Somerset

:This page is about the county of Somerset in the United Kingdom. For other meanings of Somerset, see Somerset (disambiguation).

Trade, industry and tourism

The main part of Somerset has few significant industrial centres. Bridgwater was developed during the Industrial Revolution as the West Country's leading port. Yeovil is important in the manufacture of helicopters. Many towns have developed small-scale light industries, such as Crewkerne's Ariel Motor Company, Ltd., one of the UK's smallest automobile manufacturers.

Related Topics:
Bridgwater - Industrial Revolution - Yeovil - Helicopter - Light industries - Crewkerne - Ariel Motor Company, Ltd.

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Agriculture continues to be a major business in the county, if no longer a major employer. Apple orchards were once plentiful, and to this day Somerset is linked to the production of strong cider, arguably more so than any other part of the world.

Related Topics:
Agriculture - Apple - Orchard - Cider

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The towns of Taunton and Shepton Mallet are involved with the production of cider, especially Blackthorn Dry Cider, a refined cider rooted in Somerset and sold nationwide.

Related Topics:
Taunton - Shepton Mallet - Blackthorn Dry Cider

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Much of the county is scenic and unspoilt. Tourism is a major industry in the county, estimated in 2001 to support around 23,000 people. Attractions include its coastal towns, part of the Exmoor National Park, the West Somerset Railway (a heritage railway), and the museum of the Fleet Air Arm at RNAS Yeovilton. The town of Glastonbury is famous for its mythical associations, and open-air rock festival (actually in Pilton), while the Cheddar Gorge is famous for caves open to visitors, as well as its locally produced cheese.

Related Topics:
2001 - Exmoor National Park - West Somerset Railway - Heritage railway - Fleet Air Arm - RNAS Yeovilton - Glastonbury - Rock festival - Pilton - Cheddar Gorge - Cave - Cheese

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