Essential Guide to Somerset - Castles, Caves & Forts Glastonbury Abbey Hidden away in the centre of this ancient market Town are the awe-inspiring ruins, of what was the largest and richest Abbey in England; set amongst 36 acres of beautiful Somerset parkland and ponds. In the Spring see thousands of snowdrops and crocus, followed later by daffodils, bluebells and then masses of Wildflowers and native grasses; and in Autumn colour on our hundreds of trees. From March to October meet a character - maybe a monk, a kitchen maid, Henry VIII’s Commissioner or one of King Arthurs Knights , who will regale you with the history and legends of this once great Abbey – the largest and wealthiest in Britain. Cheddar Gorge & Caves Cheddar Gorge, a place of wild and rugged beauty, is a karst limestone and calcareous grassland nature reserve and home to many rare plants and animals, including endangered Greater Horseshoe bats. Cheddar Caves, inhabited by our ancestors up to 40,000 years ago, were discovered by Messrs Gough & Cox, enterprising Victorian showmen, and are world famous for their spectacular stalactite and stalagmite decorations, whose beautiful colours are mirrored in pools of water. Easy-to-use audio guides in English, French and German tell the story of the caves’ formation and discovery.
Nunney Castle The striking and picturesque moated castle of Nunney was built in the 1370s by Sir John de la Mere, a local knight who was beginning to enjoy royal favour. Extensively modernised in the late 16th century, the castle was held for the King during the Civil War, but quickly fell to Parliamentarian cannon in 1645: not until Christmas Day 1910, however, did the gun-damaged portion of the wall finally collapse.
Wookey Hole & Caves Wookey Hole, where a river flows out of the underworld, pagan and Christian legends intermingle. Here, too are mysteries of man himself. How did the early cavemen, who inhabited these caves, really live from day to day? And what makes a modern diver explore the caverns beyond the sunlight? Britain’s most spectacular caves and legendary home of the infamous Witch of Wookey. Visitors come to wonder at the secret river and the encrusted caverns.
Dunster Castle Dramatically sited on a wooded hill, a castle has existed here since at least Norman times, with an impressive medieval gatehouse and ruined tower giving a reminder of its turbulent history. Home of the Luttrell family for more than 600 years, the present building was remodelled in 1868–72 by Antony Salvin. The fine oak staircase and plasterwork ceiling he adapted can still be seen. Visitors can relax on the sunny sheltered terrace, which is home to a variety of subtropical plants and the National Collection of Strawberry Trees. Magnificent views over the surrounding countryside add to the ambience.
South Cadbury Hill Fort South Cadbury is a village and civil parish in the South Somerset area and is famous as the location of the hill fort of Cadbury Castle, thought by some to be King Arthur's Camelot. It is a vast Iron Age hill fort covering an area of around 20 acres (8 ha) and the site has seen human occupation from Neolithic times until the late Saxon period.
Source: www.visitsomerset.co.uk - compiled by The Old Oaks Touring Park, Glastonbury, Somerset
Essential Guide to Somerset - Gardens Hestercombe Gardens - Nr Taunton Hestercombe is a unique collection of three gardens spanning three centuries of garden history and design. Set in over forty acres of woodland, a visit to Hestercombe will be full of surprises at every turn. In addition to the breathtaking gardens, the Courtyard Café offers delicious homemade food from a refreshing cup of tea to fine cuisine. The Gift Shop is a treasure trove of delights and includes a well-stocked Plant Centre. Chalice Well & Gardens - Glastonbury The Chalice Well Trust maintains a public garden open 365 days a year. It features an Iron-rich well associated with the Glastonbury legends. The Trust sponsors events throughout the year. It offers a Retreat House, a meeting room and a shop. The Chalice Well is probably the oldest continuously used Holy well in the country. Its waters are said to have healing properties and legend has it that the Holy Grail was buried here. There is also a garden with the water running through it. Gant’s Mill & Gardens - Bruton Wander around Alison’s garden, by the streams, ponds, waterfalls and pergolas, and see the lovely garden sculptures, each in a perfect setting. Flower collections include irises, delphiniums, daylilies and dahlias. Her fuchsia and begonia conservatory is where teas and homemade cake are served. The visit is rounded off with a gentle level stroll along the riverside to the top weir.
