers alike. Lazy afternoon picnics can be enjoyed, and there''s a superb selection of pubs, restaurants and cafes cooking up fresh local produce so you can take a night off from cooking. You could even make a night of it and go see a show at the 17th century Theatre Royal in Bath.

Take a look at our selection of holiday cottages in Somerset today.