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Post by Not_Nick_H on Aug 19, 2020 11:13:20 GMT
Are there any Somerset or South west based Stokeis that can offer some advice on places to visit that way? I've got a few days booked over the BH weekend (yeah, I know  ) and have booked a cottage near Brean with the kids (teens). Just looking for some advice from locals on what's open/decent to visit - I've got things like Weston, Glastonbury Tor, Stonehenge, Cheddar Gorge on the list. Maybe a decent walk that way too. Also - what's the score with eating out round there? Are places taking bookings only or do places have "walk in" spaces available? |
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Post by yeokel on Aug 19, 2020 12:00:35 GMT
I suspect the tourist areas will probably require booking but the more ‘local’ pubs might no be too fussed.
We’ve got a fairly aged demographic down here with ‘caution’ being the watchword for many of us so I think away from the mainstream areas it will be fairly quiet.
I was going to add a couple of places to your itinerary, but one is still closed – I’ll include it just in case you come back some time. The one that is closed – Haynes Motor Museum. A fantastic collection of cars from the esoteric and exotic, to the plane run of the mill motors so that you can say “that’s just like the one your grandad used to have”.
The one that is open – The Fleet Air Arm Museum. A great collection of planes and other fighting stuff. They’ve even got a Concord in there and the ‘helecopter trip out to the aircraft carrier’ is not to be missed! Air ArmDepending on the age of your kids, Bath might be worth a visit too if they are doing the Romans at school. And while you’re there, you might bump in to an old leftie who looks a bit like Che Guevara tottering round. If you do, please say a hello to him from Yeokel. And for a walk, you could do worse than walk the Solar System which starts with the Sun at Mounsel Lock, and then extends out (to scale) towards either Bridgwater or Taunton. Solar System Walk
And then there’s always the Mendip Hills and the Quantocks. Wells Cathedral too.
Watch out for the mud at Brean and surrounding area. It can become a bit tricky when the tide is coming in and there are often people needing rescue by the hovercrafts.
(you do get a free ride on a hovercraft though!) This is just one incident but there are several every year. Stuck in MudI hope you enjoy Somerset – it’s a lovely county. |
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Post by elystokie on Aug 19, 2020 12:24:37 GMT
Are there any Somerset or South west based Stokeis that can offer some advice on places to visit that way? I've got a few days booked over the BH weekend (yeah, I know ) and have booked a cottage near Brean with the kids (teens). Just looking for some advice from locals on what's open/decent to visit - I've got things like Weston, Glastonbury Tor, Stonehenge, Cheddar Gorge on the list. Maybe a decent walk that way too. Also - what's the score with eating out round there? Are places taking bookings only or do places have "walk in" spaces available? We used to have a static down the road from Pontins in Brean Sands, nice place, as said tho, the tide goes out a long way and there's lots of mud, our kids used to love it when they were young but teenagers are probably a bit old for rolling around in mud  Aside from what you've listed there's some good stuff in Bristol (SS Great Britain well worth visiting), there's also Wookey Hole caves that are worth a look and Longleat is about 45 miles away. Stonehenge seems a bit far to me but if it's something you want to see it's obviously worth it |
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Post by somersetstokie on Aug 19, 2020 12:54:28 GMT
I would echo the comments above about Brean, and to a lesser extent Weston. The Bristol Channel is an estuary system and very muddy, with the second highest tidal range in the world. Its all about the tides, which go out a long way but come in very fast and can easily catch people out. Nearly every day at Brean someone ventures out too far and gets stuck in the mud, so pay attention to the warning signs. Weston is famous for the pier and fish and chips
For visitors it is all about either the scenery, or about the history. If you have young kids with you they might easily get bored, but if they're up for it Wookey Hole and the caverns is probably a must, and also nearby Cheddar Gorge and more caves and a few tourist shops. THE shopping destination is Clarks Village in Street and its network of designer and lifestyle brand shopping. Glastonbury is quirky and fun for kids with Witches shops, and Glastonbury Abbey with King Arthurs grave. If you are mobile there are tourist destinations such as the SS Great Britain and the Clifton suspension.
Otherwise its mainly about walking and cycling. If you have bikes or can hire them (think there's a few hire shops online, such as Glastonbury) the Somerset levels are great and have the advantage that they are flat. The Mendip Hills are good and have good vantage points such as Deers Leap and the Ebor Gorge near Priddy. Otherwise its a case of studying the tourist guides. There are some great Stately Homes such as Longleat with its animals, and Stourhead for the lake and gardens.
