Somerset

Somerset is a county in South West England with coastline on the Bristol Channel, inland lowlands known as the Somerset Levels, and uplands including the Mendip Hills, Quantock Hills and parts of Exmoor National Park. The Levels are defined by peat soils and a network of drainage channels called rhynes, and large areas flood seasonally. On the Mendips, Cheddar Gorge exposes Carboniferous limestone and contains showcaves where local cheddar was historically matured. Rising above surrounding lowland, Glastonbury Tor is capped by the stone shell of St Michael’s Tower.

Settlements range from Taunton, the administrative centre, to the small cathedral city of Wells and market towns such as Bridgwater and Yeovil. Agriculture takes many forms, with dairy, cider orchards and arable fields shaping the landscape and local economy. Transport routes include the M5 corridor and rail links serving towns along the valleys of the River Parrett and River Tone. Festivals and seasonal events reflect local trades and rituals, notably the long-running Bridgwater Carnival.