A warm welcome awaits all who travel to this county of contrast long sweeping beaches and coastal resorts at Minehead, Burnham-on-Sea, Weston-Super-Mare or Clevedon are perfect for family holidays made from sand, sea and surf. Venture inland and you will find an epic and wild countryside, alive with colour. Exmoor National Park plus three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are home to a diverse range of wildlife.

Explore rolling, rural wilds set alongside stunning coastline and beaches. Steeped in history, legend and tradition, promises a rich journey full of sights and sounds that will stir the senses.

On Exmoor enjoy a landscape where you can roam, drive or ride over heather-clad moorland with the rare Exmoor pony and at the same time witness dramatic sandstone cliffs, which descend down to secret wooded combs and the sea. If you walk or ride, you will love Exmoor with over 700 miles of footpaths and bridleways to explore, even in high season it is possible to get away from it all here. Real moorland Exmoor sometimes gives way to softer wooded valleys where walkers will find the villages of Simonsbath, Withypool and Winsford all with good pubs and cream teas, along with the delightful old moorland town of Dulverton.

The internationally important area of The Levels and the Moors are a rural idyll where traditional crafts still bind the tapestry of West Country life. Cradled in the arms of the countryside, historic towns and villages invite you to seek out their history and heritage. Step back to time of mystics and magic following the legend of King Arthur to Glastonbury. Look-up in awe at Wells Cathedral as it stands majestically at the centre of England's smallest city. Promenade along the pier at Clevedon and drink in the view.

Somerset offers more than just a holiday. Whether you want to explore the beautiful countryside or build castles in the sand Somerset is a county where memories are made.

Somerset Attractions:

Brean Leisure Park: A large fun park with over 30 rides and attractions. 01278 751595. www.brean.com

West Somerset Railway: Nostalgic steam train ride from Bishop’s Lydeard to Minehead. www.wsr.org.uk

Wookey Hole Caves, Wells: Britain's most spectacular showcaves and home to the infamous Witch of Wookey. 01749 672243. www.wookey.co.uk

Willows and Wetlands Visitor Centre, Taunton: Take a guided tour for a fascinating visit to the willow yards and a chance to watch craftsmen making quality Somerset baskets. 01823 490249. www.coates.willowbaskets.co.uk

Cheddar Caves and Gorge: Cathedral-like caves and Britain’s biggest gorge. 01934 742343

Dunster Castle, Dunster: Ancient castle with fine interiors and sub tropical gardens. 01643 821314. www.dunstercastle@nationaltrust.org.uk

Fleet Air Arm Museum: Nr Yeovil. One of the world's largest aviation museums with over 50 historic aircraft on display. 01935 840565. www.fleetairarm.com

Glastonbury Tor: Myths and legends are associated with the Tor. 01985 843600. www.glastonburytor@nationaltrust.org.uk

Cricket St Thomas Wildlife Park, Chard. The top year round attraction in the southwest for the conservation of wildlife. 01460 30111. www.cstwp.co.uk