Bishop’s Palace & Gardens - Wells More than simply an historic house and garden, this splendid Medieval Palace has been the home of the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years. 14 acres of gardens including the springs from which the city takes its name. Visitors can also see the Bishops’ private Chapel, ruined Great Hall and the gatehouse with portcullis and drawbridge beside which the famous mute swans ring the bell for their food.
Lytes Cary Manor - Charlton Mackrell This intimate manor house has a 14th century chapel, enchanting Arts and Crafts style garden and was the home of Henry Lyte – a medieval herbalist. Plants that Henry Lyte cultivated for his plant directory the ‘Lytes Herbal’ can still be seen growing in the garden. Explore the walks through the wider estate and riverside and discover many features typical of farmed lowland England, including ancient hedges, rare arable weeds and farmland birds.
Barrington Court - Ilminster The echoes of the past haunt this now empty Tudor manor house, which was beautifully restored in the 1920s by the Lyle family. What were once cow yards, pens and fields became delightful flower gardens, their design influenced by Gertrude Jekyll. The working stone-walled kitchen garden produces a variety of wonderful fruit and vegetables, which can be enjoyed in the restaurant, while the arboretum delights visitors with vivid autumn hues. Kilver Court Gardens - Shepton Mallet The Gardens feature a millpond and boating lake as well as rolling lawns, parterre and herbaceous borders. But probably the most staggering feature of this secret garden is the backdrop – a vast Grade II listed viaduct built for the Somerset and Dorset railway in the 1800’s and which now act as a link to the rolling Somerset countryside beyond. Plants that you will see throughout your walks through the garden are for sale at the entrance, along with other British plants, shrubs and trees. Source: www.visitsomerset.co.uk - compiled by The Old Oaks Touring Park, Glastonbury, Somerset
Essential Guide to Somerset - Museums Rural Life Museum - Glastonbury The magnificent 14th century Abbey Barn is the centrepiece of the Somerset Rural Life Museum. The barn and the farm buildings surrounding the courtyard contain displays showing the tools and techniques of farming in Victorian Somerset. Local activities like willow growing, mud horse fishing, peat digging and cider making are included. Regular exhibitions of arts and crafts.
Glastonbury Lake Village - Glastonbury Tribunal The Lake Village Museum presents an insight into everyday life in an Iron-Age settlement, dating from around 2000 years ago, when much of Somerset’s landscape was covered by marshy sea. Although these marshes have long since been artificially drained, the excellent preservative properties of the peaty wetland soils in the Glastonbury area left an archaeological legacy of international importance.
Fleet Air Arm Museum - Ilchester The Fleet Air Arm Museum’s new Fly Navy 100 exhibition dramatically presents the development of naval aviation from its first airship in 1909 and early bi-planes, to today’s formidable air power from the sea. Another exhibition hall houses the award winning Aircraft Carrier Experience. It’s where Museum meets theatre. You’ll ‘fly’ by helicopter to the replica flight deck of the aircraft carrier HMS ARK ROYAL. You will be in the heart of the action as powerful jet fighters take off and land around you. You will even see a nuclear bomb.
Haynes International Motor Museum - Sparkford With more than 400 cars and bikes displayed in stunning style, dating from 1886 to the present day, it is the largest international motor museum in Britain. For those interested in a nostalgic trip down memory lane, the museum offers a host of familiar names such as Austin, MG, and Morris. Whilst for those seeking something more exotic there is a vast array of performance cars, from modern classics such as the Dodge Viper, Jaguar XJ220 and the Ferrari 260, to the more historic Jaguar E Type and AC Cobra. Also on show is a large collection of American cars, including the jewels in the crown of Haynes – the V16 Cadillac, and the million-dollar Duesenberg.
Shoe Museum - Street Shoes from Roman times to the present day, documents, photographs, advertising material, machinery and hand tools.
