Somerset is famous for the Glastonbury Tor and Cheddar Gorge, but the real 'Apple County' magic lies in the spots that don’t make the headline page of every travel blog. Here are three ideas for the less talked about places of interest in Somerset for you to visit whilst you stay at the dog friendly, White Post Cottages in Somerset.
The Glastonbury Alternative: Why You Should Climb Burrow Mump Instead
Glastonbury Tor is iconic, but it’s also crowded. Just a few miles away sits its "mini-me," Burrow Mump
Burrow Mump is the ultimate "local’s secret." Rising sharply from the flat marshlands of the Somerset Levels, this ancient hill is topped by the haunting, roofless ruins of the 18th-century St. Michael’s Church. It’s a short but steep climb that rewards you with a staggering 360-degree panorama of the "Summer Lands," where you can watch the mist roll over the moors just as it did for King Alfred during his hideout from the Vikings. Once you’ve soaked in the history and the wind-swept views, head straight back down to the foot of the hill to the King Alfred Inn. It’s a quintessential country dog friendly pub where you can grab a local cider or a pint of real ale by the fire.
Somerset’s Forgotten Coast: Fossils, Waterfalls, and Shipwrecks
Kilve Beach is renowned for its unique oil-shale rock formations, which form distinct layers along the coastline. These hold a wealth of prehistoric secrets, making the area a true paradise for fossil hunters. Visitors can spend hours exploring the shore to discover ammonites and other ancient marine remains embedded in the rocks.
St. Audries Bay waterfall is well worth a visit—a rare coastal waterfall that drops right onto the beach—and the quiet, medieval port of Watchet is a great spot for lunch and a stroll along the habour front.
The Somerset Space Walk: A 14-Mile Hike Through the Solar System
The Bridgwater and Taunton Canal features a scale model of the Solar System. You can "walk from the Sun to Pluto" along the towpath.
Start at Maunsel Lock TA7 0DH (the Sun) and explain how the distances between the sculptures are proportional to the actual planets. There's also a great Tea Shop at Maunsel Lock.
From the panoramic, history-soaked views atop Burrow Mump to the cosmic scale of the Somerset Space Walk, and down to the fossil-rich shores of the West Somerset Coast, this county is brimming with wonders that sit just off the beaten path. These hidden gems prove that Somerset’s true magic lies in its variety—offering everything from ancient legends to scientific marvels and coastal escapes. So, pack your walking boots and step away from the usual tourist trails. Your next great Somerset adventure is waiting just around the corner.
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