of walks. East Harptree Woods is a forest plantation on a historic lead mining site, and there is an easy going trail to see remnants of the lead mining industry at Smitham Chimney. Shute Shelve Hill, Stockhill and Priddy Mineries Reserve are all worth discovering.
Wookey Hole is on the River Axe it is perhaps best known today for the nearby Wookey Hole Caves. Burcott Watermill has a cast iron water wheel driven by the River Axe soon after it leaves Wookey Hole Caves. A village near Wookey is Henton where the River Axe travels the length of the village and the nearby hamlets of Yarley and Bleadney are very attractive.
Wells is a jewel of a city at the foot of the Mendip Hills, and the Cathedral is well worth a visit to see the intricate Gothic carvings, the clock and the chapter house, with its ancient worn staircase. There is also a National Trust shop near the entrance of the Cathedral. Wells Museum is housed in
Midsomer Norton to Frome M
idsomer Norton has a river flowing through the town centre providing a picturesque setting for a variety of local shops. There is an annual Mardi Gras Festival and a
monthly Farmers’ Market. The Midsomer Norton Guy Fawkes Carnival is held in early November.
Stratton on the Fosse is dominated by the fine neo-Gothic abbey church of St Gregory The Great, Downside Abbey with its ‘Somerset’ tower, the large bell of which is known as “Great Bede”. The River Somer leads into Chilcompton a peaceful pretty place and close to Downside Abbey, if you are fortunate enough to be visiting when the organist is at the great console sit still and listen to the majesty of the sound as it rolls around the chapels that make up the Abbey. It is truly majestic.
Cheddar whilst being a small town has many claims to fame, Cheddar Cheese was first made here, and there are the famous Cheddar Caves where the flow of water in the caves is spectacular after heavy rain. The Gorge is a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of various rare forms of geology, plant and animal life; these include Horseshoe Bats, Peregrine Falcons which nest on the cliff face, and Soay sheep that graze on the hill side scrub. The market cross in the town is very interesting and there is a 14C century parish church, amongst other historic buildings.
There are a number of nearby villages worth a visit Priddy is just one of them, perched high up looking down towards Cheddar Gorge. Priddy shares in the ancient mysteries characteristic of the Mendips. There are mystic circles and excavated stone slabs all of which add to the reason to visit. Westhay is a marshland village on the River Brue in typical Somerset “Rhineland” country, standing on the site of pre-historic lake dwellings; nearby is Westhay Moor and Westhay Heath.
For an exhilarating Day Out stock car racing the MENDIPS RACEWAY track, situated between the villages of Charterhouse & Shipham, near Cheddar, has a unique up and down hill section for fast and thrilling racing. For spectators the viewing is tremendous, with all parts of the track visible, and guests can enjoy a picnic on the banks, or sample the good food and drink on offer at the catering outlets during the afternoon.
Westbury-sub-Mendip has won the title of Somerset Village of the Year. Ebbor Gorge is a wooded gorge offering variety
a Tudor building and contains some mediaeval sculptures from the cathedral. Around the corner from the Cathedral is Vicar’s Close the oldest complete street of 14C houses in Europe, and the nearby Old Deanery is a 12C building. The Bishop’s Palace dates from early 13C; the vaulted entrance hall can still be seen today as can the impressive banqueting hall and long gallery. The Wells clock still has its original mediaeval face, which depicts the universe with the earth at its centre, when the clock strikes the hour, Knights exchange blows above the clock face and the Quarter Jack counts the quarter hours with his heels.
Wells is not all about history as having a large rural catchment this is a busy centre for shopping, entertainment, and leisure. The WELLS LEISURE CENTRE welcomes visitors, and the Cathedral has a very interesting souvenir shop.
Wells Leisure Centre
With a 25m swimming pool, fully equipped fi tness suite, sports hall and
cafeteria; Wells Leisure Centre’s facilities rate amongst the very best in the region.
Charter Way, Wells, Somerset BA5 2FB
Telephone: 01749 670055
www.avalonleisure.co.uk
For further details visit our website
www.avalonleisure.co.uk
Avalon Leisure manage Wells Leisure Centre, Frome Leisure Centre, Strode Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre and Shepton Mallet Lido on behalf of Western Community Leisure in partnership with Mendip District Council.
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