Local Attractions
Everybody should visit the world famous Cheddar Caves and Gorge. Not only can you visit the caves but for the energetic can try the climb up Jacob's Ladder to the cliff top. There is also an open bus tour for the less energetic.
Another place where water wells up in caves beneath the Mendip Hills is Wookey Hole, the birth place of cave diving. You can visit the paper mill where the clean water is provided from Wookey Hole.
Above ground Wells is England's smallest city and the outstanding cathedral is well worth visiting together with the moated and walled Bishop's Palace - obviously North Somerset was not always as peaceful as it now is. Just to the south of Wells is Glastonbury, built around the ruins of its mediaeval Abbey, once one of the richest in England until Henry VIII's agent Thomas Cromwell despoiled it. Glastonbury is a centre for new age thinking and philosophies the old monks would never have dreamed of.
Just outside Shepton Mallet is the East Somerset Railway which runs steam trains along its section of line on most weekends of the year. On some days, they will even let you drive an engine up and down a siding.
The seaside is not too far away for a day trip to Brean Sands, or the more traditional attractions of Weston-super-Mare. As well as the beach there is the Seaquarium or the thoroughly modern helicopter museum with 70 aircraft.
A great way to see the Mendip countryside is pony trekking from Tyning Trekking Centre
Listed amongst the top golf courses in the British Isles is the par 71 Mendip Golf Club just 5 miles away, where they welcome visitors.
Further afield is the Georgian city of Bath, designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site with its Roman Baths, mediaeval Abbey, and some very stylish shops.
Why not visit Bristol? Home of Brunel's SS Great Britain and the Clifton suspension bridge over the Avon Gorge.
Also Longleat Safari Park and Elizabethan house is within half an hours drive.
Full details of other attractions may be found on the Visit Somerset website
