Group Travel Tour Operator and DMC for Somerset
Cheddar, Wells, Glastonbury and West Somerset Railway
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Glastonbury Abbey ©glastonburyabbey.com
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Dunster Castle, Somerset - Castle and Garden © National Trust Images / James Aitken-www.nationaltrust.org.uk
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Cheddar Gorge, Somerset, England, UK
Steeped in history, myths and legends, Somerset offers a magical short break away from home. On this tour we take a steam train ride on the West Somerset Railway. We also visit Glastonbury, Wells, Cheddar Gorge and Minehead. The Railway will take passengers on a 23 mile journey through the scenic countryside and also through unspoilt villages from Bishops Lydeard. The journey will finish in the traditional seaside town of Minehead. In Glastonbury, a town with significance to Britain’s national heritage and identity, visit the medieval Glastonbury Abbey before visiting the Gothic-Style Cathedral in Wells.
There’s an opportunity to extend the break and visit historic Exmoor, Dunster and Selworthy.
Dates
Dates throughout 2022 & 2023
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Travel to your hotel
Day 2
West Somerset Railway and Minehead
This morning we take a steam train ride on the West Somerset Railway. The 23-mile line, from Bishops Lydeard to the traditional seaside destination of Minehead, takes you through the delightful Quantock Hills and unspoilt villages, with spectacular views over the Bristol Channel. In Minehead there’s free time to take a walk along the promenade or the long, flat sandy beach, or perhaps take the footpath between thatched cottages up to the 15th century St Michael’s Church with stunning views across the town.
Day 3
Glastonbury, Wells and Cheddar Gorge
Today we visit Glastonbury, widely regarded as the cradle of Christianity. The medieval Glastonbury Abbey is reputed to be the burial place of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere. We then travel to Wells to visit the Gothic-style cathedral, dating from the 12th century, and the adjacent Bishop’s Palace and the 14th century Vicars’ Close. We return to our hotel through the world-famous Cheddar Gorge where the magnificent limestone cliffs reach up to 500 ft.
Day 4
Return home or optional day to Exmoor and Dunster
In the morning, take some time to explore Exmoor’s stunning landscapes; wilderness and tranquillity, and a warm rural welcome await you on Exmoor, one of Britain’s breathing places. The glimpse of wild Red Deer or the native Exmoor Pony are just a couple of the delights that make Exmoor special. In the afternoon, visit Dunster, a pretty Medieval village with an ancient castle, yarn market and packhorse bridge.
Day 5
Return home
Suggested Hotels
Best Western Tiverton Hotel ***
Inspected by Greatdays staff
Set within 2,5 acres of mature gardens, this hotel awaits with a traditional West Country welcome. Located in the heart of Mid-Devon, just 10 minutes from J27 of the M5 and close to both Taunton and Exeter, this is a great base to explore the area. The hotel facilities include a restaurant and bar; free Wi-Fi and conference and banqueting suites. Each of the 69 spacious en-suite bedrooms is equipped with satellite TV, hospitality tray and hairdryer. There are many ground floor rooms and some adapted for disabled use. The hotel has coach parking and offers tea/coffee on arrival and porterage.
Holiday Inn Taunton ***
This modern hotel is situated just off the M5 at junction 25, close to Taunton town centre. Enjoy a buffet breakfast or a delicious meal in the contemporary lounge or relax at the bar. Guests enjoy complimentary use of the Spirit Health Club with an indoor pool, spa, sauna, solarium and gym. The comfortable bedrooms feature en-suite bathrooms, trouser press, hairdryer and tea and coffee making facilities for your convenience. The hotel has a lift and a free car park.
| Dates | 4 days / 3 nights | 5 days / 4 nights |
| 2022 dates | From £209.00 per person | From £269.00 per person |
| 2023 dates | From £212.00 per person | From £272.00 per person |
Single room supplement available upon request.
