THINGS TO DO
WELLS CATHEDRAL SCHOOL
Encore Music Projects International Music and Language Summer School is privileged to take place on the grounds of one of the most famous and renowned schools in the United Kingdom.
Dating back to the year AD 909 when the school was first established, Wells Cathedral School is one of the oldest existing schools in the world and is now one of the five specialist musical schools in the UK.
CITY OF WELLS
Wells is the smallest city in England, due to it’s magnificent 13th century Cathedral, and one of the most beautiful locations in Great Britain. It remains remarkably unspoiled and has many other historic buildings including Bishop’s Palace, Vicar’s Close (the oldest purely residential street with it’s original buildings all surviving intact, in Europe), and St. Cuthbert’s Church. There is a thriving market with exciting things to buy taking place twice a week.
SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS
There is a great choice of shops and places to eat at Wells. From gift and boutique shops to antique and book shops, there is something for everyone, all within close proximity of each other. Wells is offering a fine selection of restaurants of different cuisines, tea rooms and traditional English pubs.
COUNTRYSIDE
For those who enjoy walking, Wells is a dream place to stay, nestling in the Mendip Hills, which is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and extends just from the East of Wells almost to the Bristol Channel. People have lived and worked there for thousands of years and there are numerous ancient sites, burial mounds and Roman mines. The Mendips, with their fantastic views, are enjoyed for walking, biking, horse-riding and even caving, rock-climbing and canoeing.
WITHIN 40 MINUTES FROM WELLS BY CAR OR PUBLIC TRANSPORT
CITY OF BATH
The most popular place to visit after London and built by the Romans in the AD60s. Since then it become popular due to the famous hot springs. The Romans built a magnificent temple and bathing complex that still flows with natural hot water. Bath offers a unique experience with stunning architecture, great shopping, and iconic attractions.
(40 mins) www.visitbath.co.uk
CHEDDAR GORGE
Visit Britain’s biggest gorge, take in the dramatic cliffs rising up 450 ft and explore the stunning stalactite caverns below. Created by Ice-Age meltwater over millions of years, this world famous beauty spot is not only a National Nature Reserve but also a famous site of prehistoric discoveries. Also visit the nearby cheese factory, home of the original Cheddar Cheese, and local cider shops.
(20 mins) www.cheddargorge.co.uk
WOOKEY HOLE CAVES
The most spectacular of Britain’s caves, with it’s infamous Witch of Wookey. Wander through the prehistoric Valley of the Dinosaurs, featuring King-Kong and relax in the Magical Fairy Garden. The 19th century Paper Mill houses and variety of fascinating attractions will make for a memorable day out.
(10 mins) www.wookey.co.uk
WITHIN 1 HOUR FROM WELLS BY BUS OR PUBLIC TRANSPORT
HAYNES MOTOR MUSEUM
The UK’s largest exhibition of the greatest cars from around the world with over 400 amazing cars and bikes, from nostalgic classics of the 50s and 60s, glorious Bentleys and Rolls Royces, to exciting super-cars like the Jaguar XJ220. An experience not only for Dads and sons!
(45 mins) www.haynesmotormuseum.com
WESTON-SUPER-MARE
A seaside resort town, with miles of golden sands, the Grand Pier, (recently restored after being destroyed by fire and still a major tourist attraction), natural parklands, aquarium, helicopter museum, sand sculptures, miniature railway, shops, tea-rooms, restaurants and bars.
(45 mins) http://www.weston-super-mare.com/
STONEHENGE
For an unforgettable day out, visit the World Heritage Site of Stonehenge, located in beautiful Wiltshire countryside. The true meaning of this ancient, awe-inspiring creation is one of the world’s greatest unsolved mystery’s. Was it a temple for sun worship, a healing centre, a burial site or perhaps a huge calendar? How did our ancestors carry the mighty stones from so far away using only primitive tools?
(1 hour) www.stonehenge.co.uk
ADDITIONAL PLACES OF INTEREST
Longleat Safari Park (45mins)
Devon and Cornwall (1-3 hours, depending on region)
London (2¾ hours)
Bristol (45mins)
Glastonbury Tor (15mins)
Tyntesfield National Trust Estate (50mins)