Ten attractions locals in Somerset and Bath avoid but tourists flock to

In Somerset and Bath there are an abundance of famous landmarks, attractions and sightseeing spots that thousands every year flock to see.

There's a reason why the attractions are so popular but most locals tend to avoid them for a variety of reasons.

Here is a list of tourist hotspots that are often overlooked or avoided completely by those living in the Somerset and Bath area.

1. Roman Baths

The Roman Baths is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the UK.

The interactive museum and audio guides, which allow visitors to delve into the history of the monument, are particularly popular.

While it is seen as an absolute must for any visit to Bath, locals tend to avoid it due to the crowds, prices and the fact they're well aware of what's inside - it being what the city is possibly most famous for.

2. Wells Cathedral

As with many architectural masterpieces, they can blend into the background and be taken for granted by the people who see them every day. Unless they're going there for a specific event or service, most people in Wells rarely set foot inside.

Some people are displeased that the cathedral has become “yet another tourist attraction.”

One TripAdvisor reviewer wrote: “Nobody can dispute the spectacular beauty of this magnificent cathedral. The work that went into its construction is awe inspiring.

"I can understand the difficulties faced by those who are responsible for its upkeep, but I feel the cathedral has lost some of its religious significance and has become yet another tourist attraction”.

However, Ian R wrote: “Wells is way off the beaten track in terms of hordes of tourists, but the cathedral and the town are a hidden gem and well worth visiting.”

Wells Cathedral at Sunset (Image: Rich Wiltshire)

3. Thermae Bath Spa

As Britain's only natural thermal spa, Thermae Bath Spa is something everyone has to experience at least once, but as a tourist hotspot, it is usually somewhere that locals will avoid.

A TripAdvisor reviewer who visited last month said they had to queue for almost 3 hours to get into the spa.

Mumanddaughterof15 wrote: “It was a good experience but I’d be careful to choose a time when they are less busy.”

4. Cheddar Gorge

Cheddar Gorge was described by one TripAdvisor reviewer as a ‘honey trap for tourists.’

However, locals also know it as a nightmare to drive through on busy days and a place which can also be plagued by boy racers.

They do not completely avoid the beautiful landscapes, however, but most will be aware that it is possible to do the Gorge cliff top walk for free as opposed to paying for a ticket.

The spectacular views Cheddar Gorge offers are very much appreciated by locals (Image: Getty Images)

5. The Jane Austen Centre

The Jane Austen Centre is an exhibition that explores Bath’s history and its associations with Jane and the influence the city had on her books, characters and personal life.

The most recent review on TripAdvisor was titled "definitely aimed at tourists."

It is most certainly a niche offering and not everyone's a fan of Mr Darcy and Miss Bennett, as well as Austen's other fiction.

However, the reviewer noted that it was “a beautiful building and it was lovely to see the friendly staff in costume and to gain a sense of the period.”

Participants gather in front of the Assembly Rooms as they prepare to take part in the annual Jane Austen Regency Costumed Parade as it leaves the Assembly Rooms

6. Bath guided walking tour

Bath is a compact city and it is unlikely that those who live there have not yet discovered most of what there is to discover.

However, for those visiting, it is a perfect opportunity to explore everything that the historic city has to offer with the benefit of insider knowledge from a local tour guide.

7. Hot Fuzz Tour, Wells

While there are no doubt there are many Hot Fuzz superfans that are local to Wells, it is unlikely that those who live in the city will hire a guide to take them around the streets which are so familiar to them.

However, the tour seems extremely popular with the tourists, with every TripAdvisor review rated 5 stars.

Justin H said: "As an avid Hot Fuzz fan, my family and I had to stop by Wells (filming location) for the movie Hot Fuzz. It was superb too say the least.

"So much that you don't even realize took place here and with such a beautiful small town feel. It was the highlight of my trip to the UK."

Simon Pegg, left, and Nick Frost during the filming of Hot Fuzz in Market Place

8. The Museum of Somerset

The Museum of Somerset is located in the 12th century great hall of Taunton Castle, where you can discover 400 million years of history.

According to John F On TripAdvisor, highlights include “a well presented series on the pre-history and history of Taunton, an amazing Roman mosaic, hoards of Roman coins, a replica of the Alfred Jewel (original in Bodleian) and military memorabilia.”

Yet thousands of people from Somerset have never been there and would never think to go there. Perhaps they already know enough about the county's history to warrant the trip to Taunton?

9. The Fleet Air Arm Museum, Yeovil

The Fleet Air Arm Museum has an extensive collection of military and civilian aircraft, aero engines, models of aircraft and Royal Navy ships, and paintings and drawings related to naval aviation.

Yet if you speak to locals, many have never been, despite it being on their doorstep.

TripAdvisor user, Matt P wrote: “This is a brilliantly envisioned museum, with a great range of displays.

"The immersive Ark Royal experience is a great idea, and had all of my family enraptured.”

Another user made a useful suggestion to tourists: “This summer, when you're on the A303, make a point of stopping here. You can see it from the A303, it's that close.”