Cheddar Gorge, the Mendip Hills & Wells
-
port
Bristol (Bath), England, United Kingdom
-
activityLevel
Moderate Activity
-
excursionType
All
-
wheelchairAccessible
No
-
startingAtPrice
$130
-
minimumAge
Information Not Currently Available
-
duration
Approximately 5 Hours
-
mealsIncluded
Meals not included
With only 12,000 inhabitants, Wells is England's smallest city. A 1¼-hour drive takes you south of Bristol, through the countryside and across the Mendip Hills towards Axbridge and Cheddar. Here the road climbs and winds its way through the three-mile Cheddar Gorge. The gorge itself is a narrow ravine with limestone rocks rising almost vertically on either side. It cuts through the Mendip Plateau -- a relic of the glacial activity of the last Ice Age.
Crossing open terrain, you will arrive at Wells -- a thriving market center that combines a wealth of historic interest and beautiful architecture. The city is named after St Andrew's Well, the sacred spring that bubbles up from the ground near the 13th-century Bishop's Palace, residence of the Bishop of Bath and Wells. Wells has maintained much of its medieval character with its cathedral and moated Bishop's Palace. The most striking feature of the cathedral is the majestic west façade with its 300 fine medieval statues of kings, knights, and saints, many of them life size. There are splendid photo opportunities here. Step inside for a guided visit to the cathedral and stroll around the charming moated area surrounding the 13th-century Bishop's Palace. The palace moat is home to some rather clever swans who are smart enough to ring a bell beside the gatehouse when they want to be fed.
Leaving Wells, it's just a 15-minute drive to Glastonbury -- once a very important destination for pilgrims in England. As you approach, you will enjoy views of Glastonbury Tor. The Tor is a natural hill crowned with the remains of a 14th-century church. As you drive through Glastonbury's medieval town center, keep an eye out for the evocative ruins of an abbey founded in AD 700. Cross the County of Somerset and return to Bristol.
Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes.