Wells Cathedral in Wells, Englands smallest city has opened its doors this year to welcome well-behaved dogs.
Erected between the 12th and 15th century, Wells Cathedral is the earliest Gothic Cathedral to be built in England.
It is bursting with history and character, boasting some stunning architecture.
Explore the octagonal Chapter House, the Jesse window and nearby Vicars’ Close — one of the most complete medieval Closes in the UK.
A trip to the Cathedral offers an insightful look into the past, so it’s well worth taking the time to soak it all up.
Bishops Palace in Wells.
Situated next door to Wells Cathedral the Palace & Gardens have been a home for the Bishops of both Wells and Bath for 800 years. It is surrounded by a moat, has a drawbridge to cross, and you can walk under the portcullis. There are some parts that are ruins, and it is surrounded by over 14 acres of Gardens. You can see more pictures here. Dogs allowed in the grounds and there is a good café on site.
Market in the city of Wells
Saturday and Wednesdays are market days in Wells. Go on one of these days and you can also visit Wells Cathedral and the Bishops Palace.
Open from 09:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Always buzzy and has a wide range of artisan crafts and really nice food stalls.
Situated at the top of the High Street just outside the Bishops Palace.
Cheddar Caves and Jacobs ladder.
These famous caves are near to Home Farm holiday cottages and guests can buy lowest price tickets direct from the owners at Home Farm.
Dogs are welcome in the caves.
Your day ticket also provides access to Jacobs ladder. A stiff but worthwhile climb takes you to the top of the gorge and the watchtower offers some wonderful views.
It is also well worth a short drive up and down the gorge. Recently voted in the Times as one of Englands best bits of road due to its steepness, curves and very close proximity to the walls to the gorge. Watch out for the goats roaming freely in the gorge.
Brean Sands.
Just a few miles away from Home Farm Holiday cottages are Brean Sands. These stretch for 5 miles and are open all year around to exercise your dogs. Check the tides timetable if you want to see the water – as this is the Severn estuary, the water goes out a long way and high tide is relatively short. (But do stick to the coastline to avoid soft sand or being caught by the fast moving tide coming in).
Our dogs love the freedom this area offers and the ‘feel’ of the soft sand on their paws.
Crook Peak.
This peak on the Mendip Hills (National Trust) is a 30 minute walk direct from Home Farm which sits at the foot of the Mendips. The Sunday Times recently voted it one of the top 10 best views in England.
Once at the top you have fantastic 360 views across go Glastonbury TOR, the Welsh coast, North Devon Coast, the Mendip hills rolling through to Cheddar and on towards Wells, and the extensive Somerset flats. Pick a sunny day, take the camera, and you wont regret the short hike. And the dogs will love the walk too.
The Mendip Hills are a designated AONB (Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty).
From Crook peak you can stay walking at the top of the Mendips, following the stone wall, until you reach Kings Wood.
West Somerset Steam Train
This runs from Taunton and a great stop off point is Dunster (take lunch at the Luttrell arms – dogs allowed). Walk around the perimeter of the castle – more great views.
Check the timetable here to ensure you catch a steam train (they also operate vintage diesel trains), and don’t forget that all important camera.
Light refreshments also available on board.
Arrive a few minutes early to allow time to buy your tickets and take pictures of the lovingly restored steam trains.
And all this activity leads to: –