The trouble is nowadays is that there are so many restrictions and prebooking arrangements so its as well to have internet access to hand for planning. Same with eating places, they are everywhere and most are good, as the poor ones don't last long, but it needs a bit of ongoing research as you find new areas.
Edit. You mentioned Stonhenge, which I think everyone should visit once in their life. However for fun and the experience I would put Avebury with the stones and village ahead of the Henge for a visit. Usually fewer people, a haunted Manor House and a pub, which is the only pub in the world inside a stone circle. (Red Lion).
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Post by Northy on Aug 19, 2020 13:06:55 GMT
Are there any Somerset or South west based Stokeis that can offer some advice on places to visit that way? I've got a few days booked over the BH weekend (yeah, I know ) and have booked a cottage near Brean with the kids (teens). Just looking for some advice from locals on what's open/decent to visit - I've got things like Weston, Glastonbury Tor, Stonehenge, Cheddar Gorge on the list. Maybe a decent walk that way too. Also - what's the score with eating out round there? Are places taking bookings only or do places have "walk in" spaces available? RSPB Ham Wall near Glastonbury for a bit of a walk and try the Railway Inn for pub/food near to it www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/ham-wall/?channel=paidsearch |
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Post by somersetstokie on Aug 19, 2020 13:19:13 GMT
I of course missed out the Medieval city of Wells. Great photo opportunities. Superb Cathedral, Vicars Close (oldest continuously inhabited Street in Europe), Bishops Palace and Moat, and eateries every 30 yards. Not so many pubs, but good restaurants.
Somerset has something for everyone. I have friends and colleagues in London and elsewhere who think I spend my whole life on holiday as I live in Somerset on the Mendips. Its great if you like walking, horses and dogs, and you are an historian, as am I.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 19, 2020 13:50:00 GMT
Avoid Yeovil town centre like the plague  |
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Post by yeokel on Aug 19, 2020 13:54:40 GMT
Avoid Yeovil town centre like the plague I must sadly agree  |
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Post by yeokel on Aug 19, 2020 13:58:43 GMT
I of course missed out the Medieval city of Wells. Great photo opportunities. Superb Cathedral, Vicars Close (oldest continuously inhabited Street in Europe), Bishops Palace and Moat, and eateries every 30 yards. Not so many pubs, but good restaurants. I did mention Wells, above! Anyway, if the OP does go to Wells and is a fan of Hot Fuzz, there is the Hot Fuzz tour - Hot Fuzz Tour |
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Post by elystokie on Aug 19, 2020 14:42:54 GMT
Haven't seen Shepton Mallet mentioned, we knew we weren't far off when we passed the big Babycham sign there Seems there's an ex-prison you can visit there, we visited the Shrewsbury one before lock down, surprisingly interesting. |
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Post by somersetstokie on Aug 19, 2020 15:43:05 GMT
Haven't seen Shepton Mallet mentioned, we knew we weren't far off when we passed the big Babycham sign there Seems there's an ex-prison you can visit there, we visited the Shrewsbury one before lock down, surprisingly interesting. Yes there is a big cider manufactory in Shepton, used to be Showerings Babycham factory. Don't think they do tours there though. On the other hand Shepton Prison is historic, and built in about 1620 and when it closed about 10 years ago it was the oldest operating prison in the country. Also has the highest walls at over 10 metres. Was used in the second world war as a safe repository for many historic documents including a copy of the Doomsday Book, and Magna Carta. It was once one of the last main centres of hanging in the uk, in the 40's the famous Hangman, Albert Pierrepoint, used to be active there, and he would sit in the Kings Arms pub down the road and do his weight calculations for the gallows. In the second world war, and for quite a while after, Shepton was used as a military prison and once had the Kray twins as inmates, when they were in trouble during their National Service. There are certainly tours that you can do around the prison and they regularly hold ghost events featuring one or two spooky alleged former inhabitants. Shepton Mallet is "credited" with one of the first deaths of the English Civil War, in August 1642, when a civilian died in the Market Square, during a skirmish involving two opposing groups of military recruiters. |
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Post by lawrieleslie on Aug 20, 2020 11:08:48 GMT
Bristol .......British Aerospace museum, SS Great Britain
Bit further south the Fleet Air Arm museum at Yeovilton is very good. Venture into Devon and there is heaps in the open air.....Dartmoor, Exmoor, Tarka Trail is great walking and cycling with plenty of cycle hire places. Granite Trail from Okehampton to Lydford for walking or cycling. There’s loads but just be prepared for traffic over the BH weekend it could ruin your break if you wing it without any planning.
