Midsomer Norton

Midsomer Norton is a town just 16 miles south of Bristol in North East Somerset. Situated on the River Somer the town has a long and ancient history.

With plenty of restaurants, cafes and pubs there are also a number of independent shops and Somerset & Dorset Railway Heritage Centre is based at Midsomer Norton

For more photos of Midsomer Norton click here or view on You Tube

The Haynes International Motor Museum

 The Haynes International Motor Museum near Yeovil has over 400 cars and motorcycles and claims to be the largest of its kind in the UK. The museum is a charitable trust and part of the company that brought you those famous Haynes Manuals.

The museum was opened in 1985 and restores and maintains many types of vehicles. The vehicles at this museum are all in working order and they do actually get driven at least once a year. There is everything here from old British favourites to American cadillacs and there are some very rare vehicles too. The history of motoring is well documented at the museum and visitors can walk through ten halls packed with every imaginable type of automobile. There are also some military vehicles on display. The museum has a gift shop and a cafe and some interesting vintage arcade games. Fun for all the family!

Haynes International Motor Museum, Sparkford, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 7LH.

For more photos of the Haynes Motor Museum click here

Wookey Hole Caves

Wookey Hole Caves are another popular destination in Somerset. Their close proximity to Cheddar enables cave lovers to visit the two destinations on the same day with the added benefit of the city of Wells just two miles down the road.

The caves lie under the Mendip Hills and have been carved out by the flow of the River Axe. Wookey Hole caves feature one of the largest natural domes in Europe and 25 caverns have been discovered with exploration continuing. There is also a Dinosaur Park and an old papermill for visitors to explore.

A mile to the northwest of Wookey Hole lies Ebbor Gorge which is owned by the National Trust and features two scenic walks around the gorge.

For more photographs of the caves and dinosaur park click here or view on You Tube

Weston-super-Mare

Weston-super-Mare is Somerset's most popular coastal destination. An established tourist resort with it's wide sandy beach and seaside attractions include a long promenade, Winter Gardens and Grand Pier.

As recently as 1811, Weston-super-Mare was just a fishing hamlet with only a couple of hundred inhabitants. It is now the second largest town in Somerset with a population of over 50,000. Weston-super-Mare is the type of resort you either love or hate. As an entertainment centre it has it all. It does however conjure up images of rows of deck chairs, donkey rides and middle aged men with rolled up trouser legs and knotted hankies. The sea is out more often than it is in and the town boasts more than it's fair share of amusement arcades.

On the plus side Weston is served with excellent shopping facilities and some good restaurants. The Grand Pier has plenty of entertainment and the SeaQuarium features some fine examples of marine life from around our shores.

For more photos of Weston-Super-Mare click here or view on You Tube

Wells

The city of Wells is England's smallest city. It is famous for its cathedral and its market square. Market days are held on Wednesdays and Saturdays and if it were not for the cathedral and nearby Bishop's Palace this smallest city in England would probably be just an attractive market town rather than the tourist destination that it is.

The great Gothic Cathedral dominates the city and is at the centre of a busy community with it's bustling High Street and fascinating buildings. Wells Cathedral is the first completely English Gothic Cathedral and was built in the 12th and 13th centuries.

Equally as impressive as the cathedral is the nearby Bishop's Palace which was built and extended from the 13th century. The Bishop of Bath and Wells still resides here and the state rooms and beautiful gardens are renowned.

Vicars Close is the oldest medieval street in Europe and Wells Museum illustrates the past and present life of the city of Wells and the surrounding area.

For more photographs of Wells click here or view on You Tube

Dunster Water Mill

This working Water Mill was restored back to working order in 1979 and dates back from the 18th century. Records from the Domesday Survey of 1086 show that a mill has been on this site since at least that date.

This mill is run and operated as a private business and is on lease to the business owners who provide the finance to keep it operational and actually produce flour on site. The water source is the River Avill and situated beneath Dunster castle the mill has a collection of old machinery and working waterwheels which produce the flour in the traditional way. The shop sells its own flour and a variety of organic and local produce.

For more photographs of  Dunster Water Mill Click here

Dunster Working Watermill, Mill Lane, Dunster, Nr Minehead, Somerset.
TA24 6SW. Tel: 01643 821759

Watchet

Watchet is a small fishing town with a harbour. It is a picturesque town with small side streets, a Museum and a railway station. The West Somerset Railway also links up to the nearby village of Blue Anchor and on to Minehead. This line also passes through Dunster.

