Somerset is a beautiful historic county with an astonishing range of scenery, from rolling hills and rocky coastline to windswept moors and limestone gorges. There are three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, one UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Park. The historic county incorporates the modern counties of Somerset, North Somerset and Bath & North East Somerset. The city of Bristol borders the historic county of Somerset and is the major city of the south-west. The author takes us on a journey through the seasons of Somerset and Bristol in a collection of stunning photographs.

Highlights of this volume are a full account of the Georgian marvels of Bath, and a separate section on the port of Bristol, whose sumptuous Victorian commercial buildings are among the best of their date in England.

Did you know? The town of Wincanton is twinned with a place that does not exist. William Gibbs of Tyntesfield House made his fortune by importing bird droppings from Peru. A song by 'Scrumpy and Western' singer Adge Cutler was banned by the BBC for being too raunchy. Nine villages in Somerset are known as the 'Thankful Villages'. From seaside to countryside and villages to towns, Somerset is a county where it's difficult to separate history and mystery. This fast-paced, fact-packed compendium of places, people and trivia reveals all sorts of answers to questions you might have wondered about – and some you didn't. The facts, stats and anecdotes will surprise even those familiar with this beautiful and historic county.

With the outbreak of the Second World War, it became increasingly obvious that Somerset was in a key location to ensure the forward and coastal defence of the Bristol Channel and its associated ports and industries. This book gives a unique overview of the naval and maritime activities on the waterway andexplains their significance to the national war effort. In this volume, the three authors, all members of the Society, have for the first time brought together not only the archaeological interpretations of the surviving infrastructure but have blended it with the documentary evidence of the perceived threats, the organisations, plans and procedures that were implemented, many of which were secret, and added both technical and military expertise to explain in simple terms with pictures, maps, diagrams and glossary just how much Somerset contributed to defending the Bristol Channel in the Second World War.

From the genteel Georgian terraces of Bath to the wilderness expanses of Exmoor, the fully updated The Rough Guide to Bath, Bristol & Somerset provides an all-round account of this richly rewarding region, with comprehensive details of what to see, what to do and where to sleep, eat and drink. Useful context and background information accompany all the practicalities, interspersed with vivid, full-colour photos and some of the clearest maps to be found in any guidebook. Rough Guides' local experts cover high culture and street art, from the architectural glory of Wells Cathedral to Bristol's exuberant murals, as well as all the options for getting active, including cycling on the Somerset Levels and hiking in the Quantock Hills. Alongside information on the best local festivals, there are full reviews of the worthiest restaurants and the most characterful pubs. Beyond the borders of Somerset but within easy reach, The Rough Guide to Bath, Bristol & Somerset also takes in such hotspot destinations as Salisbury and Stonehenge, as well as the full-on family attraction of Longleat. Make the most of your holiday with The Rough Guide to Bath, Bristol & Somerset.

The Rough Guide to Bath, Bristol & Somerset is the definitive, full-color guide to this alluring region, illustrated throughout with striking photographs and packed with insightful information on everything from Beau Nash to Banksy, and from state-of-the-art spas to walking in the Mendips. Clear maps help you explore cosmopolitan Bristol and historic Bath, the Georgian city par excellence, while detailed descriptions of the best accommodations, restaurants, pubs, and clubs give the inside track on exactly where to eat, drink, and be merry. From the iconic cities of Wells and Glastonbury to the dramatic landscapes of Exmoor and the Levels, Somerset is covered in unparalleled detail, along with popular destinations just across the border in Wiltshire, such as Lacock, Longleat, and the unforgettable and mysterious ancient site of Stonehenge.