Wells and Mendip Museum - Wells Impressive collection of Stone Age Tools and Iron Age artefacts. The Geology room houses an important collection of minerals and fossils, as well as ferns, fish and cave pearls. Many social history artefacts can also be found here.
Source: www.visitsomerset.co.uk - compiled by The Old Oaks Touring Park, Glastonbury, Somerset
Essential Guide to Somerset - Nature Reserves Shapwick Heath Nature Reserve - Westhay Shapwick Heath NNR is a major wetland reserve forming a large part of the Avalon Marshes. It boasts a wide variety of habitats, including traditionally managed herb-rich grassland, ferny wet woodland, fen, scrub, and ditches rich in aquatic plants and invertebrates. Otters, as well as many insects, plants and birds, populate the whole area. The best time to visit the reserve for the local flora is in the spring; for birds the site can be visited all year round. Ebbor Gorge National Nature Reserve - Wookey Hole Woodland walk with excellent spring flowers, summer butterflies and autumn colour. Limestone outcrops and towering cliffs surround the gorge itself with great views across the Somerset levels to Glastonbury Tor and Brent Knoll.
Westhay Moor National Nature Reserve Internationally famous as a haven for birdwatchers in particular, Somerset Wildlife Trust’s main site on the Peat Moors covers more than 100 hectares. Restored peat diggings, three miles north -west of Glastonbury have been transformed into a network of open water, reed bed and the largest surviving fragment of lowland acid mire in the South-West. Since the site’s restoration it has become recognised as one of the top bird watching locations in Britain and often features in documentaries, including the BBC’s Springwatch and Autumnwatch series. Westhay's biggest attractions for birdwatchers arrive in autumn and stay through to January/ February - several million starlings fill the sky as they arrive to roost among the reeds each afternoon. Otterhead Estate - Nr Taunton The Otterhead Estate is a nature reserve in the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The boundaries of East Devon, Mid Devon and South Somerset are within walking distance. Wildlife habitats and remnants of the Victorian Otterhead Estate, such as former gardens with ornamental plants, are being conserved after years of neglect. A chain of seven lakes and former lakes, together with the River Otter and other water channels, give the impression of a landscaped water garden. Rhododendrons include Rhododendron maximum from North America, now rare in British gardens. There are successive carpets of snowdrops, narcissi and bluebells. Besides the fascination of a reawakening landscape, the site provides opportunities for quiet pursuits such as walking and photography. RSPB Greylake Reserve - Nr Othery An excellent location for bird watching, Greylake nature reserve is one of three RSPB reserves in the Somerset Levels and Moors. It is approximately five miles east of Bridgwater and consists of 20 low-lying fields in the north west corner of King's Sedgemoor. Today, less than five years after we started work, lapwings, snipe, curlews and redshanks nest on the reserve along with other ground-nesting birds such as yellow wagtails, skylarks and meadow pipits. We are creating habitats that will be attractive to breeding ducks and other wetland dwellers such as spotted crakes and water rails. Other wetland wildlife include dragonflies, water voles, otters and roe deer. In winter, the land floods and flocks of lapwings, golden plovers, wigeons, teals, shovelers and Bewick’s swans arrive. Guided walks through the year. RSPB Ham Wall An excellent location for bird watching, Ham Wall, a newly-created wetland of over 200 hectares, lies in the northern part of the Somerset levels and Moors about 3 miles (4.8 km) west of Glastonbury. 'Access for All' facilities. Otters frequently use the site, water voles are present in good numbers, and the reedbeds come alive with bird song in the spring. If you are lucky, you might hear the booming call of a male bittern. Dragonflies and butterflies are abundant until late summer. The winter brings large numbers of ducks and geese, including hundreds of gadwalls, shovelers, teals and wigeons. Compiled by The Old Oaks Touring Park, Glastonbury, Somerset
Essential Guide to Somerset - Glastonbury & Street Glastonbury Tor No trip to Glastonbury is truly complete without climbing the world famous Glastonbury Tor, which rises majestically from the Somerset Levels to dominate the landscape around it. The views from the top are spectacular.
