Some places win you over immediately.

Others reveal themselves slowly.

Somerset manages to do both.

At first, it might be the rolling countryside, historic towns, cider orchards, beautiful villages or the sight of Glastonbury Tor rising above the Somerset Levels that catches your attention.

Then you discover Exmoor.

The Quantock Hills.

The Mendips.

Wells and Frome.

Farm shops and country pubs.

Somerset's coastline.

Its festivals, food, markets and extraordinary history.

And before long, a weekend in Somerset can become a regular escape.

Which may eventually lead to a rather bigger question:

Could we buy a property here? Could we move to Somerset? And could we actually work and build a life here?

The answer may be well worth exploring.

Why Holiday in Somerset?

Somerset sometimes gets overlooked in favour of its more obviously coastal neighbours, Cornwall and Devon.

And that may be one of its greatest strengths.

A holiday in Somerset can offer beautiful countryside, historic towns, walking, cycling, food, festivals, family attractions and plenty of space — while also putting you in an excellent position for exploring other parts of the West Country.

It's a county where you can spend the morning walking across hills, the afternoon exploring one of England's smallest cities and the evening in a village pub.

And the following day can be completely different.

Discover Exmoor

If you love the outdoors, Exmoor National Park is one of Somerset's greatest attractions.

Wild open landscapes, wooded valleys, rivers, villages and dramatic scenery make it ideal for walking, cycling, horse riding and simply escaping everyday life.

Exmoor also extends towards the coast, creating a wonderful combination of countryside and sea.

For walkers in particular, Somerset can provide days of exploring without needing a complicated itinerary.

Pull on your walking boots, choose a route and see where the day takes you.

Explore the Mendip Hills

The Mendips provide another side to Somerset's landscape.

This is limestone country, with hills, valleys, caves and spectacular viewpoints.

Perhaps the most famous destination is Cheddar Gorge, with its dramatic limestone cliffs and caves.

Nearby villages and countryside make this part of Somerset particularly attractive for walking breaks and weekends away.

Walk the Quantock Hills

Then there are the Quantock Hills.

Beautiful heathland, woodland, hills and valleys create yet another landscape to explore.

For visitors looking for peace, countryside and long walks rather than busy tourist attractions, the Quantocks can be one of Somerset's greatest discoveries.

And that's something Somerset does extremely well.

You can visit the famous places — but some of the best experiences come from discovering somewhere you hadn't planned to visit at all.

Visit Wells

Somerset isn't only about countryside.

Wells is one of England's smallest cities and arguably one of its most beautiful.

Its magnificent cathedral, historic streets and Bishop's Palace make it perfect for a day trip, while cafés, independent shops and markets give the city plenty of life beyond its famous architecture.

For visitors considering moving to Somerset, Wells can also be particularly interesting because it combines the character of a historic city with easy access to surrounding countryside.

Discover Glastonbury

Few Somerset towns are as instantly recognisable by name as Glastonbury.

Of course, the world-famous Glastonbury Festival is actually held at Worthy Farm near Pilton, but the town itself has a fascinating identity all of its own.

Glastonbury Abbey, Glastonbury Tor, myths, legends, independent shops and its distinctive alternative culture make it unlike almost anywhere else in England.

It's a place people tend to remember.

Explore Frome

Frome has become another of Somerset's most talked-about towns.

Independent shops, cafés, markets, arts, music and beautiful historic streets have helped give it a strong creative identity.

For a weekend break, it's somewhere you can happily spend hours wandering.

For people thinking about living in Somerset, it also provides an interesting alternative to rural village life.

Somerset's Market Towns and Villages

One of the joys of exploring Somerset is discovering its smaller towns and villages.

Sherborne may belong to neighbouring Dorset and Bath sits just beyond the current Somerset Council area, but Somerset itself has a wonderful collection of places including Bruton, Castle Cary, Somerton, Langport, Ilminster, South Petherton, Crewkerne and Wincanton, alongside larger centres such as Taunton and Yeovil.

