Somerset Culture

Somerset's famous creative spirit has led to a culture rich in arts, literature, music and entertainment.

It's no wonder that Somerset hosts the Glastonbury Festival - the world's largest greenfield music and performing arts festival, which attracts rock legends as well as novice artistes looking to launch their careers.

Unique to Somerset is carnival season, which is led by Bridgwater Carnival, the largest illuminated Carnival in Europe that attracts more than 150,000 revellers. But our smaller towns also join in the fun and hold smaller illuminated carnivals.

Traditional theatre plays a key role in the cultural life of Somerset with professional and amateur performances in all of the seven theatres in the county as well as easy access to Bristol, Bath, Bournemouth, Exeter and the West End.

Arts & Crafts and the micro Food & Drink sectors contribute to the cultural diversity of Somerset with regular markets and events to entice customers and support the local economy.

Whether you are interested in architectural heritage, historical sites and buildings, parks and gardens or conservation, Somerset offers a wealth of culture, including:

• 11,500 listed buildings of special architectural or historic interest
• 523 scheduled ancient monuments
• 350-plus church towers with working bells
• 192 conservation areas
• 126 Sites of Special Scientific Interest
• 41 parks and gardens
• 36 English Heritage sites
• 19 National Trust properties
• 3 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty - inc Exmoor National Park
• The world renowned landscape of the Somerset Levels and Moors