Glastonbury Abbey Hidden away in the centre of this ancient market Town are the awe-inspiring ruins, of what was the largest and richest Abbey in England; set amongst 36 acres of beautiful Somerset parkland and ponds. In the Spring see thousands of snowdrops and crocus, followed later by daffodils, bluebells and then masses of Wildflowers and native grasses; and in Autumn colour on our hundreds of trees .From March to October meet a character - maybe a monk, a kitchen maid, Henry VIII’s Commissioner or one of King Arthurs Knights , who will regale you with the history and legends of this once great Abbey – the largest and wealthiest in Britain. Glastonbury Town Glastonbury town is steeped in history, myths and legends. It has a wealth of interesting and alternative shops selling all manner of weird and wonderful things. An abundance of cafes for all tastes including vegan, vegetarian, organic and of course, a good old fashioned fry up. It’s a great place to while away your time watching the colourful people go by. Glastonbury seems to be a Mecca for those seeking alternative therapies, lifestyles and experiences. Well worth a visit.
Glastonbury Rural Life Museum The magnificent 14th century Abbey Barn is the centrepiece of the Somerset Rural Life Museum. The barn and the farm buildings surrounding the courtyard contain displays showing the tools and techniques of farming in Victorian Somerset. Local activities like willow growing, mud horse fishing, peat digging and cider making are included. Frequently have exhibitions of all types and new for 2010 is their café.
Chalice Well & Gardens The Chalice Well Trust maintains a public garden open 365 days a year. It features an Iron-rich well associated with the Glastonbury legends. The Trust sponsors events throughout the year. It offers a Retreat House, a meeting room and a shop. The Chalice Well is probably the oldest continuously used Holy well in the country. Its waters are said to have healing properties and legend has it that the Holy Grail was buried here. There is also a garden with the water running through it.
Clarks Factory Outlet Shopping Village - Street A good range of high and designer brand shops all in one place at outlet prices. Next, M&S, Billabong, Body Shop, Fat Face, Thorntons, Cabury and loads more.
Source: www.visitsomerset.co.uk - compiled by The Old Oaks Touring Park, Glastonbury, Somerset
Essential Guide to Somerset - Wells City of Wells Wells is an unspoilt market town of outstanding beauty, located in rolling countryside, at the foot of the Mendip Hills. Steeped in history, it is England’s smallest city and one of the most beautiful.
Wells Cathedral Wells Cathedral is the first English-built and designed example in the Gothic style, dating back to 1180. Its famous features include the spectacular West Front which looks over the Cathedral Green, unique scissor arches in the Nave, a panorama of The Last Judgement, the Chapter House and the 600-year-old Astronomical Clock.
Wells Market A bustling market selling local produce and all manner of goods held every Wednesday and Saturday.
Bishops Palace and Gardens More than simply an historic house and garden, this splendid Medieval Palace has been the home of the home of the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years. 14 acres of gardens including the springs from which the city takes its name. Visitors can also see the Bishops’ private Chapel, ruined Great Hall and the gatehouse with portcullis and drawbridge beside which the famous mute swans ring the bell for their food.
Vicar’s Close Vicars' Close, adjacent to the Cathedral Is the oldest complete continuously inhabited medieval street in Europe. It was started in 1348 to provide 42 bachelor dwellings for the "Vicars' Choral", the men of the choir and the cornerstone of the city's great and enduring musical tradition. Each house contained one room downstairs and another upstairs, linked by a rear turret.
City Walks & Shopping Delight in visiting the many independent shops in the quaint streets that surround the historic city centre. Break for lunch and take your pick from the pubs and quality restaurants that abound. Then enjoy a scenic walk following the self-guided city trail leaflet (available from the Tourist Information Office).
Source: www.wellstourism.com - compiled by The Old Oaks Touring Park, Glastonbury, Somerset
Essential Guide to Somerset - Shopping Bath Shopping in Bath offers a memorable experience with a fabulous selection of small independent shops and stylish boutiques alongside the familiar big name stores. The city centre is compact and easily walkable with grand Georgian streets and small picturesque passageways to explore. Don't miss Milsom Street in Bath voted 'Britain's Best Fashion Street' in the Google Street View Awards 2010. A shopper’s paradise.
