Places to Visit
Whether you’re a history lover, walker, wildlife watcher or looking for places to go with the family or with your four-legged friends, there are plenty of wonderful places to visit in Somerset near Cossington Park.
Our location makes us the perfect spot for exploring the best the West Country has to offer.
Here’s just a list of just a few of our favourite places to visit – we’ll supply you with lots more ideas when you book.
You’ll find you need to come back again and again to experience everything you want to!
Avalon Marshes
Comprising of around 3700 acres of stunning wetland nature reserves and a visitors’ centre, the Avalon Marshes are a stone’s throw from Cossington Park.
The Avalon Marshes Centre has a café, craft shop, and visitor information point where you can find out all about the reserves and the history of the landscape dating back to prehistoric times.
The reserves are a haven for wildlife and are particularly well known for the dramatic murmurations of thousands of starlings that roost in the reedbeds in the winter months.
Glastonbury
The legendary known as the “Isle of Avalon,” Glastonbury boasts dozens of quirky independent shops, brilliant cafes and a stunning ruined abbey. Visit the Chalice Well Gardens, St Margaret’s Chapel, and the Rural Life Museum.
Glastonbury Abbey, once England’s wealthiest, is said to be Britain’s earliest Christian foundation and King Arthur’s burial place. Its ruins sit within 36 acres of tranquil grounds.
Wells
Wells, England’s smallest city, is filled with independent shops and cafes, hosting various festivals throughout the year. The October Wells Food Festival is a must for local produce, and the popular market is held on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
The city boasts a stunning cathedral (1175-1490), considered a prime example of Gothic architecture, with intricate carvings and a historic clock.
The 13th Century Bishop’s Palace is surrounded by a moat and around 14.5 acres of stunning gardens. The swans that live on the Palace moat are known for ringing a bell to ask for dinner!
Also worth seeing is Vicars’ Close, a beautiful 14th-century cobbled street, said to be Europe’s oldest intact residential street.
Cheddar Gorge & Caves
Formed by ice age meltwaters, Cheddar Gorge is a spectacular natural landmark.
This three-mile-long gorge, with cliffs up to 450ft high, is Britain’s largest. You can enjoy walking trails with stunning views or try rock climbing and caving.
The scenic road through the gorge is ideal for a leisurely drive (be mindful of walkers and wild goats).
An open-top bus tour runs seasonally between Easter and October.
Explore the town’s shops and cafes and the famous Cheddar Gorge Cheese company, home to the world’s only Cheddar Cheese made in Cheddar.
The spectacular Gough’s Cave and Cox’s caves are also worth a visit.
One of the UK’s premier prehistoric sites, you can explore the area’s prehistory at the Museum – children will love the opportunity to create cave paintings.
Bath
The City of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an excellent destination for a family day out. Renowned for its 2,000-year history, stunning honey-coloured regency buildings, historic Roman Baths and Abbey, Bath offers a wealth of attractions.
With over 40 museums, art galleries, theatres, fabulous independent shops, and numerous dining options, there is always something to see and do.
The highlights include Roman Baths, Thermae Bath Spa, Bath Abbey, The Jane Austen Centre, Victoria Park, Pulteney Bridge, The American Museum.
There are fetes and festivals run throughout the year. The Bath Christmas markets are particularly renowned if you’re visiting in the festive season.
