Street (Glastonbury)

Street: Home of Clark’s shoe manufacturers, Street has many shoe shops where bargains can be found. The Clark’s shopping village is home to outlet stores for major brand names, with many discounted items on offer, from clothes to kitchen items. The Clark’s Shoe Museum is nearby, with free admission. Street also has two swimming pools, one of which is outdoors.

Glastonbury: The spiritual centre of Britain, Glastonbury is steeped in legend and mysticism, and draws pilgrims of many faiths. Visit the Chalice Well Gardens, the spot where Joseph of Aramathea is said to have hidden the Holy Grail, and climb the nearby Tor, now topped with a ruined church tower but a sacred place for centuries. In the town itself, visit the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey, once one of the largest and most ornate churches in Britain, and see the reputed site of the grave of the mythical King Arthur. One legend says that Arthur and his knights rest in eternal sleep inside the Tor, to awaken when England is in her hour of greatest need. Round off your visit with a pint at the George and Pilgrims, originally built for pilgrims to the Abbey, and one of Britain’s few surviving medieval inns.

Wells: The Cathedral at Wells is one of the finest in Britain, with its famous West Front adorned with well preserved medieval sculpture. Inside, see the oldest working clock in the country, and the unique scissor arches, inserted to prevent the collapse of the central tower. The beautiful octagonal chapter house has a marvellous vault, spreading from a central pillar like a great palm tree. Outside the Cathedral is Vicars’ Close, a well-preserved medieval street, and the Bishop’s Palace, with its defensive walls, gatehouse and moat. The small town itself is remarkably unspoilt, and a pleasant afternoon can be had exploring the streets and alleyways. Not to be missed is the parish church of St Cuthbert, with its impressively tall tower, and painted 15th Century wooden roof, adorned with carved angels.

Walking: Located in National Trust land in the Polden Hills, the hostel is ideal for walks of various lengths. A booklet of local walks can be found in Reception. Further afield are the Mendips, and the flat expanse of the Somerset Levels, once under the sea.