Sightseeing and Visitor Attractions in the area
Bath
Just 30 minutes away from The Holcombe Inn, you will find the City of Bath, a
UNESCO World Heritage Site in its own right filled with architectural gems,
including The Royal Crescent, The Circus and Pulteney Bridge - delightful
waterways, gardens and parklands, natural thermal spa and of course, a multitude
of specialist shops, cafes and bars. Bath has a full calendar of events each
year, the climax being the annual Christmas market in the city centre.
Longleat
We are ideally placed for
your visit to Longleat House and Safari Park, being a mere 20 minutes drive from
our front door. The House, an Elizabethan stately home is open all year round
for you to visit. The Safari Park is open every day from April to October and
extra days - please see their website for detailed information.
Wells
England's smallest city
is only 11 miles away, this is a lovely place to visit and has a beautiful
cathedral with a World famous clock. The Bishop of Bath and Wells Palace and is
famous for the swans on the moat who ring a bell when it is time to be fed.
There is a general and farmer's outdoor market in the Market Square every
Wednesday and Saturday.
Bristol
About 15 miles from here is
the City of Bristol with it's fascinating maritime history, floating harbour and
cosmopolitan dockside areas. Visit the SS Great Britain, Isambard Kingdom
Brunel's ship, lovingly restored to it's former glory - or perhaps a little
further up river, Brunel's Clifton Suspension Bridge. Bristol has it's own zoo,
very popular amongst families, then perhaps a bit of "out of town" shopping at
Cribbs Causeway. Look out for the annual harbour festival and the hot air
balloon fiesta - a free event taking place each August.
Cheddar Gorge
A little closer to us is
Cheddar, not only famous for Cheddar Cheese, but also it's gorge with steep
rocky cliffs. Climb Jacob's Ladder and visit the showcaves. An open top bus
operates throughout the summer, allowing spectacular views of the surrounding
scenery.
Wookey Hole Caves
Not just a guided tour of Wookey's
spectacular caves, there is a hall of mirrors, Victorian arcade with old penny
one armed bandits, a working papermill and The Valley of the Dinosaurs. A full
day's amusement for all the family.
Shepton Mallet
Ten minutes drive from here you will
find this ancient market sheep town, now with a new retail park in the town
centre. Shepton is most famous for being home to the largest cider factory in
Europe and just on the outskirts of the town you will find the Royal Bath and
West Showground which hosts the annual Bath & West Show, Amateur Gardening Show,
Bike Show Southwest, Truckfest and a whole calendar of events and exhibitions
for your pleasure.
Glastonbury
Half an hour away is Glastonbury,
often referred to as The Isle of Avalon. The Abbey is reputed to be the burial
place of the legendary King Arthur and his wife Guinevere. Visit the Tor, a
conical hill rising above the town, steeped in history and mystery!
Street
Just beyond Glastonbury, you will
find an interesting High Street with a good variety of shops adjacent to the
famous Clark's Village Retail Outlet, named after the shoe factory that once
stood in the centre of town.
Frome
Frome is an
historic market town with a wealth of historic
and architectural interest alongside a thriving contemporary arts scene.
Stourhead
One of the regions most popular
National Trust properties - visit the Stourhead estate with it's Palladian
Mansion, gardens, lake, temples and monuments as well as an unusual and
delightful collection of exotic trees and planting. Other National Trust
properties in the area include Prior Park Landscaped Garden, Dyrham Park and
Tyntesfield.
Bradford on Avon
Over the border into Wiltshire,
about 45 minutes from here, you will find an ancient Saxon wool town with lovely
scenic river and canal walks. Climb up the surrounding hills for delightful
views of the town - visit the nearby country park and the tythebarn and then
perhaps a spot of lunch at one of the many canalside cafes and bars in and
around the town.
Salisbury
Further into Wiltshire there is the
City of Salisbury, most famous for its Cathedral that has the tallest spire in
Britain, standing at a breathtaking 123 metres.
Stonehenge
An iconic, ancient stone
circle and World Heritage site that has mystified and amazed for thousands of
years. Not too far away is Avebury, another stone circle, but here, a village
runs through the centre. If you're a real fan of stone circles, you can also
visit the one at Stanton Drew in the Chew Valley, just south of Bristol.
Weston super Mare
Our closest seaside resort with it's
Grand Pier, award winning clean sandy beach with traditional amusements and
donkey rides.