Somerset is one of the most underrated counties in England, but in fact this part of South West England has every example of the best parts of Britain including historic cities, excellent shopping and world famous festivals.
For that reason new homes in Somerset always get snapped up fast, especially as the relaxed pace of life and appreciation of fine food and drink make this a perfect retirement destination.
With that in mind here are six reasons to live in Somerset and enjoy a peaceful life in a park home.
1. The Historic City of Bath
Bath is surely one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but it is surprisingly functional for such a massive tourist destination. This brownstone city is nestled perfectly in a lovely Somerset valley and everywhere you look are handsome buildings. And while the Royal Crescent and the Bath Spa are obvious attractions, Bath has luxurious shopping and an array of cafes and cuisines on offer from around the world in every nook and cranny.
2. The Glastonbury Tor and Glastonbury Abbey
Glastonbury Abbey is famed in folklore as the burial place of King Arthur and that alone makes this a legendary place of pilgrimage every year. The Tor is run by the National Trust and is well worth seeing on a Somerset day out.
3. Glastonbury Festival
Surely the world’s largest rock concert can’t be mentioned in the same paragraph as a blog about retirement park living? Wrong. Glastonbury is incredibly popular with the older generations and last year alone more than 1,500 people over the age of 50 headed to this spectacular show which is as well known from rain and mud as it is for being inclusive.
4. The Black Hills
Not into rock concerts? Have no fear, Somerset has huge areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty including the Black Hills. That includes the Mendip Hills and the Quantock Hills, both fantastic places to go walking or cycling and enjoy the fresh air for which England is famous.
5. Exmoor National Park
Alternatively there is the massive expanse of space around Exmoor, 693 square kilometres, most of which is heath land. The moor is home to many exciting animals including red deer and Exmoor ponies. There is also a myth that the beast of Exmoor stalks the Moors, some kind of panther that was released there in the seventies, but with no confirmed sightings of the animal you can rest easy on your country walk. Exmoor is also home to some of the highest sea cliffs in England.
6. Days Out with the Grandkids
Wookey Hole attracts thousands of visitors every year as the home of the famous witch of Wookey. There are spectacularly lit caves and lots of activities for people of all ages. You can also visit the largest zoo in the south west of England, Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm which is set on over 100 acres of rolling farmland. The zoo is home to large zoo animals like lions, tigers and rhinos. Lots of indoor and outdoor playgrounds as well as a hedge maze make this the perfect place to take the grandkids.