We explore 5 of the best museums in Somerset
1. Somerset Rural Life Museum, Glastonbury
Situated just below Glastonbury Tor, the museum is a unique attraction on the site of the former Abbey Farm. The museum was reopened in 2017 following a £2.4million redevelopment, led by the South West Heritage Trust.
On arrival, visitors are welcomed by a striking life-sized sculpture of a horse, made of old tools and agricultural scrap, by the artist Harriet Mead. The magnificent 14th-century Abbey Barn is the centrepiece of the museum grounds, completed in the 1340s to store produce from the Glastonbury Abbey estates. It is considered one of the West Country’s finest buildings.
Throughout the farmhouse and former farm buildings you can explore rural life from the 1800s onwards and discover more about the county’s heritage including its landscape, food and farming, working life, rural crafts and even traditional religion and folklore. Keep a look out as in addition to these permanent exhibitions, there is always a packed calendar of events.
2. Museum of Somerset, Taunton
Housed in Taunton’s historic castle, the Museum of Somerset tells the county's story from prehistoric times to the present day.
There are nine themed contemporary galleries within the 12th-century castle walls, each with its own distinctive character. ‘Must see’ exhibits include a 200 million-year-old Plesiosaur fossil (a type of marine reptile); the impressive Low Ham Roman mosaic and the Frome Hoard of more than 50,000 Roman coins.
The Somerset Military Museum is also based on the top floor, telling the story of the Somerset’s regiments.
There are always interesting temporary exhibitions on display. ‘In Fashion: How a Changing World Shaped What We Wear’, is open until 18 March, exploring how changes in society have shaped fashion from the late 1700s to the present day. The exhibition features 27 outfits from the museum’s collections and also includes jewellery, footwear and underwear, alongside paper sewing patterns and war-time ration books.
3. Haynes Motor Museum, nr Yeovil
Haynes Motor Museum has the UK’s biggest collection of cars with more than 350 rare, unique, classic, iconic and historic vehicles from around the world.
These include some of the most extraordinary vehicles ever built, going back to the birth of motoring with a 19th century Benz Patent Motorwagen, the world’s first motorised vehicle, and the 1931 Duesenberg Model J. Only eight were built and it is valued in excess of £12m.
For those feeling the need for speed, check out the Williams Formula 1 car driven by racing legend Nigel Mansell, as well as the iconic Eighties super car, the Lamborghini Countach, and the 1960 Ferrari 250 GT, one of the most classic profiles in sports car history.
Younger visitors are catered for as well, with a dedicated children’s motoring inspired play area and a fleet of tiny cars that can transport them around the Museum’s car collection.
4. Radstock Museum, Radstock
A listed building that was once the Radstock Market Hall is now the Radstock Museum, home to the collection of the Radstock, Midsomer Norton and District Museum Society, celebrating the history and heritage of the former Somerset Coalfield.
The last Somerset Coalfield mine closed in 1973 but in the Victorian industrial age there were 75 coal mines covering an area of 240 square miles. Surrounding villages and towns grew to accommodate the miners and their families.
There are many interactive and hands-on displays at the museum allowing the visitor a glimpse into the lives of the mining communities, and the trades and industries that developed as a result. From the hard, dangerous working conditions (some of the coal ‘seams’ were just two feet high!) and a miner’s cottage complete with outside privy, to an old Co-op shop set out as it would have been circa 1930 and a Victorian classroom.
5. Weston Museum, Weston-super-Mare 
Tucked down a side street between the Boulevard and Meadow Street, Weston Museum is housed in the town’s former Gas Company workshops, with stunning glass roofs and views across a cobbled courtyard.
Spacious galleries soak up Weston’s fascinating story, with collections containing intriguing objects from the Stone Age right up to the present. In addition to the permanent collections the museum also hosts events and exhibitions that you would normally expect to see in a city, but this time with free entry. For instance, there’s the last chance to visit the stunning Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, at Weston Museum until February 8.
As well as large exhibitions, the museum also supports community ventures. Until March 4, there is an exhibition about the Holly Hedge animal sanctuary, an independent charity based in Barrow Gurney. This museum really is a hidden gem, with something for everyone.