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Post by somersetstokie on Aug 20, 2020 12:01:57 GMT
Bristol .......British Aerospace museum, SS Great Britain Bit further south the Fleet Air Arm museum at Yeovilton is very good. Venture into Devon and there is heaps in the open air.....Dartmoor, Exmoor, Tarka Trail is great walking and cycling with plenty of cycle hire places. Granite Trail from Okehampton to Lydford for walking or cycling. There’s loads but just be prepared for traffic over the BH weekend it could ruin your break if you wing it without any planning. Sights to see on the M5 southbound. . . . . . . . . Unfortunately the OP if coming south will come off around junction 21, which is before the Willow Man (near j23). Mind you they mentioned Stonehenge so could be on the A303, so passing the stones. Also before Sparkford you pass South Cadbury and Cadbury "Castle", one of the supposed possible sites for King Arthur's Camelot, and a nice spot for a break with a bit of walking. |
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Post by Dutchpeter on Aug 20, 2020 13:15:53 GMT
I had two spells at RNAS Yeovilton and I loved being in Somerset. Just to add to the other wonderful suggestions, the drive over the causeway to the isle of Avalon and then walk up to Glastonbury tor is something else. Cerne Abbas is just over the border in Dorset and is home to the ‘Giant’ ie that chalk carving with the erect penis 😁 Somerset just has a magical atmosphere and I hope to get back down to visit some King Alfred sites of interest.
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Post by lawrieleslie on Aug 20, 2020 14:15:04 GMT
I had two spells at RNAS Yeovilton and I loved being in Somerset. Just to add to the other wonderful suggestions, the drive over the causeway to the isle of Avalon and then walk up to Glastonbury tor is something else. Cerne Abbas is just over the border in Dorset and is home to the ‘Giant’ ie that chalk carving with the erect penis 😁 Somerset just has a magical atmosphere and I hope to get back down to visit some King Alfred sites of interest. The Mrs sat on the Cerne Abbas Giant's penis and was pregnant 4 weeks later. I was away at sea at the time so must have been him |
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Post by swampmongrel on Aug 20, 2020 15:39:12 GMT
The teenagers will probably just want to get smashed on cider and mushrooms.
I’d join in if I was you.
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Post by somersetstokie on Aug 20, 2020 15:51:24 GMT
Somerset. Traditionally "The Land of the Summer People".  |
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Post by salopstick on Aug 20, 2020 16:06:18 GMT
The fleet air arm museum is very good as stated if you are into that sort of thing.
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Post by westonsharky on Aug 20, 2020 19:07:15 GMT
If you have bikes, there is now an excellent bike path from Brean to Weston which is mostly flat and drops you out at the boatyard in Uphill. A further 5 minute bike ride brings you out onto Weston sea front.
Most of the pubs and eateries are now back up and running but will be very busy over the bank holiday weekend, unfortunately all of the planned events have been cancelled. If you really fancy a challenge, ride the length of the seafront and head towards Sand Bay. At the end of Sand Bay is Sand Point which offers stunning views of the estuary.
If ale is your preferred tipple, The Black Cat and the Cat and Badger in the town centre have reopened, but of course it is customary to only drink scrumpy in Somerset !!!!
