Diverse are the Quantocks – beautiful heathland on the hilltops and woods, pasture and parkland cover steep slopes on the west. Large woods of sturdy oak and bogs adorn the combes of the north east. That the area was chosen as both a Biological Site of Scientific Interest and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is hardly surprising. The hills run from Taunton to the Bristol Channel, a distance of about 15 miles. The Coleridge Way, a walking trail, runs from Nether Stowey to Porlock near the coast, a distance of 36 miles.

Most of the Exmoor National Park is within Somerset, but about 30% is in Devon. An area of nearly 270 square miles of rolling open moorland. Lorna Doone country. Cycling of all kinds, walking and horse riding are popular. An area of Outstanding Natural Beauty it lends itself also to quiet relaxing holidays and/or touring.

Taunton is the county town of Somerset and its largest town. It lies to the south east of the county close to the border with Devon. The County Cricket Ground is home to both the Somerset Cricket Club and to England's Women's Cricket. Taunton Castle houses the county museum. The famous Taunton Flower Show will be held this year on the 7th and 8th of August at Vivary Park.

Bath, a World Heritage Site, nestled in the Avon valley among its surrounding hills. is a Georgian city of Celtic and Roman origins. Both its Celtic and its Roman past are found in the Roman Baths. Hot springs that were a Celtic shrine and the Romans built as a bathing place. The city became popular in Georgian times as a spa resort, hence the magnificent architecture. The spectacular Royal Crescent stems from this era. Coming by road from Salisbury the route comes into Bath from the hills, and beautiful Bath is laid out below.

Wells the sister city to Bath, is set in the southern Mendips. Its name comes from the fact that during the Middle Ages there were three wells that were thought to cure ills. The legend survives in the city's coat of arms. It is a pleasing market city and makes an interesting centre for touring Somerset. Wells Cathedral has a striking, warm, architectural beauty. 356 statues adorn the West front and the Cathedral has the heaviest ring of 10 bells in the world.

Bristol is one of the top ten cities in the world to visit in 2009. It is England's sixth largest city and sits on the River Avon and it is here that the very important Bristol Harbour developed. It was not only a trading port but a port of exit for many notable explorations. Nowadays it handles the biggest importation of cars into the UK. The Wills family of tobacco fame are responsible for some of the architecture in the city. Isambard Kingdom Brunel built the Great Western Railway and the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Filton was the centre of the aircraft industry in the city which includes the ”Concorde”.

The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta was held this year from 6th to 9th August at Ashton Court Estate. Again the Fiesta featured the stunning Red Arrows. Charity of the Year was the Marie Curie Cancer Care charity. Entry to the Balloon Fiesta is free. Do not miss next year!!! www.bristolfiesta.co.uk

For 2009 the weather was near perfect giving record crowda Dates for the 2010 Fiesta are the 12th - 15th August. Don't miss it!! Best free show.

Glastonbury Festival 2009 Worthy Farm, Pilton. From Wednesday 24th to Sunday 29th June. It is the is the largest greenfield music and performing arts festival in the world. Mark out this time and get in early next year.