Page 75 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Great Britain

DRIVE 5: A Spiritual Journey 73

Above left West façade of Wells Cathedral
walls and are a vital habitat for e Glastonbury Above centre St Michael’s Church on top of
wildflowers, insects and wildlife such Somerset; BA6 9EL Glastonbury Tor Above right The romantic
as dormice and the peregrine falcon. A magnet for “New Agers” and those ruins of Glastonbury Abbey
ª From Wookey Hole carry on down seeking “alternative” lifestyles, medieval
the High Street onto Wells Road, Glastonbury is awash with legend and SHOPPING IN GLASTONBURY
following signs into the centre of Wells. religious symbolism. Close to its heart For genuine Clarks shoes often at a
near the Market Cross, lie the majestic discount, visit Clarks Factory Shop
w Wells ruins of Glastonbury Abbey (open (Clarks Village, Farm Rd, Street, BA16
Somerset; BA5 2RP daily), once one of the most powerful 0BB; 01458 840 064; www.clarks.co.uk)
England’s smallest city, Wells abbeys in the land, but razed in Street, south of Glastonbury.
has a cathedral that is one during the Dissolution of
of the crowning glories the Monasteries. The abbey
of early English Gothic dates mostly from the 12th EAT AND DRINK
architecture. Fronted by a and 13th centuries but a
swathe of lawn, its stately stone church was built here WELLS
west façade is a marvel as early as AD 705. To the The Good Earth inexpensive
This is the ideal place for a coffee or
of medieval statuary, and east, topped by the ruins of snack, serving wholesome, simple fare
the interior houses an St Michael’s church, stands such as soups, quiches, pizzas and
incredible 600-year-old Carving on the Market the cone of Glastonbury Tor jacket potatoes and takeaway items.
astronomical clock. Close Cross, Glastonbury – variously said to be a portal 4 Priory Road, BA5 1SY; 01749 678 600;
to the cathedral, admire the to the fairy kingdom, King www.thegoodearthwells.co.uk; open
daytime only; closed Sun
medieval Vicars’ Close, said to be Arthur’s stronghold, or whwere the
the oldest planned street in Europe, Holy Grail was kept. Climb up here GLASTONBURY
and the beautiful walled and moated for fabulous views over the Somerset Hundred Monkeys moderate
13th-century Bishop’s Palace, from Levels – reclaimed marshes. The In a town renowned for its hippy cafés,
whose springs the city took its name. world-famous 5-day Glastonbury this has a refreshing feel and serves
various mains as well as great cakes.
ª Follow the A39 southwest, turning Festival of contemporary music and 52 High Street, BA6 9DY; 01458 833
right at roundabout. Carry on past arts originated at Worthy Farm, 13 km 386; www.hundredmonkeyscafe.com;
Glastonbury Abbey to car park on left. (8 miles) east of the town. closed Sun evening
DAY TRIP OPTIONS From Salisbury, follow the directions to From Bath, take the A36/B3108 to
Salisbury and Bath are both good bases visit Old Sarum, Stonehenge, Devizes Bradford and the B3107/A350 to Lacock.
for day trips; staying at Glastonbury and Avebury – return via A361 and
enables visits to Wells and a trip into A342 for speed and convenience. Glastonbury and the gorges
the Mendips, with the opportunity for Beautiful buildings Staying at Glastonbury e, enjoy the
some walking or outdoors activity. romantic abbey ruins and a scramble
Explore the amazing architecture up Glastonbury Tor for the views. On
Salisbury and the stones of Bath 9, with its inspiring mix of to wonderful Wells w for a tour of
Learn about the prehistory of the area elegant houses and buildings, its the cathedral and adjacent sights,
in Salisbury museum 1, then see it museums and impressive range of and then a drive through the Mendip
for real at Old Sarum 2, Stonehenge shops and restaurants. The Roman Hills q via Cheddar, Ebbor and
3 and Avebury 5. Active families Baths are an essential sight. See too, Wookey Gorges, stopping off at will.
will have most fun in the outdoor sites Bradford-on-Avon 8 for some Anglo-
and might want to consider stopping Saxon and medieval treats and Lacock The A39 connects Wells to Glastonbury;
off in Devizes 4 for an exursion along Abbey 7 for its intriguing blend of follow the drive’s instructions in reverse
the Kennet and Avon Canal. medieval and 16th-century design. for the gorges. Return via A371 and A39.

Eat and Drink: inexpensive, under £25; moderate, £25–£50; expensive, over £50

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