Retirement properties in Somerset

From the ancient caves of Wookey Hole and its infamous witch, to the spectacular scenery of Cheddar Gorge and Mendip Hills, Somerset is full of unexpected wonders.

• Pay respects to the remains of one of the richest and most powerful monasteries in England at Glastonbury Abbey.
• Visit the historic hot springs and ancient temple of the Roman Baths in Bath. Or admire the glorious architecture of the 12th century Wells Cathedral and watch the famous bell ringing swans.
• Find more than 90 different aircraft on display at the Fleet Air Arm Museum, Bronze Age armour and Roman mosaics at the Museum of Somerset at Taunton Castle, and over 400 cars and motorcycles at the Haynes International Motor Museum near Yeovil.

As a county by the sea that's packed with history and surrounded by four National Landscapes plus Exmoor National Park, you'll find plenty of opportunities around Somerset for exercise and rambles in nature.

Bring the family for a donkey ride at the sandy seaside resort of Weston-super-Mare, go swimming in the infinity seawater pool in charming Clevedon, or even learn to kayak and canoe at Channel Adventure near Minehead.

If competitive sports is your passion, there are over 20 golf courses and almost 40 tennis clubs around the county. Enjoy coastal walks to Bream Fort and Burnham-on-Sea, wonderful views from Glastonbury Tor, and spot birds galore along the rhynes of the Somerset Levels. 

Whether you're looking for local theatres or busy shopping centres, there's plenty to keep you busy around Somerset.

There are over 1,500 items on display at the Victoria Art Gallery in Bath, opera and ballet at the 600-capacity Playhouse in Weston-super-Mare, or musicals and drama at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil.

When you want to treat yourself, find over 90 different stores at the Clarks Village Outlet, craft goods and locally-produced food at the Frome Independent street market, and a huge range of independent shops, restaurants and cafés at Green Park Station in Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage city.

From sandy beaches and coastal cliffs to wooded valleys and stately gardens, there's plenty of scenic countryside to discover around Somerset.

Find limestone quarries and deep caves among the Mendip Hills, a 70-square-mile Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Hike through the lowland heath and ancient woodland of the expansive Exmoor National Park to see the magnificent views from the summit of Dunkery Beacon, the highest point in the county.

Spot falcons, eagles and hawks at the North Somerset Bird of Prey Centre, watch wild stags at the 100-acre South West Deer Rescue Centre near Crewkerne, or see a huge range of flora and fauna across more than 70 different nature reserves dotted around the county.

Travelling within Somerset and visiting areas further afield is straightforward and easy to plan, thanks to the easy road access and handy public transport options.

• By car - The M5 provides easy north-south access, offering links to Bristol, Birmingham, and Exeter. The A303 connects east-west towards Wiltshire and Devon.
• By bus - Local bus services connect towns and villages in the county. Where services are limited in rural areas, friendly volunteers and community transport schemes are available to help seniors get to where they need.
• By rail - Somerset is well-served by train stations in towns including Taunton, Weston-super-Mare, and Bath. You can reach London in about 2 hours.