Each has its own character.

Some are known for food and galleries.

Others for historic buildings, markets and independent shops.

And then there are villages where the main attractions might simply be a beautiful church, a good pub and the countryside surrounding them.

Sometimes that's exactly the escape you're looking for.

Somerset's Coast

Somerset may be best known for its countryside, but don't forget the coast.

The county's coastline includes traditional seaside destinations, beaches, harbours and stretches of the Bristol Channel.

Minehead is a gateway to Exmoor and the starting point of the South West Coast Path.

Elsewhere you'll find coastal communities including Watchet, Burnham-on-Sea and Brean.

That gives Somerset yet another dimension for holidays — particularly if you'd like to combine coast and countryside rather than choosing between them.

Somerset Is a Brilliant Base for Exploring the West Country

Location is one of Somerset's great strengths.

Depending on where you're staying, you can explore Devon, Dorset, Bristol, Bath and Wiltshire as day trips while returning to your Somerset base in the evening.

That makes the county particularly attractive for longer holidays.

Rather than packing up and moving every few days, you can settle into one place and explore outwards.

And then, of course, there is plenty to keep you within Somerset itself.

Somerset Food and Drink

If there's one thing Somerset takes seriously, it's food.

This is farming country.

And that heritage is reflected in the county's farm shops, markets, pubs, restaurants, cafés and independent producers.

Somerset is famously associated with cider and cheese, but that's only the beginning.

Local meat, fruit, vegetables, baked goods and artisan produce can be found throughout the county.

For visitors, stopping at farm shops and markets can become part of the holiday itself.

And after a long countryside walk, there's something rather wonderful about finding a traditional Somerset pub, ordering lunch and deciding there's really no reason to rush anywhere.

Why Buy a Property in Somerset?

For anyone considering buying property in the West Country, Somerset offers an interesting proposition.

It has countryside, attractive villages, historic towns and coastal areas, while some locations offer access towards Bristol, Bath, Devon and Dorset.

You could be searching for a permanent family home.

A rural retreat.

Somewhere to retire.

A second home for your own use.

Or perhaps a property with potential as holiday accommodation, subject to planning, tax, mortgage and other requirements.

The first question is:

What sort of Somerset life are you looking for?

Where Should You Buy Property in Somerset?

Somerset offers an enormous range of locations.

Wells

If historic architecture, restaurants, shops and countryside appeal, Wells is an obvious place to explore.

It provides more facilities than a village while retaining a much smaller-scale feel than most cities.

Frome

For buyers looking for independent shops, culture, markets and a creative community, Frome has become particularly popular.

Its position also puts Bath and parts of Wiltshire within reach.

Bruton and Castle Cary

Bruton has developed an international reputation for art, food and design while retaining the scale of a small Somerset town.

Nearby Castle Cary offers another attractive option, along with useful rail connections.

Taunton

If access to employment, schools, shops and transport matters, Taunton offers the facilities of a larger Somerset town.

Its location also provides access to the Quantocks, Exmoor and the M5.

South Somerset

South Somerset includes beautiful countryside and historic towns and villages such as Somerton, Langport, Ilminster, South Petherton, Crewkerne and Wincanton.

For people wanting rural West Country living while remaining within reach of Dorset and Devon, this part of the county can be particularly interesting.

Exmoor and West Somerset

If your dream involves open landscapes, walking and rural life, look towards Exmoor and West Somerset.

Here, the pace and practicalities of everyday life can be very different from living in a larger town — which is precisely why some people love it.

Rural Somerset

And then there are hundreds of villages.

Perhaps you're searching for an old cottage.

A farmhouse.

A home with a garden.

A village pub within walking distance.

Or simply somewhere where the view from the kitchen window is green rather than grey.

Somerset has plenty of possibilities.

Could You Buy a Holiday Home in Somerset?

Somerset's year-round visitor appeal naturally means some property buyers consider holiday accommodation.

