If you want to experience the real English countryside then few places offer a better example than Somerset. From the gentle pace of day-to-day life, to the endless broad fields and haystacks, cattle and combine harvesters, to the hundreds of tiny picturesque villages and cottage gardens, ivy clad pubs and windy country lanes, Somerset is certainly the county to get away from it all.
That’s not to say there is no excitement there. Head over to the caves at Wookey Hole which have been used by humans for over 50,000 years and are surely the most spectacular (and eerie) caves in all of the UK. Alternatively there is the awesome Cheddar Gorge, a limestone gorge in the Mendip Hills and site of numerous caves with fantastic stalactites and stalagmites.
The near vertical cliff faces of the gorge and the steep grassy slopes make for an awe-inspiring landscape and it is no surprise that Cheddar Gorge was recently voted the second greatest natural wonder in all of Britain. And if the combination of Wookey Hole and Cheddar Gorge was not enough, Somerset also features Exmoor National Park, an incredible area of wide open moorland, coast and countryside. Exmoor is famous for its wild red deer and Exmoor ponies and is one of the UK’s finest National Parks with several areas declared Sites of Special Scientific Interest because of their flora and fauna.
From Exmoor to the Brendon Hills to the Quantocks, Somerset has some of the UK’s best scenery. It also has some of the most historical sites, from Cadbury Castle to Glastonbury Abbey and towns and villages from Wells to Taunton. As if that wasn’t enough there are the cities of Exeter and Bath, famous world-wide. From the cathedral and roman remains in Exeter (and its wonderful bohemian nightlife) to Bath’s World Heritage Site and tourist mecca - its Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, the famous Royal Crescent and the incredible selection of Georgian architecture, Somerset is a country that really does seem to have been given it all.
Bath Komedia, BathMany people have heard of the song writer Benjamin Francis Leftwich, but few understand that he was introduced to music through classic rock. Some of his idols include the Rolling Stones and Nina Simone, such groups went on to cause the performer to take a decidedly more classic slant in his composition. This is not to say that he "re-hashes" his work, no in fact he is rather revolutionary. He is a relatively new artist on the scene with his debut album Last Smoke Before the Snowstorm coming out in 2011. There is no end to what Benjamin Francis Leftwich may do in the next couple years, but…
Wookey Hole Caves, WellsFrom the land of legends and warrior Shaolin monks comes the incredible new Chinese State Circus production - the live acrobatic spectacular Yin Yang. To say the Chinese State Circus is merely a show is grossly to underestimate it; it is the embodiment of a traditional art form which can trace its history back over 2000 years. The presentation lives and breathes with the enthusiasm of its acrobatic artistes. The result is the purest, honest, most abiding and exhilarating circus that is a true privilege to see.…
Together since 2004, English rock band 'You Me at Six' released their debut album 'Take Off Your Colours' in 2008. They claim inspiration from American bands such as 'Blink 182' and 'Thrice' and have received multiple 'Kerrang!' Award nominations. Their second studio album was released in 2010 and titled 'Hold Me Down' and their third, 'Stay with Me' later in 2010. Fans are awaiting the release of album three, the band have been back to the recording studio and are to release it later in 2011.…
British singer-songwriter Charlene Soraia is best known for her cover of “Wherever You Will Go” by The Calling when it was used in an advert on television for the tea brand Twinings. After its release on iTunes it reached No.3 in the UK Singles Charts. Charlene is set to release her debut album ‘Moonchild’ on 21 November 2011, which will feature “Wherever You Will Go” as a bonus track. The singer-songwriter was noticed and promptly promoted when her version of “Wherever You Will Go” was sung by X Factor contestant Sophie Hababis in 2011. Charlene will be finally headlining her own UK tour star…
Elton John is one of the top selling musical artists of all time, and this fantastic musician is on his tour which is bound to sell out at all venues across the UK. Definitely one to watch.…