The Museum at Watchet has interesting collections and information about Watchet's maritime history, the old mineral railway, papermaking and fossils which have been found on the nearby beaches. This coastline is famous for its fossils and rocks which have been found in abundance here.

For more photographs of Watchet click here or view on You Tube

Roman Baths

The Roman Spa at Bath is reputed to be one of the finest religious spas of the ancient world. Over half a million gallons of water per day have poured to the surface from this site. The water is at a constant temperature of 46 degrees centigrade. Even the ancient Celts believed in the mysterious healing properties long before the arrival of the Romans.

The Roman remains at Bath are lucky to have survived. This is probably the most significant Roman ruin in Britain and the reason for its excellent condition is due to the fact that when the Romans left Britain due to the collapse of the Roman Empire, the site was abandoned and became buried under several feet of mud. Amazingly the ruins were only discovered in the late 19th century and excavation completed in the 1920's.

The Pump Room was completed in 1796 and is now a tea room where spa water can still be ordered. A visit to the City of Bath should almost certainly include a tour around the Roman Baths.

For more photos of the Roman Baths click here or view on You Tube

Portishead

Portishead is in North Somerset and only 12 miles from Bristol. A coastal town on the Bristol Channel, this is not known as major tourist destination. It does not benefit from particularly attractive beaches. Portishead does however have a history going back to 2000 B.C. and stone age axes and tools have been found here that provide evidence of early settlements.

The Domesday book of 1086 records Portishead as having a value of 70 shillings.

Portishead has never really been popular as a tourist resort despite efforts to encourage vistors to stay in the town. Most visitors are either passing through or coming to look at the Waverley Steamer ( see Clevedon ) or admire the veiws across the Bristol Channel. The hip hop band Portishead is named after the town.

Porlock

Porlock and the Vale are surrounded by the hills of Exmoor. It is still a small and traditional English village with some good shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants.

Porlock is a nice place to stop off and take a break. The countryside surrrounding Porlock is spectacular. Porlock and Porlock Weir are often confused. Porlock Weir is a small harbour to the West of Porlock and definately a recommended location. It's enchanting and antiquated buildings will impress the visitor.

Porlock Bay is easily accessible by footpath from Porlock and the visitor will find a shingle beach with an inland salt marsh. The countryside is unique here and the wild flowers and marshland scenery make this a bird watcher and hikers paradise.

For more photos of Porlock click here

Minehead

Minehead is mentioned as far back as the Domesday Book in 1087. Until the 15th century Minehead's main income was derived from farming rather than fishing. This was to change though and the busy Bristol Channel helped the town grow and develop its shipping and woollen industries.

Today Minehead is a bustling community and a tourist resort. It still has a tradition fishing fleet and many of these now take tourists out for day trips. Minehead has a host of attractions and is also near Exmoor National Park. The town has spent a lot of time and effort with its streets lined with impressive floral displays and thoughtful garden landscaping. The town has won the Britain in Bloom competition in 1995 and 1997.

Shopping is good in Minehead and there is plenty to do and see. The area is well served with good quality restaurants, cafes and bars. This is the home of Butlins Somerwest World which is located on the seafront and features plenty of entertainment and rides.

Minehead is one of Somerset's busiest holiday resorts. There is a wide sandy beach and a trip on the Somerset Steam Railway is recommended. If the weather is not so good the indoor Aquasplash Leisure Pool and entertainment centres will keep you occupied.

For more photos of  Minehead click here or view on You can also view the photos on You Tube

Hinkley Point

Work at Hinkley Point A began in 1957 and the station began producing electricity in 1965. In May 2000, based on the expense of producing nuclear electricity and maintenance costs required, the decision was made to close the station and decommissioning began.

The visitor centre at Hinkley deals with the story of decommissioning Hinkley Point A. Tours are free of charge and there is a comprehensive and well presented exhibition which explains how a nuclear station is made safe after active use. The transportation of nuclear waste has always worried people but at Hinkley you can see a video of a train travelling at 125 m.p.h. with a nuclear waste container on board. The simulated and very real test and crash that followed left the container undamaged.

Leave Junction 23 or 24 of the M5 and follow signs to Bridgwater. Take the A39 to Minehead. Once you have passed through Bridgwater, after approx 3 miles you should turn off the A39 at the village of Cannington. Hinkley Point is signposted clearly from Cannington. 

For more photos of Hinkley Point click here

Magnox Electric PLC, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA5 1YA. Tel: 01278 654283

Helicopter Museum

The world's largest dedicated museum for helicopters. Situated just outside Weston-super-Mare this award winning museum is kept alive by enthusiasts and volunteers. The exhibits are well looked after and maintained as well as being under cover in a large hanger.