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Post by swampmongrel on Aug 20, 2020 19:41:07 GMT
If you have bikes, there is now an excellent bike path from Brean to Weston which is mostly flat and drops you out at the boatyard in Uphill. A further 5 minute bike ride brings you out onto Weston sea front. Most of the pubs and eateries are now back up and running but will be very busy over the bank holiday weekend, unfortunately all of the planned events have been cancelled. If you really fancy a challenge, ride the length of the seafront and head towards Sand Bay. At the end of Sand Bay is Sand Point which offers stunning views of the estuary. If ale is your preferred tipple, The Black Cat and the Cat and Badger in the town centre have reopened, but of course it is customary to only drink scrumpy in Somerset !!!! I lived down there for a spell and my favourite excursion was ride from Weston to Brean, walk along the Down and back and cycle back. I’d stop for a pint at some completely unmemoravle boozer on the way back before rolling back into town. Brean Down is a lovely place in most weathers. Also Sand Point as well. There was a decent eatery in Kewstoke called the New Castle but I’ve just checked and the menu looks a bit shit to how I remember. Probably different ownership. |
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Post by swampmongrel on Aug 20, 2020 19:48:29 GMT
If you have bikes, there is now an excellent bike path from Brean to Weston which is mostly flat and drops you out at the boatyard in Uphill. A further 5 minute bike ride brings you out onto Weston sea front. Most of the pubs and eateries are now back up and running but will be very busy over the bank holiday weekend, unfortunately all of the planned events have been cancelled. If you really fancy a challenge, ride the length of the seafront and head towards Sand Bay. At the end of Sand Bay is Sand Point which offers stunning views of the estuary. If ale is your preferred tipple, The Black Cat and the Cat and Badger in the town centre have reopened, but of course it is customary to only drink scrumpy in Somerset !!!! Just reread and saw you were talking about a new bike path. That looks ace and much nicer than going through Bleadon. |
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Post by mrcoke on Aug 20, 2020 19:52:57 GMT
If you are interested or want a bit of culture, there is the National Trust Coleridge Cottage. Nice pub opposite.
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Post by westonsharky on Aug 20, 2020 20:11:43 GMT
If you have bikes, there is now an excellent bike path from Brean to Weston which is mostly flat and drops you out at the boatyard in Uphill. A further 5 minute bike ride brings you out onto Weston sea front. Most of the pubs and eateries are now back up and running but will be very busy over the bank holiday weekend, unfortunately all of the planned events have been cancelled. If you really fancy a challenge, ride the length of the seafront and head towards Sand Bay. At the end of Sand Bay is Sand Point which offers stunning views of the estuary. If ale is your preferred tipple, The Black Cat and the Cat and Badger in the town centre have reopened, but of course it is customary to only drink scrumpy in Somerset !!!! Just reread and saw you were talking about a new bike path. That looks ace and much nicer than going through Bleadon. And so much safer, especially for the kids. No main roads to negotiate. |
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Post by Not_Nick_H on Aug 21, 2020 9:38:43 GMT
Thanks for all this guys.
I'll plug an itinerary together. Probably alot of walking - either coast path or inland I think, because many NT / private attractions are shut or have to be booked. (Stonehenge is booking only).
The Coleridge Cottage is one of those that's shut unfortunately, although there's a village that way with a staute of the Ancient Mariner.
My kids are are 19 and 15 (nearly 16) - old enough to appreciate that holidays are a bit different at the minute and don't mind not going to cities or busy areas.
Bath and Wells might also be possibles too - never been to either and heard good things. Which is a better place to visit - Bath Abbey or Wells Catherdal?
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Post by yeokel on Aug 21, 2020 10:58:45 GMT
Thanks for all this guys. I'll plug an itinerary together. Probably alot of walking - either coast path or inland I think, because many NT / private attractions are shut or have to be booked. (Stonehenge is booking only). The Coleridge Cottage is one of those that's shut unfortunately, although there's a village that way with a staute of the Ancient Mariner. My kids are are 19 and 15 (nearly 16) - old enough to appreciate that holidays are a bit different at the minute and don't mind not going to cities or busy areas. Bath and Wells might also be possibles too - never been to either and heard good things. Which is a better place to visit - Bath Abbey or Wells Catherdal? You're thinking of Watchet for the Ancient Mariner statue. Watchet is a lovely place to visit. As well as the Ancient Mariner it has the attraction of a little railway station which the Bishop's Lydeard to Minehead steam trains call at every day - you'll get some great photos (check their timetables) Timetable link - ah bugger, I didn't realise they were closed because of Covid - maybe next time. It's only a little town but there are some nice places for lunch