Description
Welcome to Somerset, in the South West of England, with its five areas of outstanding natural beauty plus the Exmoor National Park along with a varied coastline including long sandy beaches, rugged cliffs and traditional harbours. Somerset sizzles with many surprises waiting to be discovered, from stunning beaches, green spaces, woodlands, lakes & more, covering a wide range of landscapes. Hidden gems and well-known landmarks - it's all here in Sizzling Somerset!
Departure points to suit you...
Crusader Holidays uses an interchange system, taking place at either Beaconsfield Services (M40), South Mimms Services (M25/A1M) or Thurrock Services (M25).
Here you may have to change to your holiday coach and we are renowned for ensuring that this is smooth and efficient.
The holiday coaches typically depart from Beaconsfield Services at 11.15, Thurrock Services at around 09.30 and South Mimms Services at 10.30. Some customers find it more convenient to join direct at the interchange, please let is know when booking if this is the case.
*Due to increased operational costs, from Monday 16th October 2023 Dover, Folkestone, Canterbury & Ashford joining points will be subject to a £25.00 per person supplement on all 2024 UK Tours.
NOTE: Pick up points are a guide so please refer to your holiday confirmation for specific locations as details are subject to change.
Itinerary
Weekend Highlights
- Hotel for 3 nights with breakfast & buffet dinner- Tea / coffee after dinner- Excursion to Exmoor, Dunster & Watchet- Visit to Burnham on Sea & Wells- Porterage
Sizzling Somerset
Day 1 - Board your holiday coach to head west to Bridgwater to check into your hotel in plenty of time to freshen up before dinner. 3 nights with breakfast and buffet dinner included.
Days 2 - 3 - At leisure in Bridgwater with two included excursions
Exmoor National Park, Dunster & Watchet
Scenic drive into Exmoor National Park, calling at Dunster, one of England's most beautiful and fascinating medieval villages - steeped in medieval history and home to over 200 listed buildings. A fairy tale castle perched high on a hill, an iconic Yarn Market, charming shop fronts nestled side-by-side upon cobbled streets and rose-covered thatched cottages. Time here for sightseeing and lunch (not included) before rejoining the coach early afternoon to head to the seaside town, Watchet. The maritime history of Watchet colours every part of the town while the wild beauty of its coastline is untouched with ancient ammonite fossils lying on the shore, just waiting to be found.
Burnham-on-Sea & Wells
Although Burnham-On-Sea pier is Britain's shortest pier, it also has seven miles of golden sands stretching between Burnham & Brean Sands. The pier is still a lovely structure that, unlike a lot of its bigger counterparts, still retains its Edwardian features and elegance. The golden beaches attract tourists from all over the country. It marks the end of the second largest stretch of sand in Europe with the second largest tidal range in the world. Later head for Wells, with its quintessentially English village appearance, enjoyed by visitors from across the globe. It is compact, with cobbled streets, medieval architecture and a market square, yet is actually a city - the smallest in England to be precise! It was given this accolade by the commanding presence of Wells Cathedral. Built between 1175 and 1490 Wells Cathedral has been described as "the most poetic of the English Cathedrals".
Day 4 - Return to interchange with a stop for lunch on the way.
Venue Information
Your Hotel
Mercure Bridgwater
Situated very centrally in Bridgwater, the ultra-modern 4* hotel boasts a fitness centre, bar. restaurant, 24-hour front desk and room service. All guestrooms offer contemporary, comfortable furnishings. high speed WiFi, black out curtains, large screen TV, iron and ironing board, safe, hairdryer and a dual headed shower for a perfect leisure stay. There is a smart restaurant located within the hotel as well as a welcoming bar.