Hotels In Somerset

Visit the county of Somerset with its many contrasts, from rocky Exmoor to Cheddar Gorge, and stay at the many superb hotels that really cater well for their guests' wellbeing. Two of the best cities to visit are both cathedral cities - Bath and Wells. There is plenty of accommodation in Somerset hotels that range from the small and homely, to the grand and palatial.

Bath

Do not miss Britain's only Worlds Heritage City on the river Avon, Bath; world renowned for its Roman Spa baths, and today, most popular for spending time relaxing and being pampered at one of the several spa hotels.

The city of Bath was founded in 863BC by Prince Bladud, who claimed that he became cured of leprosy by the muddy mineral waters and so in gratitude, built the city around the mineral springs. Then, in AD43, the Romans developed it further as a rest sanctuary, unlike their other garrison settlements, and built the baths and a temple, both of which are still a major draw for today's visitors.

Visitors should also see the Assembly Rooms famous during the Regency Period, when society ladies were known to come to Bath to ‘take to the waters,' a medicine and tonic for all. Take tea together with dainty cucumber or watercress sandwiches, served in the Pump Room with background music played softly by a trio of musicians.

One of the most iconic sites and definitely a photo opportunity is the Royal Crescent. Probably one of the most recognisable row of houses in the UK, its high Regency design is famous the world over as one of the finest examples of this style of architecture.

Some of the swankiest Somerset hotels are to be found in the city and Bath makes an excellent base for anyone touring this south west corner of England.

Wells

Near to Bath, and south of Bristol, sheltered by the southern slopes of the Mendip hills, is Wells offering a city of historic interest and magnificent architecture. Furthermore, it boasts being the smallest of the cathedral cities.

Wells Cathedral considered as being a fine example of early English architecture, and erected between the twelfth and fourteenth centuries, is a tourist attraction for people from all over Europe. The West Front, magnificent in its stature, features more than three hundred statues and carvings, and the nave is most interesting, as it has inverted scissor arches and a working mechanical clock. The city got its name from the springs in the grounds of the Bishops Palace.

Excellent hotels in Somerset are found in Wells and just outside. If you are particularly drawn to the Cathedral, and indeed, it is possible to spend more than a day exploring it, there is a hotel dead opposite. It would certainly present the ideal opportunity of attending one of the magnificent concerts and chorale performances held regularly in the Cathedral.

Other things to do and see in Wells:

• The Bishops Palace, the medieval home of the Bishop of Bath and Wells

• The interesting Wells and Mendip Museum

• Milton Lodge Gardens

• The Market Place where a farmers market is held every Wednesday and Saturday

• St Cuthbert's Church, which is the largest Parish church in Somerset

• Vicars Close, considered the oldest medieval street in Europe

Wells might be smaller than Bath, but together they represent the best of Somerset along with the nearby towns of Glastonbury and Frome.