Introduction

North Somerset enjoys seven miles of coastline with diverse wildlife habitats, the tranquil Somerset levels, and is well known for the famous Bridgwater carnival.

Cyclists and hikers love the region’s many routes and trails, ranging from the flats of the levels, to the more challenging terrain of the commanding hills.

Highlights include Bridgwater, Axminster, Westonzoyland, Burnham on Sea, Berrow and Brean, and the Somerset Levels.

You can find more information about things to see and do, food and drink, and places to stay on the Visit Somerset website.

For all general visitor related enquiries to the North Somerset area, please contact us

Axbridge

Axbridge is a medieval market town at the foot of the
Mendip hills, with a character and charm all of its own.

Once part of Saxon defences against the Vikings,
it has a rich history as an important wool producer and former
river port that even had its own mint. The town hosts a regular
farmers’ market, and has a museum which opens from April to
October based in the half-timbered Tudor hunting lodge.
As well as wandering round the ancient streets, there are
wonderful walks in the surrounding countryside.

Bridgwater

Bridgwater is a thriving town with a past stretching back over a thousand years, based on its strategic location as the lowest bridging point on the River Parrett.

Today Bridgwater has the usual High Street shops and more traditional outlets, as well as a variety
of independent retailers. Places to visit include the Blake Museum and St Mary’s Church dating back to 1170. There is a fine range of pubs and restaurants.

Bridgwater is famous for the Fair held on the Fairfield, West Street each year for four days starting on the last Wednesday in September. The Fair dates back to 1249 and has been held at its present location since 1404.

Even more famous is the Bridgwater Carnival that best symbolises the spirit of the town. Hailed as the largest illuminated procession in the world, the event takes place each November and lights up the town with music and colour. It is followed by Squibbing – a Bridgwater tradition of holding aloft lighted fireworks in an organized display.

For further information about the town, please see the Bridgwater Town website.

Burnham-on-Sea, Berrow and Brean Sands

A magnificent sweep of sand stretches from the seaside resort of Burnham-on-Sea, north past the villages of Berrow and Brean Sands to the National Trust headland of Brean Down. This seven-mile beach is one of the area’s great attractions and the second longest in Europe.

The area offers everything you would expect of a seaside holiday. Adults and younger visitors are well catered for at the many holiday centres. There are miles of sandy beach, outdoor and indoor amusements and the thrills of one of the South West’s biggest leisure parks.

Accommodation options include a vast range of caravan and holiday parks, bed and breakfasts, plus self-catering cottages to hire, or you could even buy your own holiday home for many visits to come.

Cheddar

Cheddar has been a destination for visitors for centuries, all coming to view the magnificent limestone gorge carved into the southern slopes of the Mendip Hills. It is also recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

At the lower end of the gorge, closest to the village, there are riverside walks, a range of tearooms and restaurants, and the famous Cheddar Showcaves.

Cheddar cheese is known throughout the world, its manufacture originating at farms in
the region. You can watch traditional Cheddar cheese making at the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company in the lower gorge, or see sweets being handmade at the Cheddar Sweet Kitchen.

The Quantocks

The Quantock Hills are situated between Bridgwater and Taunton stretching to the sea at the Bristol Channel.

Though compact, measuring just 12 miles by four, they offer extensive views over much of Somerset and across to the Welsh coast.

Characterised by deep wooded or ‘combes’, open heath land and rich flora and fauna, the Quantocks are ideal for walking, cycling and horse riding. Such is their special quality, that this area was the first in the country to be designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1956.