Included Excursions
Wells, Cheddar & Cheddar Gorge
Today, we visit two of Somerset’s most picturesque villages, beginning with Wells, nestled at the foot of the Mendip Hills. England’s smallest city is home to a magnificent cathedral and the unique, moated Bishop’s Palace, residence of the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years. Also of interest is Vicars’ Close, believed to be the oldest complete medieval street in Europe. An eclectic mix of historic buildings and narrow lanes adds to the charm of this atmospheric city.
Next, we take a scenic drive through Cheddar Gorge on our way to our second village of the day, Cheddar. Our route weaves in and out of breathtaking scenery where tall, awe-inspiring cliffs dominate the landscape, like something out of a prehistoric kingdom. Later in Cheddar, we enjoy some time to peruse the many tea rooms, gift shops and of course the Cheddar Cheese Factory! Known as the origin of cheddar cheese, this popular food has been produced here since the 12th century.
Included Excursions
Sheppy's Cider Farm
Today we make our way to the family-run Sheppy’s Cider Farm, one of the world’s oldest and most respected independent cider makers. Nestled in the heart of the Somerset countryside, Sheppy’s has been crafting award-winning ciders for over 200 years, with six generations of cider-making expertise. Set on a picturesque 370-acre farm, the entire process, from apple growing and harvesting to pressing, fermenting and bottling, takes place on-site.
During our visit, we enjoy a guided tour that takes us behind the scenes of this traditional yet innovative operation, learning about the heritage apple orchards, time-honoured methods and modern techniques that go into every bottle. We also have the opportunity to sample a selection of Sheppy’s finest ciders during a delicious tasting. Sounds scrumptious!
Optional Excursion
Bath (£15pp)
Our optional excursion takes us to the beautiful city of Bath. The city has remained faithful to its Regency roots, with an abundance of elegant terraces, circuses and squares in a picturesque valley setting. The magnificent Royal Crescent is a must-see and the central square is home not only to Bath Abbey, but also the ancient Roman Baths. The city has an excellent selection of shops; especially along the Pulteney Bridge, one of only four bridges in the world to feature shops across its full span on both sides.