Rural Somerset


Wels Cathedral M


idsomer Norton has a river flowing through the town centre providing a


picturesque setting for a variety of local shops. Tere is an annual Mardi Gras Festival and a monthly Farmers’ Market. Te Midsomer Norton Guy Fawkes Carnival is in 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 and large bell known as “Great Bede”. Should you be visiting when the organist


is playing, listen to the awesome sound as it rolls around the chapels of the Abbey. Te River Somer leads into Chilcompton, a peaceful pretty place and close to Downside Abbey.


Cheddar is a must, to see the gorge, caves and calcite structures at Cheddar Caves. Te flow of water in the caves is spectacular after heavy rain. Te Gorge is a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to the various rare forms of geology, plant and animal life. Amongst other historic buildings, the market cross in the town is very interesting, and there is a 14th century parish church.


Nearby, Priddy shares in the ancient mysterious characteristics of the Mendips, with mystic circles and excavated stone slabs. Westhay is a marshland village on the River Brue in typical Somerset “Rhineland” country and standing on a site of pre-historic lake dwellings, is Westhay Moor and Westhay Heath.


For an exhilarating Day Out stock car racing, the MENDIPS RACEWAY track, situated between the villages of Charterhouse and Shipham, near Cheddar, has a


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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 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.


On the River Axe is Wookey Hole village and nearby is Wookey Hole Caves, and the Burcott Watermill with a cast iron water wheel driven by the River Axe. A village near Wookey is Henton, where the River Axe travels the length of the village. Te nearby hamlets of Yarley and Bleadney are very attractive.


Wells is a jewel of a city at the foot of the Mendip Hills. Te Wells


Cathedral has intricate Gothic carvings, the famous clock, the chapter house with its ancient worn staircase and much more to see. Wells Museum is housed in 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 14th century houses in Europe, and the nearby Old Deanery is a 12th century building. Te BISHOP’S PALACE dates from early 13th century. Te vaulted entrance hall can still be seen today, as can the impressive banqueting hall and long gallery. Te 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. Dinder has the River Sheppey running alongside the main street, and the Ebbor Gorge Nature Reserve is within a few miles.


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