Some Suggested Activities Whilst Staying in Wells
Things To See And Do
Little St John's Cottage - is situated in the centre of the Cathedral city of Wells. Stunning architecture abounds, and a super selection of - great coffee houses, pubs, bistros and restaurants - specialist shops, antique markets and beauty salons is all within easy reach of the cottage. Wells is surrounded by the wonderful countryside of the Mendip Hills, designated an area of outstanding natural beauty, so it is perfect for walks and picnics.
In Wells, there is much to see and do:
The magnificent Cathedral of St Andrew is a must see! Regular guided tours last about 45 minutes and are well worth your time. Evensong daily at 5.15pm (3pm on Sunday). Main Sunday service 9.45am. Don't forget to see the famous clock (inside and out), dating back to the 1300s; every 15 minutes jousting knights pop out!
Construction of the Cathedral began in 1180. The West Front was added in 1220-1240 and is best viewed at sunset. Admission is free but do leave a little something on the plate as you leave. Regular musical concerts and festivals are held year round. Full details inside the Cathedral or from the TIC office at top of Market Place. Within the grounds of the Cathedral there is an excellent shop and cafe.
Cathedral Green is a popular place to sit and relax. Spend an hour or so in the Museum which houses fascinating fossils and minerals including pearls from Wookey Hole Caves, an impressive Stone/Iron age collection, antique samplers, and regular special exhibitions. Opens 11am. Just up from the Museum is the Music Hall where free, short, lunchtime concerts are held by very talented children from the Cathedral School (usually at 1pm).
Next to the Cathedral is The Bishop's Palace, a fantastic 13th century building within 14 acres of beautiful gardens and a huge moat - do stroll around this as it is a super walk with plenty of benches to stop for a rest to take in the magnificence. The Palace is also a popular venue for wedding receptions. Enter through The Bishop's Eye archway at top of Market Place. Take some bread to feed the ducks and see the swans.
Open air markets are held in the Market Place every Wednesday and Saturday and there are regular antique fairs and oriental carpet sales in the adjacent Town Hall. Excellent weekly local farmers' markets and French markets plus a wonderful Christmas market (usually mid December) with real reindeer and, of course, Santa.
Vicars Close, just off Chain Gate, dates from the early 15th century and is one of the best preserved medieval streets in Europe. The tall chimneys which are very special were added in the 15th century.
Moving on from Wells, the following, all nearby, are rich landmarks:
During the 7th century, The Saxons conquered Somerset and built the start of Glastonbury Abbey. The abbey and beautiful grounds have, I think, a very special feel of peace and grace. There is an enormous amount of important history here, and fascinating speculation regarding the Holy Grail, King Arthur and more...
...During the summer, open air concerts are held in the grounds - Jools Holland and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra are regular performers. Take your own picnic! Sample water from The Chalice Well, 'a place of sanctity, healing and peace'.
The Glastonbury Festival takes place at Worthy Farm, Pilton (7 miles from Wells) at the end of June each year. Some of last year's performers were Tom Jones, The Killers, Kasabian, Fat Boy Slim, Lily Allen, Status Quo and Leonard Cohen. Last year (2010) the headliners were Muse and Stevie Wonder, plus Florence, Orbital, Willie Nelson, Faithless and hundreds more. Can't wait for the next festival!
Do make the time to drive through the Gorge. It is spectacular. Visit the caves and the pretty village of Cheddar which has several excellent cheese and cider shops. And there is always time for a luscious cream tea!
Stonehenge is approximately 1 hour's drive away. Spectacular all year round, but especially so over the Summer Solstice when visitors camp out around the stone circle for the night and celebrate the sunrise. Pure magic.
For a longer drive, explore the unspoilt and very beautiful coast of North Devon, taking in Exmoor en route. Lynton and Lynmouth are both highly recommended (2 hours) where there is a wonderful funicular railway and a superb pub/restaurant in Lynmouth - The Rising Sun - a must for a local crab salad lunch. Check out the Valley of the Rocks - amazing scenery just half a mile west of Lynton. An absolute winner and perfect picnic country.