at Watchet and a little wander to the west, past the harbour and harbour wall would take you on a rocky beach which is suffering greatly from coastal eroding. The fascinating thing is that on a quiet day you can hear the light tingling sound as the sandstone blows off the rockface on to the beach. It is not a place to visit on a stormy day though. And, if you're travelling there from Brean, you'll go very close to the new nuclear power station constuction site at Hinckley Point. It's well worth a look and a bit of an explore down the country lanes there. Among other things you'll see what is said to be 'the biggest crane in the world'. I can't offer too much advice on your Bath vs Wells query. Wells cathedral is well worth seeing, and the traffic in Bath is a nightmare most of the time, if that helps? (which it probably doesn't) |
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Post by Dutchpeter on Aug 21, 2020 11:28:38 GMT
Thanks for all this guys. I'll plug an itinerary together. Probably alot of walking - either coast path or inland I think, because many NT / private attractions are shut or have to be booked. (Stonehenge is booking only). The Coleridge Cottage is one of those that's shut unfortunately, although there's a village that way with a staute of the Ancient Mariner. My kids are are 19 and 15 (nearly 16) - old enough to appreciate that holidays are a bit different at the minute and don't mind not going to cities or busy areas. Bath and Wells might also be possibles too - never been to either and heard good things. Which is a better place to visit - Bath Abbey or Wells Catherdal? Wells cathedral is worth visiting to see it’s clock alone. It’s the oldest (second oldest in Europe?), has a 24 hour dial face with lunar movements on it etc, an unbelievable piece of engineering for the 14th century. If you go to Wells, go on a market day as it adds to the atmosphere and charm of the older part of the town. Lots to see in Wells in short walking distances. |
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Post by jimmygscfc1234 on Aug 24, 2020 11:27:42 GMT
Bishops Palace in Wells down from the Cathedral is great too. Brean to Bath a bit of a slog really. I live about 2 miles from Cheddar, in a village called Axbridge, so wave as you drive by.
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Post by mrcoke on Aug 24, 2020 11:51:51 GMT
Bishops Palace in Wells down from the Cathedral is great too. Brean to Bath a bit of a slog really. I live about 2 miles from Cheddar, in a village called Axbridge, so wave as you drive by. I wish I had known that when I last visited Wells. The cathedral has a magnificent frontage. We visit cathedrals regularly and always donate more than the average amount for the upkeep. Unfortunately Wells Cathedral has (maybe had now) a policy of charging an entry fee, which we object to. So I have never been inside. We visited St Cuthbert's last time we were in Wells, a wonderful church. I am also familiar with Cheddar, having been a lime works manager in my past and visited Batts Comb. |
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Post by yeokel on Aug 24, 2020 12:03:18 GMT
Bishops Palace in Wells down from the Cathedral is great too. Brean to Bath a bit of a slog really. I live about 2 miles from Cheddar, in a village called Axbridge, so wave as you drive by. I wish I had known that when I last visited Wells. The cathedral has a magnificent frontage. We visit cathedrals regularly and always donate more than the average amount for the upkeep. Unfortunately Wells Cathedral has (maybe had now) a policy of charging an entry fee, which we object to. So I have never been inside. We visited St Cuthbert's last time we were in Wells, a wonderful church. I am also familiar with Cheddar, having been a lime works manager in my past and visited Batts Comb. It looks as if that may have become a relic of the past (not unlike religion itself) " Here at Wells we do not charge an entrance fee however we do ask visitors to make a donation if they are able to do so, to help us with those costs" from Wells Cathedral link |
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Post by mrcoke on Aug 24, 2020 12:24:53 GMT
I wish I had known that when I last visited Wells. The cathedral has a magnificent frontage. We visit cathedrals regularly and always donate more than the average amount for the upkeep. Unfortunately Wells Cathedral has (maybe had now) a policy of charging an entry fee, which we object to. So I have never been inside. We visited St Cuthbert's last time we were in Wells, a wonderful church. I am also familiar with Cheddar, having been a lime works manager in my past and visited Batts Comb. It looks as if that may have become a relic of the past (not unlike religion itself) " Here at Wells we do not charge an entrance fee however we do ask visitors to make a donation if they are able to do so, to help us with those costs" from Wells Cathedral linkGood news. Maybe the last time I complained about charging to enter God's house worked! |
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) and have booked a cottage near Brean with the kids (teens). Just looking for some advice from locals on what's open/decent to visit - I've got things like Weston, Glastonbury Tor, Stonehenge, Cheddar Gorge on the list. Maybe a decent walk that way too. Also - what's the score with eating out round there? Are places taking bookings only or do places have "walk in" spaces available?
