Charlie Watts

Weston-super-Mare has been named one of the UK's top hidden-gem staycation destinations, sharing first place with Whitstable and Poole in a study commissioned by credit card provider Aqua. The research assessed factors including online searches and social media activity, finding that Weston generated around 402,000 Instagram posts but only about 7,800 annual searches related to visits and hotels. Other destinations highlighted included Robin Hood's Bay, Torquay, the Brecon Beacons, Deal, Portmeirion and Ilfracombe, as domestic holidays remain popular.

A heatwave and prolonged dry conditions exposed the outlines of former Dutch-style gardens at The Bishop's Palace in Wells. The features, thought to date from the mid to late 1700s, appear to include gravel pathways bordered by clipped grass or box hedging in front of the Great Hall. Drone photography made the patterns easier to identify, offering new insight into the palace's history.

Petruth Paddocks near Cheddar and Burton Springs Holidays near Bridgwater have been included in Campsites.co.uk’s Outstanding Family Sites for 2026. Petruth Paddocks was highlighted for its play area, sports facilities, golf course, food offerings and 4.81-star guest rating, while Burton Springs was recognised for its play park, 24-hour games room and fishing lakes. The list is based on verified reviews, performance data and editorial assessments.

Kirsty Baughan has moved from a two-bedroom Victorian home in Bristol to a three-bedroom property at the Polden Orchards development in Puriton, near Bridgwater. After seven house moves and more than a decade working from home, she says the larger, lower-maintenance property, upgraded kitchen and strong sense of community offer a positive new chapter. Her move was completed through David Wilson Redrow South West’s part-exchange scheme, while the development now offers three- and four-bedroom homes near Bridgwater, the M5 and the Somerset coast.

The RAF Red Arrows will perform a flypast over Longleat on September 11 as part of the attraction's 60th-anniversary Icons of the Sky event. The three-day programme will feature hot-air balloon ascents, specialist balloons including the 120-foot Smiley and Chateau Balleroy, warbird flypasts, aerobatics, pyrotechnics and fireworks, subject to weather conditions. The event is included with standard Longleat day tickets, while members can book Friday and Sunday access for £1.

Eleven pubs in Somerset have been included in The Telegraph’s guide to the 650 best pubs in the UK for 2026. The guide expanded from its previous England-only selection to include pubs across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, with entries assessed by a panel of six experts for character, hospitality, history and beer quality. The Somerset venues include pubs in Langport, West Chinnock, Porlock, Wells, Witham Friary, Radstock, Clapton-in-Gordano, Norton St Philip and Bath.

Strong winds caused a heavy sand build‑up along Warren Road in Minehead, prompting Somerset Council’s grounds team, supported by tractors, to clear the material and return it to the beach. The annual cleanup was delayed due to Environment Agency work on Minehead Beach but was completed in time for the summer season to ensure clear access for residents and visitors.

A multi‑agency operation in Somerset saw police and enforcement partners stop 61 vehicles, issuing 26 fixed‑penalty notices and seizing seven vehicles for insurance and licensing offences. Two drivers were arrested on suspicion of drug‑driving, and Home Office officers dealt with two immigration offences. Several vehicles were deemed dangerously unroadworthy, and five were prohibited from continuing their journeys. The operation also provided training experience for new Wiltshire Police officers, and police noted positive public engagement, including a motorist returning with ice lollies for officers working in the heat.

A man in his seventies died at the scene of a two‑vehicle collision on Bath Road in West Harptree. A young adult was taken to hospital and later discharged. The road was closed overnight while Avon and Somerset Police conducted initial inquiries, and officers are appealing for witnesses or information regarding the incident.

Police are appealing for information after an 11‑year‑old girl was sexually assaulted in a wooded area near Clarks Way playground in Bath. A man in his 40s was arrested and released under investigation as officers analyse CCTV, forensic evidence and witness information. Detectives released a detailed description of the suspect and urged the public to come forward with any relevant information.

Clarks Village in Street has appointed Mike Jones as its new centre director, marking his return to Somerset where his retail career began. Jones brings extensive international experience, including roles with M&S in the Middle East, Xander Group in India and senior positions at Adidas in Germany and New York. He aims to promote the outlet’s distinctive setting while prioritising customer experience. Clarks Village, the UK’s first retail outlet, now hosts more than 90 brands and continues its development under new leadership.

The Wurzels will perform at Taunton Brewhouse on October 10, supported by Wiltshire performer Corky. The venue promoted the show as a night of rural folk, rock and comedy from the long-running Somerset band. Tickets open for priority booking on July 8 and general sale on July 10.

Police are seeking information on the whereabouts of 40-year-old Lee Benger, who is wanted on a court warrant after failing to appear at Taunton Crown Court for a hearing connected to a serious assault investigation. Avon and Somerset Police have issued a public appeal, providing a physical description of Benger and noting his links to Radstock, Midsomer Norton and Coleford. The public is urged to call 999 with sightings or 101 with other information, quoting reference 5225262148.

A police crackdown on motorcycle thefts in Taunton led to the arrest of a juvenile after officers, supported by a helicopter, stopped a vehicle in Monkton Heathfield on July 4. Avon and Somerset Police said the investigation is ongoing and urged the public to continue providing information. Officers advised motorcycle and bicycle owners to strengthen security measures and plan to host a local event to help prevent further thefts.

A collision between a car and a lorry on the A358 at Mattocks Hill near Taunton left the car’s driver with life‑changing injuries and a passenger in a life‑threatening condition. The road was temporarily closed and later reopened. Avon and Somerset Police notified next of kin and appealed for witnesses, asking anyone with information to contact them with the provided reference number.

A retiring Avon and Somerset Police officer, Darren Pearson, completed his final patrol in Wells alongside his son, Callum, drawing comparisons to the film Hot Fuzz, which was shot in the city. Colleagues praised Darren’s 25 years of service, and local policing teams marked the occasion by sharing a photo and commending his contributions to the community.

Large crowds gathered at Vivary Park and Wilton Lands in Taunton to celebrate Somerset Armed Forces Day, featuring military displays, live entertainment, and participation from serving personnel, veterans, families, and community groups. Attendees included representatives from the Royal Navy, military organizations, and local visitors, contributing to a festive atmosphere highlighting appreciation for the Armed Forces community. A spokesperson emphasized the event’s role in offering public thanks and boosting morale for service members and their families.