Bristol You’ll be absolutely spoiled for choice here. There’s Cabot Circus, Broadmead, Cribbs Causeway, Park Street, The Mall, Clifton Village and the wonderful St Nicholas Markets.
Clarks Village Outlet Shopping - Street Clarks Village is the UK's first and foremost outlet shopping centre and has established itself as one of the premier shopping destinations in the country. With over 80 outlet shops to choose from offering up to 60% OFF rrp on a host of famous brands.
Yeovil Yeovil contains a wide variety of of shops, ranging from small independant retailers, such as Gone Potty and Acorn Music, to large, national companies including Topshop, Burtons, Argos and HMV.
Taunton The town is the retail capital of the county with all the top names in shopping, eating and drinking, as well as a wonderful mix of specialist and independent retailers. For evening entertainment the Brewhouse Theatre offers something for all tastes.
Compiled by The Old Oaks Touring Park, Glastonbury, Somerset
Essential Guide to Somerset - Coast Weston-Super-Mare Weston-super-Mare is a great seaside resort with all the traditional seaside attractions, including the famous donkeys! The wide sweep of Weston Bay has miles of clean sandy beach, and a level promenade boasting superb views over the Channel. There is lovely coastline and countryside to explore, and Cheddar, Wells, Bristol, Bath and the Mendip and Quantock Hills are all within easy reach. Brean Sands & Berrow A magnificent sweep of sand stretches 7 miles from the seaside resort of Burnham-on-Sea, north to the holiday villages of Berrow and Brean stoping at the National Trust headland of Brean Down. The village of Brean runs alongside the beach, and Brean Down is one of the most dramatic landmarks of the Somerset coastline, offers an opportunity for lovely walks. From the top of the headland there are great views over the Bristol Channel, to the islands of Steep Holm and Flat Holm, Weston-super-Mare across to the Welsh coast. Burnham On Sea Burnham-on-Sea has all the charm of a traditional seaside resort with its own distinct character. It is famous for its unique nine-legged wooden lighthouse and also boasts one of the shortest piers in the country. Plenty of fun can be had on the miles of sandy beaches, donkey rides for the youngsters, sandcastle building, or just unwinding with an ice cream and the views of Bridgwater Bay and the Welsh coast in front of you.
Blue Anchor Bay Blue Anchor Bay is a quiet coastal location with a long sandy beach offering peaceful relaxation. It is also an ideal location for sea anglers and walkers. The bay is surrounded by alabaster rocks and cliffs, which are of great geological interest. The West Somerset Railway stops here.
Clevedon A Victorian seaside town of unspoiled charm. An ideal place to explore all year, offering recreational amenities, beautiful gardens and places of historic interest to visit.
Kilve Beach Lying at the northern end of the Quantocks, Kilve is a picturesque village consisting of 3 settlements. Here you will find the ruins of the old Chantry, founded in 1329 and once used for storing barrels of spirits smuggled in to Kilve Pill. The beach is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a favourite haunt of geologists with its spectacular rock formations and fossils, including ammonites and reptile remains.
Uphill Local Nature Reserve Uphill Hill Local Nature Reserve is located to the south of the village of Uphill, which is itself just south of Weston super Mare. This 17 hectare site is owned by North Somerset Council and is popular with the local community. Designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Uphill Hill is part of the Mendip Limestone Grasslands Special Area of Conservation, (SAC) supporting a diverse flora and valuable insect habitat. Weston beach has designated areas for wind and water sports, and there are boat trips around Weston Bay and further afield.
