Somerset travel and tourism - Historic Churches
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England
Somerset Somerset map


Historic Churches in Somerset

See also Abbeys and Monasteries

 Bath Abbey
  

Bath Abbey A church built by a dream. In this case the dreamer was Oliver King, Bishop of Bath and Wells, Secretary to Henry VII. It seems the good bishop had a dream of angels climbing a ladder, and a voice said to him, "Let a King restore the church". Accordingly, he had the Norman abbey church pulled down and in 1499 work began on a new cathedral. The chancel and side aisles had been vaulted by the time of the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the tower crossing was completed under Elizabeth, but the nave was not finished until Victorian times. The resulting fan vaulting creates a superb rhythmic unity.
Bath, Somerset, England, BA1 1LT

Attraction Type: Cathedral
Website: Bath Abbey
Email: office@bathabbey.org
Phone: 01225 422 462
Fax: 1225 429 990
Location map
OS ST752 648

Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering


 Culbone, St Beuno's Church
  

Said to be the smallest parish church in England, seating only 33, St Beuno's can only be reached on foot. The church is sited in a quiet combe looking out to sea. A leper's squint is set into the north wall, a relic of the 16th century when a leper's colony was sited in the nearby woods. The church boasts a Saxon font and carved head that is part-cat, part-man on the north window.
Porlock, nr Minehead Culbone, Somerset, England, TA24

Attraction Type: Church
Location: No direct vehicle access. Off the A39 at the Culbone Inn, or off the minor road from Porlock to Porlock Weir. Park at the end of the road, then a 1 mile walk. Church is on the South West Coast Path.
Location map
OS SS844485

Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering


 Wells Cathedral
  

Wells Cathedral Wells became a see in 909, and for the next 300 years squabbled with nearby Bath for the position. In the 13th century the quarrel was ended by creating the joint bishopric of Bath and Wells. In the meantime Wells had gained what has been called the earliest completely Gothic cathedral in Europe. The west screen, with places for 300 carved figures, is a striking sight, as is the scissors vault (more properly called strainer arches) that was a 14th century attempt to shore up the shifting foundations of the central tower. Look at the carvings decorating the transepts. One shows a man grimacing with a fearsome toothache. The Wells chapter house is amazing, with its central pier sprouting 32 vaulting ribs, but the staircase to reach it is equally notable; it curves and undulates like flowing water. There is also a 14th century mechanical clock that strikes the hours by having two wooden knights bash each other with battleaxes. Nearby is the Bishop's Palace and the 14th century purpose-built street of houses for the vicars of the cathedral. The ambience is wonderful. Don't miss Wells.
Wells, Somerset, England, BA5 2UE

Attraction Type: Cathedral
Website: Wells Cathedral
Email: office@wellscathedral.uk.net
Phone: 01749 674 483
Fax: 01749 832 210
Location map
Details of Wells Cathedral
OS ST551 459

Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering


 

 

Somerset Travel Guide

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Accommodation
Somerset

Laurel Wharf

Westport
Self catering cottage

Laurel Wharf offers 1 double, 2 sofa beds in main spacious living/dining area, bathroom with bath & electric shower, well equipped kitchen. dogs welcome at £10 … more >>
Sleeps 4

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Somerset

Ebenezer Chapel

Pilton
Self catering cottage

This property offers 2 double bedrooms, 1 twin bedroom with ensuite, 1 bunk bedroom, 2 bathrooms 1 with hand held shower, 1 large living area … more >>
Sleeps 12

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Frome (Hotel)

Mendip House Hotel

The Mendip House Hotel is situated in 3 1/2 acres of its own landscaped gardens overlooking the Mendip Hills. The hotel is ideally located for guests to visit Bath, Wells, Longleat, Cheddar Gorge and many other places of interest. All bedrooms are spacious and well equipped with satellite TV, telephone … more >>

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Taunton (Hotel)

Travelodge Taunton

Located by junction 25 of the M5 motorway, this Travelodge provides contemporary quality accommodation and an ideal base for exploring the surrounding attractions and countryside. Spacious en-suite rooms, TV in every room, tea and coffee making facilities and free parking, make Travelodges terrific value. more >>

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