Other driving times to popular places to visit include Bristol - 40 minutes; Taunton - 1 hour (Somerset County Cricket Club ground); Avebury, a magical place - 1.5 hours. Short flights (20 minutes) over the area are available.
Wookey Hole Caves is one of the oldest UK tourist attractions, enthralling visitors since Roman times. Open all year round and now with a new light and sound experience, Wookey Hole is a great attraction for all of the family. Parking, picnic area, gift shop, restaurant and bar.
The City of Bath is very beautiful, steeped in history and has many landmarks to visit. The Royal Crescent was designed by John Wood the Younger and is one of the finest examples of 18th century city architecture.
Thermae Bath Spa is England's only natural thermal waters, which visitors can enjoy as the Romans did over 2000 years ago! Close to Bath Abbey (also worth a visit), the Spa has a fabulous open-air rooftop pool, Minerva bath, aroma steam rooms, waterfall shower and a restaurant.
Longleat House and Safari Park which many of you will have seen on TV, is one of England's tip top attractions. Tigers and lions abound, and many other animals and birds, plus over 1,000 acres of fabulous landscaped parkland with pleasure boats on the lakes, a mini railway, parrot show and much more. Ensure you make time for a full day (or two!) at Longleat, which opens just before Easter and closes at the end of October.
The maze is great fun and Pet's Corner is excellent for little ones and grownups alike. A family ticket is good value. Private rooms in Lord Bath's house (who is often around) are sometimes open to visitors or you can purchase a special ticket to 'see behind the scenes' and/or take a special safari tour, both of which are highly recommended. Restaurant and cafe on site.
East and West Somerset Steam Railways offer a steaming day out for all of the family. You can travel by steam engine, take part in special themed weekends and even book in advance to learn how to drive a train yourself!
The Helicopter Museum at Weston-super-Mare is home to the world's largest chopper collection which displays over 70 aircraft from around the world.
The Clarks Village at Street is a very popular factory shopping outlet providing a vast range of high quality discounted goods. On offer are shoes, ladies and menswear, china and glass, linen, furniture, kitchenalia, plants, pottery and beauty products. Household names abound with Next, Monsoon, Jaeger, Le Creuset, Billabong, Black and Decker, Marks and Spencer, Crabtree and Evelyn, Prices Candles, Salt Rock, Rohan, Lillywhites, a morning or afternoon here is highly recommended. Good car parking, open air cafes and restaurants and children's play area.
Stourhead House and Gardens dates from the 1700s. Classical temples are set around the mature woodland which has an incredible collection of exotic trees. The house has a Regency library, superb paintings and Chippendale furniture. King Alfred's Tower is an intriguing red-brick folly which gives breathtaking views over the estate. Stunning in all seasons. Summer picnics [fetes champetres] are held in July with entertainment and fireworks. And in the Autumn, the colours and magnificent.
The Fleet Air Arm Museum is in Yeovilton and houses a fascinating and excellent display of aircraft through the ages. You cannot do this museum justice in a couple of hours so put a half day (or longer) aside. Simulated helicopter ride is awesome and flies you to the flight deck of the aircraft carrier HMS Arkroyal. Good shop and cafe and ample parking.
Brean Leisure Park is opposite Brean Sands - a lovely clean, sandy beach with dunes. Take your car onto the beach for a picnic. Fab leisure pool with lots of water chutes/rapids so great fun for kids. Fun roller coaster and other rides. Dogs allowed in certain areas.
Glastonbury Tor. The Tor lies over 500 feet above sea level and has the most fantastic views. A regular 'park and ride' facility is available - recommend you make use of this as cars do get clamped. It is a fairly steep walk up but you can take it slowly. It is quite windy so wrap up!
Golf, fishing, shooting, riding and tennis are all available within or close to Wells. The Wells Leisure Centre (off Cheddar road) has an indoor pool, badminton and many other facilities. The nearest golf course is The Wells Golf Club (1 mile) on the corner of Bath Road and Old Frome Road. Excellent course with good club house with balcony open to non members. Sunday lunch carvery recommended.