Source: www.visitsomerset.co.uk Compiled by The Old Oaks Touring Park, Glastonbury, Somerset
Essential Guide to Somerset - Harbours & Marinas Minehead Minehead is where Exmoor meets the sea. Sitting on the very edge of the National Park, Minehead is ideal for lovers of the coast and the countryside. Minehead offers traditional seaside fun, with its promenade and long, sandy beach, and pebble beach near the harbour, which stretches for a mile and gives views across the Bristol Channel to Wales. The South West Coast Path begins on the quayside in Minehead and winds its way around the coastline to Poole in Dorset: the start is marked by a huge sculpture of a pair of hands holding a map.Take a walk up The Parade to admire the vibrant floral displays and sample the cafes, pubs and restaurants. Portishead Portishead is magnificently situated, with sweeping views of the Severn Estuary, the Welsh coastline, both Severn bridges to one side and the beautiful and scenic Gordano Valley to the other. The stylish new marina development Port Marine houses up to 150 boats and has been developed as the centrepiece of a large urban renewal programme. The area is well worth a visit, to see the luxury homes being developed and the striking public art. The work of several internationally acclaimed sculptors is on view here. Watchet Watchet is a bustling harbour town, with a new marina and a station for the West Somerset Railway. The town's early prosperity was based on sea trade and the harbourside is still a popular spot. A statue of the Ancient Mariner stands on the promenade, celebrating links with Samuel Taylor Coleridge. The Heritage Trail takes a trip back through the 1000 years of Watchet's history as a busy sea port.
Porlock Weir This picturesque hamlet, once a busy port, is a peaceful and delightful harbour for yachts and fishing boats. Situated along the South West Coast Path, Porlock Weir is also a good starting point for walks to Porlock Marsh and Culbone - home to England's smallest church.
Source: www.visitsomerset.co.uk Compiled by The Old Oaks Touring Park, Glastonbury, Somerset
Essential Guide to Somerset - Other Places to Visit City of Bath Bath and the surrounding area is brimming with things to see and do. Designated as a World Heritage Site, Bath presents some of the finest architectural sights in Europe such as the Royal Crescent, the Circus and Pulteney Bridge alongside a diverse collection of museums and attractions including the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey and Thermae Bath Spa. Bath's compact city centre offers irresistible shopping and there are plenty of activities to enjoy in the surrounding area
Exmoor National Park Exmoor National Park includes the historic market town of Dulverton and Lorna Doone country. West Somerset's coastal strip is where the Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty meets the sea, and includes the ancient port of Watchet and the seaside harbour resort of Minehead. The Exmoor coast takes in the historic town of Porlock and hamlet of Porlock Weir. Further along Lynton and Lynmouth is where you can visit the stunning Valley of the Rocks and furthest west is pretty Combe Martin.
City of Bristol On one hand, Bristol is a contemporary, cutting-edge city with a long list of award-winning attractions and exciting activities for people of all ages and interests. On the other, it is an historic maritime port with strong seafaring links, breath-taking architecture and a rich cultural heritage that can still be witnessed today. Fantastic shopping centres including Broadmead, Cabot Circus, Cribbs Causeway, Park Street and the Designer Outlet—a shopper’s paradise. Avalon Vineyard Working organic vineyard and fruit farm. Purpose-built winery and underground cellar. Self-guided vineyard walk, free wine and cider tasting. Original, hand-turned cider press used for apples and grapes, pressed in traditional straw cheese. Mead and a number of fruit wines are produced from fruit grown on the farm. White grape wines and apple juice are also produced to organic standards, certified by the Soil Association.
Perry’s Cider - Ilminster Award winning Supreme Champion ciders made only from Somerset cider apples are available all year round in the shop and tea room which also sells a wide range of west country foods. Also 16th century rural museum with collection of cider and farming memorabilia. Free entrance.
Somerset Distillery - Kingsbury Episcopi, Martock Somerset's only apple distillery and traditional cider house. Copper stills, huge barrels and cider brandy and ciders to sample, as well as a range of aperitifs and apple juice from the farm's own orchards. Visitors are welcome to sample the apple juices, cider and Somerset Cider Brandy.
Sheppey’s Cider Farm, Shop & Museum - Nr Taunton Cider shop, museum, sampling, guided tours, orchard and farm walks, tea rooms, picnic area.
Compiled by The Old Oaks Touring Park, Glastonbury, Somerset
