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History & Heritage

Wells and Glastonbury

Approx. 20 miles, 4-6 hours

A one day trip taking in just some of Somerset's fascinating history. Start and finish the day in England's smallest city, Wells the perfect centre from which to explore the beauty and unspoiled countryside of the Mendips.

Stage 1

Start Wells. Park in one of the car/coach parks located in the city and walk a short distance to one of the following; Wells Cathedral or The Bishop's Palace. Allow approx. one and a half hours for your visit.

Wells Cathedral is the first completely English Gothic Cathedral, mostly built in the 12th & 13th centuries. The magnificent West Front contains the largest gallery of medieval sculpture in the world, there is also a 600 year old astronomical clock. On the quarter hour jousting knights can be seen going round in tournament. These are just two of the features of this magnificent building.
(Alternatively, walk towards The Bishop's Palace)

The Bishop's Palace was begun in the 13th Century and is still the residence of the Bishop of Bath & Wells, here you will find the wells and springs from which Wells takes its name and which feed the moat and supply the waters which flow constantly through the High Street.
The moat is also home to the famous mute swans which have recently been retrained to ring the bell below the Gatehouse window when they want to be fed. From here walk back towards the Cathedral, if time permits it is worth wandering along 'Vicars Close' one of the finest complete Medieval streets in Britain, built in 1348 to house the men of the choir.

Stage 2

Leave Wells via the A39 and continue on towards Glastonbury for approx 6 miles. Follow signs for Glastonbury Abbey and park in the car and coach park adjoining the entrance to the Abbey.
Allow up to 3 hrs to visit the Abbey Grounds.

Glastonbury Abbey's extensive ruins lie in over 35 acres. The original building was destroyed by fire in 1184. One of the oldest religious foundations in the British Isles, steeped in history and legend, allegedly the burial place of King Arthur. Well worth a visit!

Also at Glastonbury is the Tor, a sacred site since ancient times, St Michaels Tower on the top is all that remains of a 14th Century church - Chalice Well, with its healing waters is located near the bottom of the tor according to legend, Joseph of Arimathea hid the Holy Grail in its depths. You can, if you choose to, remain in Glastonbury for lunch where there are a number of restaurants, pubs and cafes.

Stage 3

Head towards Shepton Mallet on the A361 towards Glastonbury Tor. Before you reach the Tor turn right into the Somerset Rural Life Museum - free car parking and a coach lay-by. Allow one to one and a half hours for the visit.

The Rural Life Museum is housed in the attractive setting of a Victorian farmhouse and includes the magnificent 14C barn of Glastonbury Abbey. Here you can see displays of traditional farming practices and the local industries of peat cutting and cider making. Throughout the season see farming and craft demonstrations. In the cider apple orchard are rare breeds of poultry and sheep.

Stage 4

Head back to the centre of Glastonbury and take the A39 back to Wells.

Other history and heritage ideas:
Taunton Castle and Museum
Dunster Castle
Cleeve Abbey (nr Watchet)
Muchelney Abbey (nr Langport)

For opening times and admission prices please see under entry in attraction section.
General Advice & Information: contact the Somerset Visitor Centre Tel: 01934 750833