Somerset really shines from late spring through early autumn. Apple blossoms burst open, festivals take over the towns, and soft morning mists drift across the moorlands. Every year, I get excited for those bright pink and white apple flowers that pop up in the orchards around April and May.
These blossoms signal the start of cider season and fill the countryside with the sweetest scents and splashes of color.
When summer rolls in, Somerset comes alive with festivals, bustling food markets, and those long, golden evenings that beg you to explore the hills. By early autumn, gentle fog drifts over the moors, turning morning walks into something peaceful and, honestly, a bit magical.
Each season brings its own charm. I’ve gathered up my favorite Somerset moments to share with you—maybe you’ll find your own, too.
Spring in Somerset: Apple Blossoms and Orchard Life
Spring is when Somerset’s orchards truly wake up, bursting with apple blossoms and the first steps of cider making. Local traditions come alive, celebrating the county’s farming roots.
Pink and white flowers cover the trees, while farmers tend rare apple varieties and start pressing apples into cider and juice.
Best Time to See Apple Blossoms
Usually, apple trees in Somerset begin blooming in mid-April. The real show happens toward the end of April and into early May.
If you time it right, the orchards feel like they’re overflowing with color. Warm spring days speed things up, but if it stays cool, blossoms linger longer—perfect for slow walks and snapping a few photos.
The Newt and some of the older orchards near Yeovil or Glastonbury really put on a display. Local trails and community orchards, like those in Bagley or Chilthorne Domer, are easy to reach.
I love wandering through for the fresh air, gentle scents, and the hum of bees doing their thing.
Traditional Somerset Cider Making
Somerset and cider go hand in hand. Come spring, some folks are still pressing last year’s apples, while new blossoms hint at the next batch.
I’ve watched old presses—like the 1862 “Somerset Pattern” at Apple Day events—crush apples into juice right before my eyes. Cider makers here really know their stuff, blending sweet, sharp, and bitter apples for that perfect drink.
Back in the day, farms sometimes paid workers with cider! Even now, family farms stick to hands-on methods, and they love sharing the craft at local events and tours.
Here’s a quick look at how traditional cider making unfolds:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Apple Harvest | Pick ripe apples in autumn |
| Milling | Crush apples into pulp |
| Pressing | Squeeze juice from the pulp |
| Fermentation | Allow juice to become cider |
| Bottling | Store for drinking later |
Apple Varieties and Local Apple Juice
Somerset’s orchards grow all sorts of apples, including some rare and nearly forgotten types. Gennet Moyle, for example, was almost lost until someone found an old tree at Abbey Farm.
Cider apples sport names like Yarlington Mill, Kingston Black, and Dabinett. Sharp, tannic apples end up in cider, while sweeter ones make fresh juice.
I always grab a bottle or two from a farm shop or roadside stall—each one tastes a bit different, depending on the apple variety and the time of year. Some places, like The Newt, let you sample and learn about the apples on site.
Tasting local juice is a simple pleasure and a great way to get a feel for Somerset’s flavors.
Wassail: Celebrating Orchard Heritage
Wassail is a quirky winter festival that blesses orchards, hoping for a good apple crop. The main event is in January, but I still spot decorations hanging on trees as spring rolls in.
Locals gather in the orchards, singing and making a racket to chase away bad spirits. They hang toast in the branches for robins, who supposedly guard the trees.
Hot mulled cider gets passed around, and the whole thing feels like a link between past and present. I love how wassail keeps Somerset’s orchard traditions alive, mixing song, stories, and a bit of good-natured chaos.
Summer Festivals and Vibrant Events
As soon as summer hits, Somerset bursts into color and sound with festivals and events. Music, local food, arts, and old traditions fill the towns and fields.
Glastonbury Festival: Music and Culture
Honestly, Glastonbury Festival is legendary. Held near Pilton every June, it draws over 200,000 people for five days of music, art, and wild creativity.
The music lineups are massive—big-name headliners, up-and-coming acts, and everything in between. But Glastonbury is more than music. Art installations, circus shows, theater, and poetry readings pop up everywhere.
Food stalls, wellness zones, and workshops mean there’s always something to discover. If you’re into variety, this festival covers just about every base.
Tickets vanish fast, so if you’re dreaming of going, keep an eye on announcements and act early.
Valley Fest and Home Farm Fest
Valley Fest sits beside Chew Valley Lake, offering a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere. There’s local food, live music, and the whole thing unfolds on organic farmland.
I appreciate the slower pace—food and farming workshops, yoga, and lots for kids to do. Local producers set up shop, and you can chat with farmers and chefs.
Home Farm Fest in Yeovil raises money for charity through music and good times. It’s smaller than the giants, but there’s a real sense of welcome.
Acts play across several stages, from big bands to local favorites. Street food, crafts, and charity stalls add to the mix. Both festivals bring people together and support causes that matter.
Priddy Folk Festival and Godney Gathering
Priddy Folk Festival takes over a village on the Mendip Hills, focusing on folk music from the UK and beyond. There are workshops, dance events, and plenty for families.
Godney Gathering, just outside Glastonbury, packs a full day of live music—rock, indie, dance—plus local food and cider. The site is easy to get around, and tickets don’t break the bank.
Both events have a friendly vibe, drawing locals and visitors who want music, Somerset views, and a break from huge crowds.
Exploring Somerset’s Moorlands and Hills
Somerset’s high ground feels wild and open, with skies that stretch forever. The Mendip Hills and Exmoor each offer their own kind of adventure.
I try to time my walks for wildflowers or those misty, golden sunrises.
Walking and Adventure in the Mendip Hills
The Mendip Hills are famous for limestone slopes, secret caves, and dramatic views. I often find myself near Cheddar Gorge, a deep canyon with sheer cliffs—great for walking or climbing.
