Somerset

Somerset is a ceremonial and historic county in South West England. It borders Devon to the west and south-west, Dorset to the south-east, Wiltshire to the east, and Gloucestershire to the north-east, with the Bristol Channel forming its western coast.

Geography: The county contains the Mendip Hills, the Quantock Hills, and the Blackdown Hills, as well as the Somerset Levels and Moors, a low-lying stretch of fen and estuary. The county town is Taunton; Wells is the smallest city and home to Wells Cathedral, while Bath, Glastonbury, and Yeovil are among its larger towns. Notable landmarks include Cheddar Gorge and Glastonbury Tor.

History and governance: Somerset has a long history as part of the kingdom of Wessex and later the county of England. In modern administration, it is a non-metropolitan county with several districts. The county’s ceremonial boundaries maintain a distinct identity within the South West region.

Economy and culture: The economy relies on agriculture, dairy farming, food and drink production (notably Cheddar cheese and cider), and tourism. Tourism is driven by historic towns, countryside scenery, and cultural sites, including Bath’s Roman baths and Regency architecture and Glastonbury’s cultural associations. The Glastonbury Festival is held nearby.

Other places named Somerset: The name Somerset also refers to several places outside England, including Somerset, Kentucky, and Somerset, New Jersey.