Octagon Theatre, YeovilEnglish author, presenter and stand-up comedian Dave Gorman takes his stories of extreme adventures and experiences to theatres across the length of the country. Born in Staffordshire, Dave first performed live at the 1998 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and soon went on to write and star in hit TV shows including The Mrs Merton Show, Reasons to be Chearful, and Dave Gorman's Better World. Among his listed ambitions are to appear as captain on the quiz show Call My Bluff!…
Funny man Jimmy Carr has become known and loved for his deadpan delivery and observational comedy. His humour is often dark yet hugely appealing as his success on TV and the live stand-up stage keeps on growing. In 2006 he became the first big name to perform in the virtual reality world 'Second Life'. He hosts TV's '8 Out of Ten Cats' and has guest presented 'Have I Got News for You'. Carr is an established writer also creating material for the likes of Frank Skinner, Bo Selecta and Lily Savage.…
Octagon Theatre, YeovilAt 24 years of age, Kevin Bridges is one of the most popular up and coming comedians in the country. His big break came at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival where he won the 'So you think you're Funny' competition. Bridges has since gone on to appear on Michael McIntyre's Comedy Road Show and 'Live at the Apollo'. He is currently touring Scotland and N. Ireland and has released 'Kevin Bridges: The Story so Far ...Live in Glasgow' on DVD this year.…
Butlins Resort, MineheadEnglish born, Australian singer/songwriter, 'Peter Andre' is also a successful TV presenter and businessman. Famed for his marriage and subsequent split from glamour model Katie Price, Andre has starred in his own ITV2 shows both with and without Katie. Raised in Australian with Greek Cypriot parents his career was rebooted in 2004 when he appeared in ITVs 'I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!' He has released 8 albums from 1993-2010, the latest of which was 'Accelerate'.…
Professor GreenThursday, 16 February 2012Live music/Rnb And Hip Hop event at Westland Leisure Complex, Yeovil, Somerset. To watch Professor Green live at Westland Leisure Complex on the Thursday, 16 February 2012, check out our list of primary and secondary ticket providers and compare the
Other concerts, music and gigs in Somerset are:
An Excellent Medley18 Feb, BathSomerset Chamber Choir Out of the East19 Feb, TauntonClarinet Special Break23 Feb, DunsterATP Curated By Jeff Mangum (neutral Milk Hotel) Festival9 Mar, MineheadJoined at the Hip10 Mar, BridgwaterFish22 May, BathElton John3 Jun, TauntonJazz at the Yarn Market13 Jul, DunsterMusic Workshop Week12 Aug, DunsterWWII Hangar Dance15 Sep, Weston Super Mare
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Sport in Somerset
Bath PavilionOur spotlight theatre/performing arts centre of the week is Bath Pavilion, located in Bath. See what shows and performances are on this week at Bath Pavilion.
Other theatres and performing arts venues in Somerset are:
ICIA Arts TheatreOctagon TheatreWookey Hole Caves
Cricket St Thomas Wildlife ParkCricket St Thomas is the top Wildlife Park attraction to visit in the southwest of England. One of its aims is to create environments in which animals can behave as naturally as possible. New exhibits are designed to allow the animals to express natural behaviours seen in the wild. The Wildlife P…Location: Cricket St Thomas
Some other fun family days out in Somerset are:
Museum of Bath at WorkThe Building of Bath MuseumAmerican MuseumMuseum of CostumePrior Park Landscape GardenSea Life CentreThe Shoe MuseumHaynes International Motor MuseumThe Helicopter MuseumBath Postal MuseumMolburne Museum of ArtFleet Air Arm MuseumTropiquaria Animal and Adventure ParkSally Lunns Refreshment House and Museum
Cleve AbbeyThe jewel of Somerset - some of England´s finest cloister buildings, magnificent architecture and unique wall paintings, set in a peaceful riverside location. Discover 800 years of monastic life - medieval painted chamber, timber roofing, wonderful floor tiles and amazing cloister buildings. …Location: Washford
Some other notable historic attractions in Somerset are:
Fleet Air Arm MuseumThe Shoe MuseumBath Postal MuseumThe Helicopter MuseumEast Lambrook Manor GardenSally Lunns Refreshment House and MuseumMuseum of CostumeGlastonbury AbbeyHestercombe GardensFarleigh Hungerford CastleColeridge CottageThe Building of Bath MuseumForde Abbey House And GardensMuchelney Abbey
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Pancake CustomsPancakes have a long tradition in England with the celebration of Shrovetide. This particular fried cake was made in this country as early as the 13th century. We take a look at some of the rural traditions of Shrove Tuesday, also known famously as Pancake Day.
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