Starting early, I’ll take the West Mendip Way or head out to Burrington Combe. Both have clear trails for beginners, plus tougher climbs if you’re up for it.
Wildlife is everywhere—open fields and grasslands are full of skylarks, rare orchids, and butterflies, especially in spring and summer. Guided walks are available if you want to dive into the area’s geology and history.
Wild Nature of Exmoor
Exmoor National Park is a mix of moorland, woodland, and winding rivers. On my walks, I spot wild red deer and Exmoor ponies grazing among the heather.
The place feels untouched, buzzing with life. On clear days, I climb up Dunkery Beacon for Somerset’s highest views.
From there, you can see the Bristol Channel and, if you’re lucky, the coast of Wales. Deep forests and quiet valleys offer peaceful escapes, with birdsong and the sound of rushing streams.
Buzzards soar overhead, and if you’re by the rivers, you might spot trout leaping. I always bring a camera, especially in autumn when the bracken glows orange.
Misty Morning Moorland Walks
Some of my best Somerset walks happen at dawn. Mist rolls over the moorlands, filling valleys and softening the hills.
Cool air, damp ground, and the first light make everything peaceful. The Quantock Hills and high spots on Exmoor are perfect for these early walks.
Most days, it’s just me, a few sheep, and maybe a wild pony or two.
Tips for enjoying the morning mist:
- Wear layers—the weather changes fast.
- Bring a map or GPS, since mist can make it tricky to see.
- Watch for spiderwebs and dew; they sparkle at sunrise and disappear later.
Walking in the mist shows Somerset at its quietest and most enchanting.
Rural Experiences and Countryside Escapes
Somerset’s countryside is a real escape—peaceful, slow-paced, and full of fresh local food.
Scenic lakes, cozy glamping pods, and grand old estates make the rural side of Somerset feel like a world apart.
Chew Valley: Scenic Retreats
Chew Valley sits between rolling hills and calm lakes. Chew Valley Lake is one of southwest England’s largest, and walking its shores always helps me unwind.
Birdwatchers can spot herons, swans, and plenty of wildfowl year-round. Locals often point visitors toward Chew Magna village.
Traditional pubs there serve hearty meals and homemade cider. Nearby, quiet cycling routes and country lanes wind beneath old trees.
In spring and summer, wildflowers fill the fields. Early mornings bring mist curling over the water—honestly, it’s hard to beat that view.
Glamping and Unique Stays
Glamping is the way to go if you want the outdoors without roughing it. Somerset has it all, from luxury yurts tucked in the woods to treehouses with orchard views.
Most places offer cozy beds, heating, and private countryside vistas. Some glamping spots near Chew Valley throw in extras, like firepits or breakfast hampers stuffed with local cheese and bread.
It’s great for families or couples wanting to stargaze far from city lights. Many sites offer bike hire, fishing, or easy access to trails, so you can explore at your own pace.
Farm Shops and Barrington Court
If you love food, Somerset’s farm shops are a treat. I never have trouble finding fresh eggs, cider, jams, and cheeses made just down the road.
Some shops let you pick your own apples or berries in late summer. Barrington Court stands out among Somerset’s historic estates.
The gardens stretch out in every direction, especially beautiful in late spring when blossoms and bees are everywhere. Inside the manor, you can wander restored rooms and period furniture.
Outside, the estate’s orchards sometimes sell seasonal produce in the shop—a perfect way to end a visit.
Seasonal Flavours and Somerset’s Culinary Heritage
Somerset’s food scene is rooted in its rich farmland, deep history, and legendary orchards. Local traditions come alive in everything from cider making to farm shop shelves and country dining.
Local Food and Farm-to-Table Experiences
In Somerset, farm-to-table isn’t just a buzzword—it’s how most people live.
Fresh veggies and meat arrive straight from nearby fields and barns. I love stopping at farm shops like Glebe Farm at Pitney.
There, you’ll find native beef, handmade sausages, organic eggs, and a wild variety of vegetables, all grown right there. Farms often sell artisan cheese and jams, too.
Many restaurants build their menus around what’s in season and close at hand. A typical Somerset meal? Warm bread, local cheese, and grilled meats or root veggies from just down the road.
The food is simple, letting the fresh flavors really shine.
Somerset Cider Traditions
Cider runs through Somerset’s veins. The mild climate is perfect for apple orchards, which have supplied apples for juice and cider for generations.
In spring, I walk through orchards heavy with blossom, waiting for the apples to come in. By autumn, cider presses kick into gear.
Local makers stick to old-school methods, pressing apples into juice and letting it ferment into still or sparkling cider. Some farms open up for tastings or “apple days,” where you can watch pressing and try different styles—from sharp and dry to sweet and mellow.
Non-alcoholic apple juice sits right alongside the ciders, so everyone gets a taste of Somerset’s fruit.
Markets and Rural Dining
Market days really bring Somerset to life. On weekends, towns like Wells and Frome buzz with energy, and honestly, the smell of fresh bread, pies, and baked apples always draws me in.
I love wandering between stalls stacked high with colorful veggies, jars of honey, and preserves—all made just down the road. There’s something special about knowing the people behind the food.
Out in the countryside, pubs and rustic barns throw open their doors no matter the season. You might stumble upon a pop-up feast at Horrell & Horrell, where they grill over open flames and BBQ under the stars.
Menus change all the time, depending on what the farmers just picked or what’s in season. You never really know what you’ll get, but that’s half the fun.
Cider and local apple juice usually show up at the table, poured into simple glasses. People gather around long tables, swapping stories and sharing plates—locals and visitors mixing as if they’ve known each other for years.
