The Thornfalcon Guide to Somerset

From centuries-old traditions to festivals, restaurants, pubs, art, sports and great days out, here is the Thornfalcon guide to Somerset.

For Myths & Legends

The ancient market town of Glastonbury is steeped in myths and legends. Glastonbury Tor – said to be the ancient Isle of Avalon, the entrance to the land of the fairies, and the gateway to the land of the dead - sits high on the hill overlooking the town. Legend has it that King Arthur’s burial site is here, and that Glastonbury medieval Abbey was built to house the Holy Grail. Many believe it resides below Glastonbury Tor in the Chalice Well.

For Nature

There are many beautiful parts of Somerset to explore and hike, from the Quantocks to the Somerset Levels. Exmoor National Park is wonderful mix of towering sea cliffs, high moors, streams and valleys. Visit the beautiful and charming villages of Dunster, Porlock and Watchet, hike its many trails, look out for wild Exmoor ponies and red deer, and gaze at dark skies full of stars. Visit Tarr Steps, and climb to the top of Dunkery Beacon, the highest point in the county, for magnificent views.

For Ancient Traditions

Somerset is the spiritual home of cider, and wassail in January is an ancient custom of drinking, singing and carolling around a tree that dates back to the Middle Ages. Rituals include pouring cider on the roots of the oldest or largest apple tree in the orchard, clattering pots and pans to ward off evil spirits, and placing cider-soaked toast in the branches of the trees, to attract robins, the guardians of orchards. Wassail take place around Twelfth Night, or Jan17 – come and celebrate with us at Thornfalcon Winery & Press.

For Natural Phenomena

Huge clouds of starlings gather in incredible shapes in the sky  for the Starling Murmuration over the Somerset Levels at dusk from November to January, in this staggering natural spectacle. Call the Starling Hotline (+44 7866 554142) for the best places to watch.

For A Summer’s Day

Burrow Hill and Somerset Cider Brandy make excellent cider, brandy and a range of liqueurs and juices. Burrow Hill comes alive on Saturdays from May to September when the orchards are filled with visitors and drinks are served from a double decker cider bus. Acrobats and bands are often part of the entertainment. Bring a picnic or eat from the excellent food trucks there.

For Spectacle

Somerset’s epic Carnivals in November are claimed to be the largest illuminated processions in the world. Thousands of people take to the streets to watch hundreds of spectacularly illuminated carnival floats go past. There are over 30 different carnivals across Somerset in November, but the largest are called the “Magnificent Seven”,

For the Active

For the sporty, the Quantocks and Exmoor are excellent for mountain biking, with numerous trails for all abilities, miles of wilderness with views across coastline, health, woodland and wild ponies.

For Fine Dining

Holm in South Petherton, for modern, fine dining in a beautiful setting. Holm work with local farmers, growers, butchers, gamekeepers and fishermen to source the freshest seasonal produce for their menus.

For Cosy Pubs

The Lord Poulett Arms in Hinton St George, for a brilliant country pub with great food and wine, and a great atmosphere.

For art

World-class contemporary art and exhibitions at the Somerset branch of the globally renowned art gallery, Hauser & Wirth. There’s also a breathtaking landscaped garden by leading landscape architect Piet Oudolf, an excellent restaurant – the Roth Bar & Grill, and an extensive farm shop. Explore pretty Bruton with its myriad restaurants and shops afterwards, and pay a visit to Godminster for some of the best cheddar in the UK.

For music

Evensong sang by this famous choir in the majestic, Gothic setting of Wells Cathedral, dating back to the 13^th century. Magical music making in pretty Wells, the UK’s smallest city.

For festivals

Glastonbury Festival in June is the biggest, best and most famous music and performing arts festival in the world. First staged in 1970, the festival is on Worthy Farm in Pilton just outside Glastonbury. It’s iconic for a reason, and has featured everyone from Led Zeppelin, David Bowie and Stevie Wonder, to Beyonce, Paul McCartney and the Rolling Stones (and so much more).

For crafts

Find beautiful treasures at Dennis Chinaworks in Shepton Beauchamp, a ceramics studio that fuses traditional techniques with contemporary designs inspired by William Morris and the Arts and Crafts movement, from the converted stables of a Gothic Victorian rectory.

For Antiques

The monthly Langport Vintage Market fills the streets of lovely Langport with antiques stalls and an eclectic array of treasures, with a distinctly French brocante feel. Grab a delicious treat from the Little Bakery, walk by the river, and pop in to paint your own piece of ceramics at the Kiln Café. Runs on the second Saturday of each month.

For Easter

Owned by the National Trust, Barrington Court has beautiful farmland with public paths, an elegant old Tudor mansion, and a number of artisan makers. At Easter, egg hunts and family trails take you through the orchards and gardens.

For Halloween

Shepton Mallet Prison is said to be The Most Haunted Prison In The World. Their ghost tours take you through the history of this 400-year old prison, and its ghostly tales, legends and spooky experiences, all guided by torchlight. The tours are year-round, but we particularly recommend them around Halloween.

For Guy Fawkes night 

At bonfire night every year, in a tradition that dates back hundreds of years, Flaming Tar Barrels are carried by local village men through the streets of Devon’s Ottery St Mary. It’s a thrilling spectacle that draws visitors from far and wide, with crowd moving behind the rollers, and between pubs in the town. Otterly St Mary is just over the border into Devon.

For Christmas

ILLUMINATE is a magical journey of colour, light and sound that brings festive awe and wonder to Hestercombe’s legendary gardens, in a walking trail for all the family. Runs late November to the end of December.