There are potential markets around countryside escapes, walking holidays, family stays, festivals, weddings, events and people using Somerset as a base to explore the wider West Country.

But purchasing a holiday property requires proper research.

As of 2026, Somerset Council applies a 100% Council Tax premium to qualifying second homes, meaning the charge is generally twice the normal Council Tax amount unless an exception applies. The premium has applied since 1 April 2025.

Before purchasing, buyers should check current planning requirements, mortgage terms, tax implications, insurance, Council Tax or Business Rates treatment and any property-specific restrictions.

You should also consider the commercial realities.

Is there year-round demand?

What makes the property stand out?

Is there parking?

Can guests walk to a pub or shop?

Is it suitable for families?

Can guests bring dogs?

Is there outside space?

What will visitors do nearby?

And perhaps most importantly:

Why would someone choose this property rather than another one ten miles away?

Why Move to Somerset?

For many people, moving to Somerset is about finding a different balance.

More countryside.

More space.

More time outdoors.

Perhaps a village rather than a city.

But moving west doesn't necessarily mean giving up access to employment, culture or transport.

Somerset contains thriving towns and businesses of its own, while different parts of the county provide access towards Bristol, Bath, Exeter and other regional centres.

Town or Country?

One of Somerset's advantages is that you can choose.

If you want shops, schools, cafés and everyday facilities nearby, towns such as Taunton, Yeovil, Wells and Frome may appeal.

If your priority is rural living, there are countless villages and smaller communities.

And if you want somewhere between the two, Somerset's market towns can offer an excellent compromise.

Is Somerset Good for Families?

For many families, access to outdoor space is a major attraction.

Weekends can mean countryside walks, cycling, visiting attractions, exploring Exmoor or heading towards the coast.

The county also has a range of state and independent schools, although families should always research individual schools, admissions, catchment areas and transport before choosing where to live.

Location matters enormously in a rural county.

The beautiful cottage that looks perfect online may feel less ideal if every school, shop and activity requires a long car journey.

Things to Consider Before Moving to Somerset

Before relocating, investigate:

• Employment opportunities
• Local salaries
• Property prices
• Schools and childcare
• Healthcare
• Broadband and mobile coverage
• Public transport
• Rail and road connections
• Distance from family and friends
• Access to shops and services
• Flood risk in relevant locations
• Rural driving distances
• How the area feels throughout the year

Somerset's rural character is part of its appeal, but it also means connectivity can vary significantly between locations.

Can You Find Work in Somerset?

Absolutely — and Somerset's economy is much more diverse than its rural image might suggest.

Tourism, hospitality, agriculture, food and drink remain important, but Somerset also has strengths and ambitions in low-carbon energy, aerospace and defence, advanced and high-value manufacturing, digital technology and data.

Somerset's current Economic Prosperity Strategy aims for the county to become a UK leader in low-carbon energy, aerospace and defence, high-value manufacturing, and digital and data.

That makes the employment picture considerably broader than many prospective residents might expect.

Aerospace and Advanced Engineering

Somerset has a significant aerospace and advanced-engineering sector.

This isn't simply an aspiration for the future — Somerset Council identifies aerospace and advanced engineering as an established key business sector, with a high concentration of aerospace businesses.

For engineers, technicians, manufacturing specialists, project managers and professionals working in related supply chains, this can create opportunities that aren't immediately obvious to someone who thinks of Somerset purely in terms of farms and villages.

Energy and Hinkley Point C

Energy is another important part of Somerset's economy.

Major infrastructure projects, including Hinkley Point C, have brought investment, employment and associated supply-chain opportunities to the county.

Somerset's longer-term economic strategy also places low-carbon energy among the sectors in which it wants the county to lead nationally.

That can create opportunities across engineering, construction, project management, technology, energy and professional services.

Manufacturing

High-value manufacturing is another priority for Somerset's future economy.

The county's strategy aims to attract investment, improve productivity and create higher-value employment, with manufacturing playing an important role in that ambition.

Digital and Data Careers

Somerset may look wonderfully traditional from a country lane, but its economic ambitions are anything but.

