Somerset

The UK’s cheapest city break has been revealed and it’s a gorgeous destination to visit during the autumn and winter months especially if you like a good walk

City breaks have gotten expensive of late, and even a staycation in the UK can leave your bank account feeling drained. Luckily, there are still some destinations that offer value for money if you’re looking to get away for a while.

In general, staying away from the major tourist hotspots is the best way to get a city break bargain. One city in Somerset that is unlikely to be on your bucket list has topped Which?’s list of the best-value UK city breaks, with an overall score of 86%.

Wells in Somerset beat competitors from Liverpool to Lincoln to clinch four-stars for value for money, cultural sites, tourist attractions and accommodation. Best of all, it’s still possible to get a hotel room for under £100 a night, which is becoming increasingly difficult as prices rise across the UK.

Officially England’s smallest city, it manages to pack plenty of charm and attractions into a compact, walkable space. Part of the reason it was given city status in the 1970s was due to its impressive cathedral which has become an icon. Wells Cathedral has an impressive gothic style and includes The Bishop’s Palace & Gardens. You can tour this spectacular medieval palace as well as the 14-acres of gardens where you can spot wildlife including swans and deer.

The cathedral also connects to Vicars’ Close, a cobbled road that is reportedly Europe’s oldest residential street that still has its original buildings. Just wandering around Wells feels like you’ve stepped back in time, and the High Street is full of charming little independent shops that are fun to wander round.

Wells also has lots of cosy, historic pubs where you can relax after a day of exploring. The Crown dates back to the 15th century and has a warm, welcoming vibe, while The City Arms was built in 1606, and was the local jail for some time before becoming a pub and inn.

This compact city is also perfect for a weekend of walking. The National Trust site Ebbor Gorge National Nature Reserve sits on a limestone gorge and offers spectacular views across the Mendip Hills. There are three different trails you can take to explore the gorge, the longest and most difficult is 1.9 miles and involves some rocky terrain, but is worth it for the views.

Just a few minutes’ drive away are the Wookey Hole caves. You can tour these beautiful caves and even take part in activities such as climbing or taking adventure tours off the beaten paths. Wookey Hole also has a museum where you can learn about the history of the caves, and is home to Dinosaur Valley, a prehistoric-themed park with life-sized animatronic dinosaurs and fun, family-friendly trails.

READ MORE: Europe’s ‘cheapest city break’ has £3 pints and beautiful Old TownREAD MORE: UK’s 10 ‘most haunted’ walking trails this Halloween and their chilling backstories

Wells has a weekly market on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and in the run up to Christmas, there are festive-themed events planned. An Artisan Christmas Market takes place at the Bishop’s Palace on November 8 and 9, then on December 6 there’s a Christmas market at the Market Place and Cathedral Green. This will host over 100 stalls, and promises festive food, gifts, and live music performances.

If you’re looking for an inexpensive staycation, consider a trip to Wells. This underrated historic city is less crowded than nearby Bath or Bristol, but still makes for a relaxing weekend away.

Nunney has previously been dubbed the ‘prettiest village in England’ and it’s easy to see why, with its medieval castle, traditional pub and picturesque surroundings

It’s almost time for the clocks to go back, and chillier weather is settling in, now’s the perfect moment to secure a snug winter break closer to home.

Fortunately, Britain boasts some stunning locations, with beloved spots scattered across the nation.

If you’re lacking ideas, there’s a charming village that’s previously been dubbed England’s ‘most beautiful’ that’s absolutely worth exploring this winter.

Nunney is a tranquil village nestled in the heart of the West Country, within Somerset’s Mendip district.

The village is rich in heritage, much of which remains visible today.

Its medieval fortress, traditional village local and gorgeous surroundings are standout attractions for tourists.

The French-influenced castle, originally constructed for Sir John Dalaware in 1371, is encircled by a deep moat and is believed to have been modelled on Paris’s Bastille.

The walls remain largely preserved and it is “in perfect scale with its surroundings”, according to Visit Somerset.

Enthusiastic ramblers will be delighted to find the village trail.

