March 2012
History meets the 21st century with new Somerset Routes website
Somerset’s quirky museums, historic castles and ancient monuments have entered
cyberspace, with the launch of a new website and social media platforms. Somerset Routes,
a scheme that celebrates Somerset’s heritage in one touring map, has this week launched its
website – www.somersetroutes.co.uk - making it even easier for the public to explore the
county’s wealth of historic attractions.
Originally created in 2009 by Somerset County Council and the Museums in Somerset group,
the ‘tube map’ style design breaks the county into seven different travel lines, taking in over
120 of the counties best heritage sites. Each line takes you to the museums, historic
railways, castles, gardens, stately homes and archaeological sites that make Somerset’s
heritage unique.
The new website allows you to search for sites either via the ‘tube map’ or by certain
criteria, such as historic period or collection type. It contains information on each site,
highlights forthcoming events, hosts downloadable itineraries and guides, and provides
information on areas such as volunteering at the historic properties. It is also linked to a
number of social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
County Councillor, Christine Lawrence, Cabinet Member responsible for Heritage, said: “The
Somerset Routes initiative has been a real success. Countless copies of the map, guides and
itineraries have been printed and issued, and the feedback we have received from visitors
has been wonderful.
“Creating a website, which can be regularly updated, has been a natural step in order to
cater for the interest the project has generated so far, and to take the promotion of our
heritage to a new level. A special mention must go to the Museums in Somerset group that
have worked so hard with our officers to make this happen.”
The different ‘lines’ on the map take in a wide range of historic sites and museums. From
the Alfred Line which explores the evocative Somerset Levels, and the Hamstone Line with
its stately homes and beautiful gardens, to the Quantock and Coast Line with its railways
and quirky museums – the map highlights the sheer breadth of heritage on offer in the
county.
Colin Spackman, Chair of Museums in Somerset, comments: “The success of the Somerset
Routes map has been fantastic and we hope that the new website can take the project to an
even wider audience, encouraging yet more people to explore the county’s hidden gems.
Bakelite coffins, the oldest manmade road in Britain and early Victorian prosthetic limbs are
just some of the treasures that can be found in Somerset. It boasts an amazing number of
museums and heritage attractions, and the website celebrates the fascinating, quirky,
important and often intriguing heritage locations in the county.”
Highlights from the Somerset Routes map include the recently opened Museum of
Somerset, Coleridge Cottage, Glastonbury Abbey, Ham Hill Country Park, Montacute House,
Hestercombe Gardens and the site of the Battle of Sedgemoor.
To find out more visit www.somersetroutes.co.uk
- ENDS Editors Notes
 For more information, images or interviews call Abby Richardson at Fresh PR on 07876 378733
or email abby@freshcommunication.co.uk / lisa@freshcommunication.co.uk (07801 979 987)
 We are happy to develop press trip itineraries based on the new Somerset Routes map – just
give us a call to discuss your requirements!

The Tube Lines are as follows:
o Alfred and Levels Line
Travel through 45 miles of the evocative Somerset Levels and explore ancient settlements,
medieval abbeys and civil war sites.
 Battle Line
This 85-mile circular line takes you through a range of different landscapes including the
Somerset Levels, the Mendip Hills, Polden Hills and coastline.
 Castle Line
From England's smallest city, to Somerset's border with Bath, over 30 miles of scenic roads
take you to some of the finest castles, buildings and palaces in the county.
 Country Line
Get the taste of Somerset in just 23 miles. Uncover ancient sites, glorious gardens and
picturesque parks or stop for the obligatory cricket and cider experience.
 Hamstone Line
This circular line showcases 55 miles of stately homes and beautiful gardens nestled
between traditional orchards and rural villages.
 Kings' Line
Travel the 40-mile line named after the area's royal connections with King Alfred and the
mythical King Arthur. The Kings' Line leads you from historic Montacute at the foot of Ham
Hill, to the very borders of Somerset and Dorset
 Quantock and Coast Line
Stretching across the west, this line encompasses 60 miles of the widest variety of castles,
abbeys, railways and quirky museum collections.

The website has been created using Renaissance SW funding from the Museums, Libraries and
Archives Council. They are part of an awareness raising campaign to promote the county to
locals and visitors alike
Somerset based museums grouped together to form the self-help group Museums in Somerset.
It meets 3 times a year to discuss issues of mutual interest, share news, participate in training
and plan partnership projects. The County has over 50 museums and heritage organisations. The
County Council and the District Council of South Somerset all run museums. The National Trust
and English Heritage also have properties in the region, but by far the largest number of
museums are run by independent charitable trusts and many of these only flourish due to the
commitment of volunteers
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