This museum has been around for some time. It is only recently that the aircraft have been housed indoors. An outstanding attraction and recommended for all the family. If you find yourself near Burnham-on-Sea or Weston-super-Mare then this is one place NOT to miss.

Facilities at the Museum include a coffee shop, children's play area and gift shop.

Helicopter Museum, Locking Moor Road, Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset. BS22 8PP.
Tel: 01934 635227

Visit the official website of The Helicopter Museum:

www.helicoptermuseum.co.uk

For more photos of the Helicopter Museum click here

Glastonbury Abbey

Glastonbury Abbey is located northwest of Chalice Hill in the centre of old Glastonbury. Legend has it that this is the site of the earliest Christian foundation in the British Isles.

The ruins are as impressive as they are dramatic and the abbey is thought to have been founded by Kinge Ine in around 700 A.D. Over time this became a very influential centre and at the time of the Norman invasion it owned extensive lands in the county of Somerset.

A fire destroyed most of the abbey in 1184 and seven years later an amazing discovery took place. A wooden sarcophagus was discovered in which the remains of a man and a women were found. A lead cross found nearby convinced the abbot that the remains of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere had been found. This is hard to substantiate as the area was used as a burial ground for several kings from the Saxon period and it could have been a ruse to obtain more funds and encourage more visitors.

The replacement abbey had been completed by 1278, the new church being 560 feet in length and an impressive building with its twin west towers and central bell tower. The abbey continued to wield great influence and power in the region until the arrival of Henry VIII and the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539 which forced its closure. The building was completely abandoned and fell into disrepair. There is a visitor centre on site and a shop and Abbey Tea Rooms and Licensed Restaurant.

For more photos of Glastonbury Abbey click here or view on You Tube

Glastonbury

Glastonbury is a small town which has had many restrictions placed on its expansion due to it's historic sites and ancient history. Famous for it's Glasonbury Tor, festival and abbey, the town of Glastonbury is definitely worth a visit.

Glastonbury Tor stands out and can be seen from miles away. The hill upon which it sits is 520 feet above sea level and before the 18th century it would have been surrounded by marshland which has since been drained. Inhabitants around the Tor have included prehistoric, Celtic, Roman and pre-Saxon settlements.

The Glastonbury Tor and the hillside hide the truth behind many legends. It is said that the tor has a mystical energy and certainly a great many believers visit Glastonbury from various beliefs which include Paganism, Christianity, King Arthur and UFO cults.

An ancient belief claims Glastonbury as the fabled Isle of Avalon, the resting place of the legendary King Arthur. In the twelfth century monks at Glastonbury Abbey found bones from a burial along with a cross bearing the inscription: "Here lies buried the renowned King Arthur with Guinevere his wife in the Isle of Avalon". For those that have climbed to the summit a spectacular view awaits.

Places to visit in Glastonbury include the Chalice Well Trust with its Holy Grail Legend and reputed healing waters, the Glastonbury Abbey remains, with it's history dating back to 700AD and the Somerset Rural Life Museum which explores rural life in the 19th and 20th century.

There are also many beautiful rural villages and historic buildings in and around Glastonbury and turning off the main roads can be a delightful experience and one that is highly recommended.

Clarks Village - Street

Just a mile down the road from Glastonbury on the A39 lies the town of Street. This is home to one of Europe's most well known manufacturers of quality shoes - Clarks and Clarks village with it's purpose built factory shopping centre with 60 retailers and factory shops which was one of the first of its kind in Britain. 

For more photos of Glastonbury click here or view on You Tube

 

Fleet Air Arm

A wonderful family attraction situated near Ilchester just off the A37 in Somerset. A large number of aircraft in hangers which include historic and modern day exhibits. Concorde is one of the aircraft on show but there are a wide range of aircraft and the largest naval aircraft collection in Europe.

This is an extensive collection of aircraft and not a place to be rushed or fitted into a busy schedule. Set time aside to explore this museum. There are a number of flight simulators and a variety of interactive touch screen displays. The aircraft can be viewed at close quarters and there are plenty of facilities at the museum, which include, a licensed restaurant, picnic area, childrens adventure playground, airfield viewing area and a museum shop.

