Somerset has been ranked among England's five best counties, according to a new list from The Telegraph.
The publication initially ranked all the English counties back in 2022, but has added some new criteria to give a fuller picture.
In the initial list, 33 factors were analysed, but this was increased to 50 for the 2026 version.
These include the quality of pubs, golf courses and seaside piers, the highest waterfall, the number of National Trails, crime rate and railway heritage.
Counties were scored on their performance across all categories to determine their overall ranking.
A spokesperson for The Telegraph said: "Which is the greatest English county of them all, the corner of our green and pleasant land that offers what holidaymakers treasure in the greatest abundance?
"This is a question we first set out to answer in 2022 by comparing the 48 contenders across a vast range of criteria, from length of coastline to number of RSPB reserves.
"Now we're doing it again."
The full list of England's best counties can be found on The Telegraph.
Where did Somerset rank among England's counties?
Somerset finished in fifth place, dropping one spot from its fourth-place finish in 2022.
The county achieved a total score of 867, compared to Devon's 1,044 points, which secured the top spot.
Somerset ranked second for history and culture, seventh for peace and quiet, and 10th for both natural wonders and luxuries.
Discussing why it was featured so highly, The Telegraph wrote:Β "The archetypal 'green and pleasant land', steeped in Arthurian folklore, and home to Bath, a double World Heritage Site and arguably the most visually arresting city in the whole of England, Somersetβs position at the business end of our rankings is incontrovertible.
"On top of Exmoor National Park (worth 30 points), its five National Landscapes β Blackdown Hills, Cotswolds, Cranborne Chase and the West Wiltshire Downs, Mendip Hills, and Quantock Hills β are a record (and worth 50 more points).
"It has 25 National Trust listings and 13 English Heritage properties, for a further 84 points.
"Its five protected food and drink products (West Country lamb, West Country beef, Exmoor Jersey blue, West Country farmhouse cheddar, Somerset cider brandy) snaffle it another 35.
"Four RSPB reserves β where you can watch starlings murmurate in winter β are another highlight (25 points)."
Somerset also scored highly for its low population density, dark skies, and lack of a major international airport, helping it secure seventh place for peace and quiet.
The Telegraph added: "Nor is it resting on its bucolic laurels, luxury hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants are popping up in its increasingly stylish market towns.
"Rich in history, but with its finger on the pulse."
Glastonbury Tor and St Michael's Tower were highlighted as the best attractions the county had to offer, thanks to their "dramatic views across the mysterious Somerset Levels".
Meanwhile, The Newt near Castle Cary was recommended as the best hotel you could stay at in Somerset.
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The publication explained: "Surely the best contemporary country-house hotel in Britain right now.
"The Newt has evolved into a whole universe with horticulture at its heart.
"Gardens are nothing short of magnificent and not only do they look good, the estate is virtually self-sufficient thanks to their bounty."
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