|
|
|
Mendips & North Somerset Castles, Cathedrals,
Monuments, Stately Homes & Palaces |
|
This section covers Ancient Monuments,
Castles, Stately Homes, Country Houses, Historic
Cathedrals, Ruined Abbeys etc.
Not all the
attractions in an area are listed.
If you know of an
activity provider who does not yet have an entry, please
submit the information
here.
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
King John’s Hunting Lodge
The Square, Axbridge, BS26 2AP
Tel: 01934 732012
E-mail:
kingjohns@nationaltrust.org.uk
|
Wool-merchant’s house of c.1500.
The early Tudor timber-framed house was
extensively restored in 1971. |
|
View from King Johns Hunting Lodge -
Photo:
David Seale
CCL |
|
|
Somerset's Finest Hill
Forts
|
Dolebury Hill Fort -
Photo:
John Thorn
CCL |
|
Somerset is a region of highs and lows. Along
the middle and northern parts, low coastline
meets the marshy "Levels," while further inland
lie the freshwater and peaty marshlands known as
the "Moors."
Most of this area is no more than 80 feet above
sea level.
Among these expanses of flatlands lie five
ranges of hills: the Mendips, Quantocks,
Poldens, Blackdowns, and Brendons.
The topography here, as anywhere, has played a
role in how the land has been used over the
centuries.
Climb a hill in Somerset today and you may well
see grazing land, roads, low-lying villages. You
may also catch sight of drainage channels,
locally known as rhynes (pronounced "reens").
These are key to why much of you see is land
inhabited and used by people rather than simply
being watery marsh.
More... |
|
|
Banwell Castle
Castle Hill, Banwell, Avon BS29 6NX
Tel: 01934 822263
Web:
www.banwellcastle.co.uk
You can visit this castle, or go one step better
and stay the night as the castle operates a 2
star B&B.
|
|
[back to top]
|
|
|
|
|
|
HIDDEN CHURCHES OF...
Somerset
|
It's hardly surprising that Somerset, that
English county famed for both Bath and
Glastonbury, is one of the best areas to visit
to see a wonderful collection of English
churches.
But the real treasures are the lesser-known
parish churches, still in use hundreds of
years after they were first constructed. Leave
the tourist trail, and you'll find some of the
most marvellous Saxon and medieval
architecture and decoration in the country.
More... |
|
Parish Church of St. Peter & St. Paul -
Photo:
Tom Joliffe
CCL |
|
|
Wells Cathedral
Cathedral Offices, Chain Gate, Cathedral Green,
Wells, Somerset, BA5 2UE
Tel: 01749 674483 Fax:
01749 832210
E-mail:
office@wellscathedral.uk.net
Wells Cathedral is the highlight of any visit to
the small city of Wells. It has intricate Gothic
carvings, one of the earliest mechanical clocks
in the UK, a unique scissors vault, a marvellous
chapter house and the splendid vicars' hall. It
is mostly a product of the 12th-14th centuries
and embodies the very finest early Gothic
architecture. Wells Cathedral welcomes visitors
everyday of the year. Please feel free to attend
one of the regular daily services or simply
wander around this amazing building. Only by
visiting can you properly experience this
wonderful and holy place. Guide books, leaflets
and information boards are available to help
interpret the historical, architectural and
spiritual significance of the Cathedral.
Volunteer guides regularly provide excellent
guided tours Monday to Saturday, which are free
of charge and are of approximately 45 minutes
duration.
|
|
[back to top]
|
|
|
|
|
|
BISHOPS PALACE & GARDENS
Wells, Somerset, BA5 2PD
Tel: 01749 678691
E-mail:
info@bishopspalacewells.co.uk
Web:
www.bishopspalacewells.co.uk
More than simply an historic house and garden,
this splendid medieval Palace has been the home of
the Bishops of Bath and Wells for 800 years.
The gardens contain the springs from which the
city takes its name. The gardens at the Bishop’s
Palace are a haven of tranquillity and peace.
Visitors are free to wander over the lawns past
flower-beds, specimen trees and shrubs.
Visitors can also see the Bishop's private Chapel,
ruined Great Hall and the Gatehouse with
portcullis and drawbridge. The famous mute swans
drift across the moat to ring a bell for food.
|
|
|
Clevedon Court
Tickenham Road, Clevedon, North Somerset, BS21
6QU
Tel: 01275 872257 Fax: 0871 433
9294
E-mail:
clevedoncourt@nationaltrust.org.uk
|
Outstanding 14th-century manor house and
18th-century terraced garden.
The house was built by Sir John de Clevedon in
c.1320, incorporating parts of a massive
13th-century tower and great hall.
Much of the original building is still
evident. Altered and added to by the
Elizabethans, it has been home to the Elton
family since 1709.
The house contains many striking Eltonware
pots and vases and a fascinating collection of
Nailsea glass.
There is also a beautiful terraced garden. |
|
Clevedon Court -
Photo:
Derek Meek
CCL |
|
|
Glastonbury Abbey
Abbey Gatehouse, Magdalene St, Glastonbury,
Somerset, BA6 9EL
Tel/Fax: 01458 832267
E-mail:
glastonbury.abbey@dial.pipex.com
Glastonbury Abbey is set in 36 beautifully
peaceful acres of parkland in the centre of the
ancient market town of Glastonbury. Many believe
that the Holy Thorn tree that can be seen in the
grounds originated from Joseph of Arimathea's
staff. Others are convinced that King Arthur and
Queen Guinevere are buried in the Abbey grounds.
Whatever one believes, the facts are that the
ruins are unique. The grounds provide a spot of
peace and tranquillity in an otherwise hectic
world.
The Visitor's Centre with its award winning
Museum, featuring a model of the Abbey as it
might have looked in 1539, together with a
display of the town; a Children's Display and
the magnificent 16th century Othery Cope is an
excellent place to visit on its own, or if the
weather is poor. Our handicapped-friendly
grounds include a Gift Shop, Fish and Duck
ponds, a Cider Orchard and a Picnic and Wildlife
Area. The ticket office has Audio Tapes which
can guide you around these grounds at your own
pace (available in English, French, German,
Italian and Spanish). In Summer months an actor
playing a 16th Century monk informs visitors of
life as a monk.
|
|
|
New Members required for this section!
To join or recommend an establishment to Tourist Net UK
contact
us
|
|
[back
to top] |
|
