Explore the Area
What does Somerset & The Mendip Hills have to Offer?
Excellent for walkers, cyclists and lovers of nature, yet only 3 miles from England's smallest city - historic medieval Wells, with its beautiful cathedral and the world famous Wookey Hole Caves. Within easy reach are Cheddar Gorge and caves, Glastonbury Abbey and Tor, and the wonderful Georgian World Heritage city of Bath. The Chew Valley Lakes and North Somerset coast, with a choice of beaches from which to choose are easily accessible. There are several historic houses to visit close by including Monatcute House, Tyntesfield, Stourhead and Longleat.
To find out more about the local area visit www.wellssomerset.com
Attractions around The Power House
The Mendip Hills
One of England’s most special places, the limestone Mendip Hills with the lakes of the Chew Valley - is a stunning landscape of steep slopes and undulating plateau, punctuated by spectacular gorges and rocky outcrops. On the hilltops there are hundreds of ancient monuments, whilst on steeper slopes flower - rich grasslands and wooded combes offer habitats for a wide variety of wildlife.
Ebbor Gorge & Deer Leap
A designated National Nature Reserve, Ebbor Gorge is a magical walk back in time to the days of Saber toothed tigers and wild bears roaming around. Here you’ll find woodland, rocks and caves. There are small streams good for paddling and fallen trees to clamber over – great for kids.
Deer Leap is probably one of the most stunning viewing points in the world, certainly the best view in Somerset! Both can be reach on foot from the Power House, or are 5 minutes by car.
Wookey Hole
Home to the famous witch and a series of limestone caverns, a show cave and tourist attraction. Lots to entertain children.
A 20 minute walk from The Power House or a very short drive. Open all year with free parking.
Wells
The smallest city in England (population 12,000), with probably the most beautiful cathedral in the UK, which dates back to the 12th century. A wealth of history from the Bishops Palace and gardens with its moated fortifications to Vicars Close, the oldest original habited street in Europe. Wells provides the nearest local supermarket shopping and features a produce and craft open market in the Market Square every Wednesday and Saturday.
Cheddar
Who hasn’t heard of Cheddar? The Gorge and the caves and Cheddar Man who lived here 9,000 years ago, probably well before the cheese! The Gorge is an amazing natural path scraped out from the rock by glacial activity in the last ice age. Steep cliffs rise up on either side as you drive up the road that passes the full length of the Gorge. Just over 5 miles from The Power House.
Glastonbury
A town of myth and legend, from King Arthur to Joseph of Arimathea and all points between. Truth or legend, Glastonbury is magical to many, with the iconic Tor rising up above, to the ancient Abbey Ruins in the centre of the town. The world renowned Glastonbury Festival held in June in the nearby village of Pilton, is possible the world’s most iconic music festival. 8 miles from The Power House.
Bath
Known for and named after its Roman-built baths and possibly the most architecturally stunning Georgian city in the world. Bath holds “World Heritage Site”, status and is more recently recognisable as the backdrop for much of the Bridgerton series. Visit the Pump Rooms, the Roman Baths, The Abbey, the Thermae Bath Spa or simply stroll around The Circus and the city and appreciate its architectural beauty and elegance.
Historic Houses, Gardens & Galleries
Nearby National Trust properties include Stourhead, Montacute House, Barrington Court, Tyntesfield and Dyrham Park. Longleat House and Safari Park provide a full days entertainment. Private gardens open to the public include The Bishops Palace, The Newt, Hestercombe & Kilver Court. The village of Bruton, home of Hauser & Wirth contemporary gallery and gardens and an eclectic mix of art and craft shops.
The Somerset Coast
Accessible by car and steam train, the Somerset coast offers rugged shore walks on the edge of Exmoor at Porlock, to open expanses of sand at Brean and the traditional British seaside experience at Weston-super-Mare or Burnham-on-Sea. The West Somerset Railway from Bishop Lydeard to Minehead is a great day out!
Eateries we Recommend
Wookey Hole Inn
Gastro pub. Interesting décor, the kids have crayons at the table and you can walk to it from the Power House in 20ish minutes. Normally a good selection of beers / largers. Good food.
The Queen Victoria
Old village pub with great character. Roaring fires in the winter and outside space for the summer. Mark is the landlord and he keeps a good pub and they have some great beers. Wholesome country menu, mostly locally sourced food. Most of the beef items reared in the village. Mains around £10 to £15, starters and deserts under £5. Lunches & dinner, last food orders 9pm most days. Very dog friendly pub. Great for Christmas and New Year. Folk Festival early July.
The Westbury Inn
Andy Jones took over the The Westbury in 2017. He’s created a popular atmosphere and friendly welcome. From our experience the food has been good and there’s always plenty of it. Sunday lunch is supposed to be good but you will need to book. Dogs are welcome in the bar area (where they serve food) but not in the more formal restaurant area.
The Sheppey Inn
Old Village pub which backs onto the River Sheppy on the Somerset Levels / Moors between Easton and Glastonbury (the middle of nowhere). Upgraded from an old cider pub to a lovely character gastro pub. Great beers & loads of ciders. Outdoor south facing terrace by the river. Regular live music. Small but good menu. Starters around £6/9, mains £14 / 24. Kids menu £7. Sunday roasts. Great for a bike ride for lunch or a slow drive across some very straight (in places) bumpy roads. Very dog friendly.
Chapter 2
Chapter two Café and restaurant is a relaxing, self-service eatery boasting views to the magnificent West Front of Wells Cathedral and over the tranquil moat of the Bishop’s Palace. It forms part of the visitor centre at the cathedral and provides hearty lunches, morning and afternoon teas. cakes, paninis, quiches, salads, etc. Open 10am – 5pm Monday – Saturday, 11am – 5pm. Great as part of a visit to the wonderful cathedral or Bishops Palace.
The Good Earth
Lovely vegetarian café / restaurant / shop. All the food is home made on the premises using mainly locally sources produce. Some might say not a cheap café style lunch but I’d say great value and I wish I could make such great quiches!
“One word … fantastic!! The cottage, location perfect! Weather could have been better but on wet days we were more than happy to relax in the cottage. Great location to visit different areas of Somerset. We all would love to come back next year. ”
- Mark, Heid, Shane & Mairie