The Queen’s Jubilee in Somerset
This year, Her Majesty The Queen will become the first British monarch to celebrate 70 years of service. Celebrations have already begun, with festivities due to culminate in a four-day bank holiday weekend on 2 – 5 June.
During the long weekend, people up and down the country will be coming together to commemorate this landmark anniversary, with music, theatre, parades, street parties and more.
On 2 June, more than 1,500 beacons will be lit throughout the United Kingdom and abroad in recognition of The Queen’s service. Four Somerset beacons will be part of the official beacon anchor chain: Dunkery Beacon, Brean Down, Weston-super-Mare, Pen Hill, Wells, and Tunley, Bath.
There will be lots more beacons throughout the county, as well as plenty of jubilee events, making Somerset an ideal place to visit for this very special occasion. Just hop on one of our trains to Somerset and make use of our handy guide below, with lots of ideas for things to do in Somerset.
Looking for more inspiration on things to do during the long weekend? Check out our other destinations and book your tickets today.
Please also note, that our network stretches across England and Wales. Find out what restrictions apply when you travel.
During the long weekend, people up and down the country will be coming together to commemorate this landmark anniversary, with music, theatre, parades, street parties and more.
On 2 June, more than 1,500 beacons will be lit throughout the United Kingdom and abroad in recognition of The Queen’s service. Four Somerset beacons will be part of the official beacon anchor chain: Dunkery Beacon, Brean Down, Weston-super-Mare, Pen Hill, Wells, and Tunley, Bath.
There will be lots more beacons throughout the county, as well as plenty of jubilee events, making Somerset an ideal place to visit for this very special occasion. Just hop on one of our trains to Somerset and make use of our handy guide below, with lots of ideas for things to do in Somerset.
Bath
Bath is a beautiful destination, best known for its Georgian architecture, Roman baths and elegant spas. From 09:30 on 2 June, visitors can enjoy the Lighting of the Beacons, where city-centre landmarks will be specially illuminated for the occasion. On 5 June, on the Lower Lawn of the Royal Crescent, there will be the Big Jubilee Picnic, with free family-friendly activities, including face painting and arts and crafts.Where to stay
Dukes is a boutique guest house just a short walk from Bath’s main attractions. Spread over two interconnected townhouses, it boasts period décor and a decent, cooked-to-order breakfast.Food and drink
A regal celebration would not be complete without an afternoon tea. The appropriately named Royal Crescent Hotel offers an indulgent selection of sandwiches, freshly-baked scones, pastries, cakes, and high-quality tea.Out and about
A visit to the world-famous Roman Baths is a must. The beautifully preserved attraction was where the Roman elite relaxed and socialised, and today it’s home to thousands of artefacts, including a striking sculpture of the Roman goddess Minerva.Weston-super-Mare
The traditional seaside resort, Weston-super-Mare, with its Grand Pier and long sandy beach, attracts holidaymakers from all around Somerset and beyond. On 5 June, it will host Picnic in the Park at Grove Park, where there will be live performances from the sea shanty group the Steepholmers, WorleWind Band, Worle Operatic, and Stagecoach Dance. There will be loads of activities for the kids, including 1950s fancy dress. Weston-super-Mare is also the closest city to Brean Down, one of the locations for the beacon anchor chain.Where to stay
Being a holiday resort, Weston has no shortage of places to kip. The charming Beachlands Hotel, just a short walk from the beach, has a heated, indoor swimming pool and quaintly decorated rooms.Food and drink
The Ginger Pig Kitchen is a stylish yet homely bistro restaurant, serving hearty meals, such as belly pork, pie of the day and fish and chips. There is also a tapas option if you are looking to enjoy a little nibble over a few drinks.Out and about
Weston Sand Sculpture Festival is a seasonal attraction showcasing work by some of the finest sand sculptors around. Open from 4 April, the festival includes art that references popular films and TV shows – fun for all the family.Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge
Down the coast from Weston are the towns of Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge. This summer, they will host Queen’s Jubilee celebrations, including the Platinum Jubilee afternoon tea on 3 June at Hellend’s Kitchen; and A Right Royal Jubilee Jam on 4 June at Morland Hub, which will include live street art, music, food, face painting and a Punch and Judy show. The Bonfire of the Vanities and Street Party will be held at 51a Abingdon Street, with a celebration and beacon lighting.Where to stay
A short walk from the seafront and the Burnham-on-Sea town centre is the St Aubyn’s Guest House. It has a variety of rooms to choose from, including a family room with a king-size bed and two singles. There’s also a small indoor swimming pool if you’re looking to splash around after a day’s exploring.Where to eat
In the heart of Burnham-on-Sea is the lively Italian restaurant, LaVela, serving traditional Mediterranean cuisine, including pizzas, calzone and pasta.Out and about
For a beautiful weekend walk, head north to Brean Down (a 25-minute drive by taxi from Burnham-on-Sea). The natural pier extends 1.5 miles into the Bristol Channel and makes for an excellent loop – out to the viewing point and back. Among the wildlife and stunning vistas, you’ll discover a military fort and the site of a Roman temple.Wells
Wells, which GWR passengers can reach by bus from Bristol Temple Meads and Taunton bus station, is the country’s smallest city, making it a compact and lively place to visit. For the jubilee, the city will host Wells Cathedral Jubilee Charity Abseil (4 June) and Wells Jubilee Celebrations (5 June), which will take place across the city centre and include music, dance, drama, exhibitions and children’s activities. North of Wells, on Pen Hill, will be situated one of the beacon anchor chains.Where to stay
Directly opposite the cathedral is the 4-star Swan Hotel. A former coaching inn, the luxury hotel has a decent restaurant and serves afternoon tea in the bar and lounge.Food and drink
Get yourself some top-quality gastro pub food at Twentyone, just around the corner from Wells Cathedral. We recommend the excellent breakfast menu, with its selection of American pancakes, and sourdough pizzas.Out and about
Wells Cathedral is one of the country’s most beautiful churches, with detailed Gothic architecture. Its stunning West Front is a sight you’re unlikely to forget, and the famous Wells Clock is said to contain one of the oldest clock mechanisms in Britain.Looking for more inspiration on things to do during the long weekend? Check out our other destinations and book your tickets today.
Please also note, that our network stretches across England and Wales. Find out what restrictions apply when you travel.