Quintessentially English, Somerset has a truly timeless appeal: the beautiful landscapes and alluring market towns are steeped in history, and a genteel, bohemian atmosphere pervades. The southwest of England, in which Somerset lies, is positively ripe for relaxation. Enjoying the wonder of the British countryside here is a must – Somerset is mostly rural, and old winding lanes bulging with pretty hedgerows and wild flowers set the tone: rushing around in a hurry, eyes down, is not the done thing. Where wildlife and nature recede a little, human habitations are just as impressive.
The city of Bath is famous for its breathtaking Georgian architecture, while many towns and villages are postcard perfect. Somerset is also home to one of the world’s biggest music festivals – legendary pop and rock acts from around the globe pull in the adoring masses at super chic Glastonbury. Beauty, history, tranquillity, and a vividly rich cultural heritage – Somerset is the place to put roots down.
FROME
Pronounced Froome – this lively hillside town is impressively picturesque: it really is one of those ‘pinch yourself’ places. Amid the cobbled streets runs a leat (an old open waterway, used to pass water to a mill), betraying its heritage as a 19th century wool-making town. Crafts are still to the fore today – Frome is an influential hub for creatives, as evidenced by the outstanding designer-maker-producer street market, while food stalls heaving with local produce also supplement the array of independent shops and artisan-style businesses and cafes. The arts scene is vital here – local people are immersed in evolving the range and quality of creative indulgences, and visitors travel from far and wide. Rumour has it that Paul McCartney even dropped in to local music venue The Cheese & Grain to cast his eye over the local talent. Despite the occasional star names, it’s a community-minded town: friendly, charming, and welcoming. Frome is proud of its events: an annual Festival, Carnival, and a Window Wanderland, when all the town is lit up and decorated, and residents take a nightly stroll when darkness descends. Beautiful old properties sit in and around town. The outskirts are peppered with stunning cottages and farmhouses.
WELLS
Wells has the proud distinction of being the smallest city in England, thanks to the rare combination of a spectacular 12th century cathedral and a population of just over 10,000.
As such the atmosphere is serene and quaint, but it’s definitely not a backwater – the high street is packed with shops of the highest quality brands, plus independent traders, and there is always a gentle buzz of activity in and around the ‘village’ green. The stunningly ornate Cathedral of Wells was built between 1175 and 1490, and it is the earliest English cathedral to be built in the Gothic style, often labelled as one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world. Not only that, but much of the rest of the architecture in Wells – some of which is mediaeval – is equally jaw-dropping, and its preservation is utterly impressive. However, while it might feel like travelling back in time, don’t let your eyes deceive you – Wells and the surrounding area are equipped for modern life, with a range of facilities you would expect.
BATH
Bath has to be seen to be believed. Sumptuous good looks of the Neoclassical variety, and history to get lost in: in fact, with the Romans building baths here in their pomp, when the sun really shines, there are moments when you might think you are in the Italian capital.
But Bath has an intoxicating identity all of its own, and has long pulled in crowds from all around the world, gaining recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Also labelled one of the “Great Spa Towns of Europe”, Bath isn’t just a shrine for tourists: it’s a fully functioning city with a quality of life that some might deem better than a busy capital city, offering a blend of sophistication and modern living with the best of a country lifestyle. The largest settlement in Somerset, it’s 100 miles west of London, and boasts good train and motorway links. With many gorgeous old sandstone properties throughout the city, prices are comparatively high – but there’s a reason for the premium – the Georgian architecture is absolutely sublime. Cafe culture is healthy in Bath, while nightlife is exciting – there are plenty of restaurants for fine dining and indulgence. And as sports stadiums go, they don’t get much better location-wise than the Rec – Bath Rugby fans are completely blessed, and show their appreciation – win or lose – with a family-friendly atmosphere to match.
BRUTON
Hip and happening Bruton is trying to stay low key, but the secret may be out – it’s a wonderful place to visit, and an even better place to live. With a high-end food scene, trendy high street, amazingly appealing properties, and more than a smattering of the rich and famous, Bruton is even being described as the Notting Hill of the South West. The streets are typically Somerset-pretty, and feel rather divine whatever the season – be it the thick scent of jasmine wafting past your nose in summer, or fresh snow crunching underfoot in the middle of winter. There’s so much to shout about, but ultimately nature has woven a supreme spell here – especially where the bucolic River Brue flows through the lower levels of the town. At its small centre, it’s liberally adorned with eateries and boutiques of the highest quality. Peer up from your newspaper and coffee, you might see a well known figure from the arts or media, or perhaps a heavyweight former politician or two. Add a prestigious boarding school at the heart of the community, and the pull of Bruton is growing. Its very own Hauser & Wirth art gallery on the edge of town gives it genuine star appeal, and its proximity to the Newt, a thrillingly luxurious country house hotel and spa/ restaurant, only adds to the allure.
CHEW MAGNA
With a peaceful lake, diverse woodland and gently rolling hills – yet only 10 miles south of Bristol and 15 miles from Bath – Chew Magna is a wonderful place to live for the best of both worlds: a tranquil, countryside feel, but close to the buzz of the city. On the edge of the Mendips, Chew Magna is the largest village in the majestic Chew Valley and though it’s calm and relaxing, there’s a vibrancy afoot here – successful independent stores and restaurants, plenty of stimulating events throughout the year, and a communal pride in the local area. Beyond the listed buildings in the charming conservation area, where old stone bridges take you over the River Chew, the Chew Valley Lake is a blissfully scenic reservoir. It presents the ideal opportunity for walks, bird watching, fishing – not forgetting the classic British supper of fish & chips (at the Salt & Malt). There is also a sailing club, and Chew Valley Animal Park – always a firm favourite for days out with the children.
Somerset has a spirituality which is sometimes hard to find in the modern world. It gets under your skin, and seeps into your soul. While it has undoubtedly developed and kept pace with the 21st century, Somerset’s deep-rooted history of ancient folk traditions, Roman influences, mediaeval prosperity, and legendary figures – combined with its sheer beauty, much of it relatively untouched for hundreds of years –it’s a potent cocktail that leaves you wanting more. That’s why is called escaping from the modern world, while living within it.