Fleet Air Arm Museum, RNAS Yeovilton, Ilchester, Somerset. BA22 8HT. Tel: 01935 840565
Visit the official website of Fleet Air Arm Musuem.

www.fleetairarm.com

For more photos of the Fleet Air Arm Museum click here

Exmoor National Park

Exmoor National Park is as diverse as it is beautiful. It is one of the smaller British National Parks and covers 265 square miles. It runs along the coast from Minehead to Combe Martin and Watermouth and inland with hilly ranges in the Brendon Hills, moorland and Exmoor Forest. There is a wide and contrasting change of scenery in Exmoor National Park. The terrain can go from heavily wooded regions to craggy hills and dramatic coastal scenes at the turn of a bend.

The best way to see Exmoor Park is to take the coastal road and follow it all the way from Minehead to Watermouth. We did this trip with a camper van and if you take the small coastal road which is a part toll road the views are extremely spectacular and well worth the negotiating of the tight corners and narrow roads. To be honest this should not be attempted in a camper van or vehicles with caravans as the roads are just too narrow. You should be fine with a normal car though.

 
The road narrows after the Valley of Rocks shown here above in the smaller photo's. Along this route you can see wild Exmoor ponies, wild goats and a host of wildlife. This is great hiking country and it would be easy to spend an entire holiday in Exmoor National Park just exploring the wide variety of interests it has to offer. Exmoor National Park spans the two counties of Somerset and Devon.

As you move towards Lynton and Lynmouth the coastal views from the towering cliffs over the Bristol Channel will take your breath away. Without doubt Exmoor National Park has a lot to offer. An idyllic stopping off point is Watersmeet which has a National Trust shop that used to be a fishing lodge. The waterfalls, tea garden and forest make this a relaxing break.

For photographs of Exmoor National Park click here or view the photos on You Tube


 

Dunster Castle

Dunster Castle is set 85m above sea level atop a wooded hill and surrounded by landscaped gardens and spectacular views of the countryside.

A castle has been situated here since Norman times although the current building was the work of Antony Salvin from 1868-1872. The Luttrell family lived at Dunster castle for 600 years until 1976 when the property was given to the National Trust.

Before entering the main castle building visitors are requested to visit the Tenants Hall Exhibition which provides details of the castles history. There is an excellent example of an underground reservoir which is capable of holding 40,000 gallons of water and which was used as a gravity fed supply for the castle.

Dunster Castle claims to have Britain's oldest lemon tree in its grounds. Facilities at the site include free parking and a National Trust Shop. Photography inside the building is not allowed.

Also worth a visit is the Working Water Mill at Dunster

Message from Dunster Castle:

I thought I would let you know that unfortunately we no longer have the Lemon Tree at Dunster Castle. However, we do still have a variety of citrus plants and a national collection of Arbutus (Strawberry trees).

Dunster Castle, Dunster, Nr Minehead, Somerset, TA24 6SL. Tel: 01643 821314

Dunster

Dunster is known for its castle perched majestically on top of a wooded hillside. Records show that this has been a site for fortifications since Norman times. The castle dominates the village of Dunster as it has done for hundreds of years. The castle is looked after by the National Trust.

Dunster claims to be one of the prettiest and most picturesque villages in Britain. It is certainly worth spending some time here walking around the village and castle and its grounds.

Dunster benefits from being surrounded by beautiful countryside as well as having a good beach nearby. Some of the buildings in Dunster are hundreds of years old. The High Street and Yarn Market, the Tithe Barn and Gallox Bridge all take you back in time and are set against wonderful countryside scenes. The stuff of oil paintings!

Each year Dunster has a country fair around the end of July. It features all aspects of country life with live demonstrations of equestrian, dogs, hawks, country life and even helicopter rides and plenty of fun attractions for the kids.

For photographs of Dunster click here or view on You Tube

Clevedon Court

Clevedon Court is a 14th century manor house but with much of the original building dating back to earlier times. There is a 12th century tower and a 13th century great hall. The property is set in a well landscaped 18th century terraced garden with several outbuildings and an impressive wall to the rear of the property.

This has been the home to the Elton family since 1709 and their descendants still live here at Clevedon Court. The house contains a collection of glassware and some impressive paintings and furniture.

We have visited many National Trust properties but it has to be said that the official representatives at this particular property really do make their visitors feel most welcome. Each representative talked with ease and knowledge about Clevedon Court and it was obvious that they spoke about their subject with a passion all to rare these days.

This property is open from the end of March until the end of September on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing time.

For photographs of Clevedon Court Click here or view the photographs on You Tube

Clevedon Court, Twickenham Road, Clevedon, Somerset, BS21 6QU, Tel: 01275 872257