Digital and data are specifically identified among the sectors Somerset wants to develop.

That can make the county increasingly interesting to people working in technology and digital businesses — particularly when combined with remote and hybrid working.

Tourism and Hospitality

Tourism remains an important part of Somerset life.

Hotels, holiday accommodation, restaurants, pubs, attractions, wedding venues, events and visitor businesses create employment across the county.

There are opportunities for seasonal work, long-term hospitality careers and entrepreneurship.

For some people moving to Somerset, the answer isn't simply finding a job.

It's creating a business.

Food, Farming and Agriculture

Somerset's farming heritage remains an important part of both its landscape and economy.

Agriculture, food production and the network of independent producers, farm shops and hospitality businesses create a wide variety of employment and business opportunities.

The county's reputation for food can also provide opportunities for entrepreneurs developing local products, restaurants, cafés and visitor experiences.

Healthcare and Education

As in any large county, healthcare, education, local government and public services are also significant sources of employment.

Hospitals, schools, colleges, care providers and public-sector organisations provide a broad range of professional and support roles.

Can You Work Remotely from Somerset?

For many people, this is the change that has made moving to Somerset possible.

If you can work remotely or only need to visit an office occasionally, you may be able to retain your existing career while changing where you live.

That can make villages and market towns viable for professionals whose employers are based in Bristol, London or elsewhere.

But check broadband and mobile connectivity at the specific property before making a decision.

A beautiful rural home and unreliable internet aren't necessarily an ideal combination when you have a 9am video meeting.

Where Are the Best Places to Live and Work in Somerset?

There isn't a single answer.

Taunton may appeal if employment, transport and services are priorities.

Yeovil is another important employment centre, particularly for people working in aerospace, engineering and related industries.

Frome can appeal to creatives, independents and people who want access towards Bath.

Wells combines a historic environment with shops, schools and services.

Bridgwater has benefited from major investment and employment associated with the energy sector.

Bruton and Castle Cary provide smaller-town alternatives.

And South Somerset's market towns and villages can appeal particularly to remote workers, families and people looking for countryside living.

Rather than asking:

“What's the best place to live in Somerset?”

Ask:

“Where in Somerset works best for the way I actually want to live?”

Try Living in Somerset Before You Move

If you're considering relocating, one of the best things you can do is experience the county as a resident rather than a tourist.

Book a cottage or self-catering property for a week or two in the area you're considering.

If possible, work from there.

Do the supermarket shop.

Try the commute.

Visit the schools.

Drive to the nearest railway station.

Go to the local pub on a Wednesday evening.

See how far you need to travel for everyday essentials.

And explore neighbouring towns and villages.

It's easy to fall in love with Somerset on a sunny weekend.

The more important question is whether you can imagine loving your ordinary life here too.

Holiday in Somerset or Live in Somerset?

Perhaps you don't need to decide.

Not yet, anyway.

Come for a weekend.

Walk Exmoor.

Visit Wells.

Climb Glastonbury Tor.

Explore Frome.

Discover the villages.

Have lunch in a country pub.

Visit a farm shop.

Head into the Quantocks.

Come back in autumn.

Try another part of the county next time.

And see what happens.

Because Somerset can be somewhere you holiday.

Somewhere you buy a property.

Somewhere you start a business.

Somewhere you find work.

Or somewhere you eventually decide to call home.

Discover Somerset with West Country Escapes

Maybe you're searching for your next holiday in Somerset.

Perhaps you're wondering about buying a property in Somerset.

You might be considering moving to Somerset, looking for jobs in Somerset, or simply wondering whether life in the countryside could be right for you.

The best way to find out is to experience it.

Stay somewhere new.

Explore beyond the headline attractions.

Visit the towns and villages.

Walk the countryside.

Eat locally.

See what's on.

Talk to people.

And discover the places that don't always make the guidebooks.

Explore where to stay, what to do, what's on and places to discover across Somerset with West Country Escapes.