Overview
From Bath follow the River Frome valley south to Farleigh Hungerford Castle and King Alfred’s Tower en route to the moated Nunney Castle. Visit Tintinhull and the RAF museum at Yeovilton. Enjoy Glastonbury Tor before arriving in Wells and then exploring the splendour of Wookey Hole and Cheddar Gorge.
Bath
Bath has been popular for taking the waters since Roman times. The compact centre is ideal for exploring the stunning honey-coloured Georgian architecture including the iconic Royal Crescent and the majestic Circus and the banks of the river. The waters are still a big draw, both the ancient Roman Baths and the modern Thermae Bath Spa, which you can bathe in.
Farleigh Hungerford Castle
In the beautiful river Frome valley this 14th century fortified mansion contains many hidden treasures - the chapel with rare medieval wall paintings and family tombs; extensive displays in the Priest’s house; and for those brave enough to enter the crypt, there’s a collection of human-shaped lead coffins.
Nunney Castle
A picturesque moated medieval castle dates from the 1370s. Much modernised in the late 16th century, the castle was besieged and damaged by the Parliamentarians in 1645, during the Civil War. Though now ruined, Nunney's dramatic great tower is very well preserved. Its four round corner towers and connecting walls are tightly encircled by the castle moat
King Alfred's Tower
King Alfred's Tower is a folly tower standing on Kingsettle Hill and belongs to the National Trust. Planned in the 1760s to commemorate the end of the Seven Years' War against France and the accession of King George III near the location of 'Egbert's stone' where it is believed that Alfred the Great, King of Wessex, rallied the Saxons in May 878 before the important Battle of Edington.
Fleet Air Arm Museum
On the route you can detour to the delightful Tintinhull gardens. The Fleet Air Arm Museum is devoted to the history of British naval aviation. It has an extensive collection of military and civilian aircraft. Located on RNAS Yeovilton airfield the museum has viewing areas where visitors can watch military aircraft (especially helicopters) take off and land.
Montacute House
Visit the impressive Elizabethan mansion of Montecute House to take in the architecture and gardens – a joy to tour at any time of the year. Enjoy the paintings in the Long Gallery - the longest of its kind in England.
Glastonbury Tor
The conical hill that is Glastonbury Tor is topped by the roofless St Michael's Tower, a Grade I listed building. Managed by the National Trust the hill of clay and Blue Lias rises from the Somerset Levels. Artefacts from human visitation have been found, dating from the Iron Age to Roman eras. The remains of Glastonbury Abbey are nearby.
Wells
Wells is named from three wells dedicated to Saint Andrew, one in the market place and two within the grounds of the moated Bishop's Palace and cathedral with its magnificent West Frontage. Its historic centre includes many fine buildings including the Vicar’s Close believed to be the most complete example of a medieval Close in the UK.
Wookey Hole
Underground is the UK’s largest show caves system, home to the infamous Witch of Wookey Hole and a new Chamber 20 and tunnels with rare rock formations make this a great day out for all the family. Nearby Ebbor Gorge cuts into the surrounding limestone.
Cheddar Gorge
One of Britain’s most spectacular natural landmarks formed of inland limestone cliffs and with stunning stalactite show caves below. The caves have been occupied by our prehistoric ancestors. Whether your preference is a stroll along the clifftop or scaling the rockface for a more extreme adventure, the views are worth a little exertion. It’s also famous for the local cheese.
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