Somerset Places of Interest
Spindlewood Lodges is located on the outskirts of Pilton village (famously the site of the Glastonbury Festival) in the heart of the Somerset countryside and yet close to many places of interest including some of the following major attractions:
Wells Cathedral & the Bishops Palace - the smallest city in England http://www.catnip.co.uk/wells/
Only a 10 minute drive away from the lodges, you will find the magnificent Wells Cathedral and Bishops Palace.
On a Wednesday & Saturday there is a vibrant farmers market that takes place in the market square, offering a wide variety of locally produced goods.
Wookey Hole http://www.wookey.co.uk
Just a short drive from Wells are Wookey Hole Caves famous for both the caves and the witch!. The caves are floodlit, and the site comprises many other attractions for a good day out with the family.
Glastonbury http://www.glastonbury.co.uk
Just a 15 minute drive in the opposite direction to Wells is the ancient and mystical town of Glastonbury - an amazing place full of legends and myths. The famous Tor dominates the sky line around the town and it 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 a 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.
Longleat Safari Park http://www.longleat.co.uk
Just about 20 miles away / 40 minute drive from Spindlewood Lodges is Longleat Safari Park. Opened in 1966, Longleat was the first ever Safari Park outside Africa. Your drive-through safari adventure will take you unbelievably close to creatures you’ve only dreamed about. So mind the zebras crossing, give the rhinos right of way, watch out for the wolves and beware of the meddling monkeys. Its a great day out for all the family
The City of Bath http://www.cityofbath.co.uk
A little further afield (about 45 mins drive) is the historic city of Bath World Heritage City with Roman baths, amazing architecture and excellent boutiques, bric-a-brac and tea shops.
West Somerset Railway http://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
Our Railway, a true country branch line of the old Great Western Railway is full of fascination whether you are looking for a nostalgic ride back in time through lovely countryside or to study the railway and industrial heritage which our line preserves. The historic steam locomotives, coaches and wagons, and the buildings of our ten unique stations linked by a twenty mile scenic journey will repay hours of exploration. The surrounding countryside is as varied as it is beautiful. The gently rolling Quantock hills and distant Exmoor, unspoilt villages and farms nestling in leafy lanes, the cliffs and coast of the Bristol Channel with views of distant South-Wales, confident Church Towers, Dunster's imposing Castle and Minehead's seaside charm are all waiting to be discovered.
Somerset Rural Life Museum
The museum is housed in the attractive setting of a Victorian farmhouse, farm buildings and cider orchard.
In the farmhouse, the social and domestic life of Victorian Somerset is described in reconstructed rooms and an exhibition which tells the life story of a farm worker, John Hodges, from the cradle to the grave.
The magnificent 14th century Abbey Barn is the centrepiece of the Somerset Rural Life Museum. The barn and the farm buildings surrounding the courtyard contain displays showing the tools and techniques of farming in Victorian Somerset. Local activities like willow growing, mud horse fishing, peat digging and cider making are included.
Regular craft demonstrations and temporary exhibitions are held throughout the season as well as educational activities for schools
Bristol http://visitbristol.co.uk
Visit the world famous Clifton Suspension Bridge designed by revered Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, visit SS Great Britain and Bristol Zoo.
Other great days out include:
Cheddar caves and gorge - take a ride in an open top bus and see the incredible formation of the rocks, then climb Jacobs Ladder.
Both the Fleet Air Arm museum at Yeovilton, http://www.fleetairarm.com and the Haynes Motor museum at Sparkford, http://www.haynesmotormuseum.com provide the opportunity for close up encounters with some impressive hardware and are excellent attractions for the odd wet day.
If you are after the beach then why not visit the new pier at Weston Super Mare or the Sea Aquarium.
For retail theapy then Clarks Village in Street is for you. Clarks village offers a wide range of discounted shopping. http://www.clarksvillage.co.uk