Obtainable from Frome’s Tourist Information, the trail offers the finest way to discover the village’s attractions.

If you’ve built up a hunger whilst discovering Nunney, you might fancy popping into The George pub, which conveniently sits directly across from the castle.

As a traditional 17th century coaching inn, The George boasts exposed timber beams and crackling fires during winter and dishes up substantial local fare alongside 10 rooms for visitors travelling from afar. If you fancy extending your trip, consider a visit to Frome, a mere two miles from Nunney.

Recognised as one of the Times “Best Places to Live in Britain”, Frome is renowned for its historic architecture and independent boutiques.

As “the original Somerset Market Town”, Frome has kept up the tradition with regular markets every Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. The Frome Independent Market also makes an appearance on the first Sunday of each month from March through December.

Labelled as a “mini festival”, this monthly market takes over the entire town, drawing in thousands of visitors who come to browse the shopping stalls, sample local food and drink from vendors, and enjoy the street entertainment.

BIG BROTHER housemate Cameron revealed the surprising REAL reason he entered the house.

The 22-year-old farmer, from Somerset, got candid with fellow housemate Zelah, and opened up about his true intentions for coming onto the show.

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Cameron, who introduced himself as an introvert, told his co-star that he had entered the house on a mission to lose weight, as the pair openly discussed issues around body image.

As the pair had a conversation Cameron admitted that he had come into the house to “lose a bit of weight”.

Zelah, who works a professional trainer, asked if Cameron had any goals when it came to food.

Cameron responded: “Just like not eat so much crap all the time, like don’t binge as much.“

He went on to ask Zelah: “Did you used to be big?”

The personal trainer responded: “I used to be bigger, I used to be overweight.”

Zelah continued: “During my teen years, I developed an eating disorder.”

He opened up about his battle with bulimia, telling Cameron he struggled with “eating and then throwing up”.

Zelah admitted: “It stayed with me for a long time.”

Cameron responded: “At boarding school, we were made to run all the time and I was made to do rugby which I never really liked.”

He added: “I never really enjoyed, especially doing it with other people, I never really enjoyed doing all that.

“I felt embarrassed doing all that actually.”

Viewers praised Cameron for opening up about his body image struggles, particularly after he shared his fears over housemates liking him in an emotional diary room confession after entering the house.

Fans on social media admitted that the farmer has started to grow on them.

One viewer wrote on X: “Farmer O.G Cameron is really growing on me. Seems like such a nice guy. Love the way he emotionally checks in with people so effortlessly.”

Another fan said: “Farmer Cameron is a great addition to the cast i shouldnt have judged him prematurely”.

It comes as Gani became the second housemate to be given the boot from Big Brother house – after facing the first public vote of the series. 

Poor weather conditions meant ITV bosses had to pull the plug on using their outdoor set forcing this week’s evictee to leave via the back door.

Both Gani and Zelah found themselves facing the public vote after being given an evil eye by the four newest housemates – Richard, Feyisola, Cameron B and George.

Upon his departure being confirmed, he was met by Will Best, who walked him over to the Late and Live studio amid the shake-up.

When asked how he was feeling, Gani looked heartbroken as he confessed: “I seriously don’t know what to even say right now.”

During his exit interview with AJ and Will, Gani admitted he wanted to share more of himself whilst on the show.

A WOMAN armed with three knives threatened to kill migrants after watching far-right videos, a court heard.

Drunk and stoned Nina Manley, 51, got a taxi to a Premier Inn hotel — but it was the wrong one as there were no migrants living there.

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Staff at the hotel in North Petherton, Somerset, called cops, in August.

Manley told police: “I’m pissed off and I’m going to f***ing kill someone.”

Recorder Matthew Cannings told her at Taunton crown court: “You watched videos of extreme far-right social media personalities like Nigel Farage and Tommy Robinson.”

Defending, Anjam Arif said Manley came from a military background and lost a brother who was killed while serving in Afghanistan.

“Her actions were born out of bravado rather than a real threat to kill.”

Manley, of Bridgwater, admitted threats to kill and got a 12-month suspended jail sentence.