Location
This is an ideal base for exploring the Mendip hills and the beautiful countryside of Somerset.
The village of Pilton, made famous for the Glastonbury Festival, is just a few minutes away, but if that is not your scene, the village and surroundings are very picturesque for an afternoon stroll.
Shepton Mallet , once an important wool and meat market is only three miles away. Just outside the town is the Royal Bath and West show ground which holds major shows and events through out the year.
Wells, England's smallest city is only 15 minutes drive. Along with the Cathedral itself there are plenty of other interesting sites including Vicars close, a street of 14th century houses which you can find by going through the chain gate opposite the Cathedral North porch. There is also thriving market every Wednesday and Saturday, with produce from local suppliers and craftsmen.
Nearby is Wookey Hole, famous for its caves and witch. The caves are floodlit, and the site comprises many other attractions for a good day out with the family. Cheddar caves and gorge is another place worth a visit, take a ride in an open top bus and see the incredible formation of the rocks, then climb Jacobs Ladder.
Glastonbury is an amazing place full of legends and myths. The famous Tor dominates the sky line around the town and is well worth a walk to the top. Glastonbury Abbey, with stories of Joseph of Arimathea, King Arthur and the Holy Grail has plenty for everyone. From here the very flat low marshy area stretches for miles, this is known as the Somerset levels. Drained and reclaimed land by monks, this land has been used extensively for peat extraction, and is now a haven for wildlife.
Not far from Glastonbury is Street a town made famous for making Clarks shoes. Now the attraction is for bargain hunting at the Clarks village discount shopping.
The Fleet Air Arm museum at Yeovilton and the Haynes Motor museum at Sparkford, provide the opportunity for close up encounters with some impressive hardware and are excellent attractions for the odd wet day. Whilst Longleat Safari Park has a full range of attractions for children and adults alike.
A little further afield the cities of Bath and Bristol are within an hours drive. Both offer a rich architectural and industrial heritage, blended with a modern cosmopolitan selection of theatres, clubs and restaurants.
If you like the beach, drive west to Western-Super-Mare, Brean sands and Burnham on Sea where you will find miles of sand, piers and promenades to walk. Weymouth and the south coast are also within easy reach with breathtaking views and picturesque harbours.
November is also a good time to visit Somerset, as this is when the bonfire carnivals are held. This is the largest spectacular evening parade of illuminated carnival floats you will ever see. A show not to be missed, they travel through the towns of Bridgwater, North Petherton, Highbridge and Burnham, Shepton Mallet, Wells, Glastonbury and Weston Super-Mare.