Steve's World Blog Information and articles on cities, towns and villages around the world.

October 31, 2011

Wells Somerset

Filed under: England,United Kingdom — Tags: , , , — needahand @ 5:48 pm

Wells Somerset – A small cathedral city in the county of Somerset in south-western England, Wells is actually the tiniest cathedral city in the country. With a resident population of just over 10,000 it is little more than a large village. Getting its name from 3 wells located in the city which are all dedicated to St Andrew and tracing its history back to Roman times, Wells became established as a true settlement during Saxon times when a minster church was founded by King Ine of Wessex. Wells grew in prosperity mostly due to the cloth trade and the arrival of the railway increased its accessibility. Wells Cathedral dates from the 12th century. Wells is situated between Shepton Mallet and Cheddar in the county of Somerset.

See a map of Wells here: http://www.my-towns.co.uk/wells-map.html

And a map of Somerset here: http://www.my-towns.co.uk/somerset-map.html

March 4, 2011

Minehead and the Exmoor National Park

Filed under: England,Holidays,United Kingdom — Tags: , , , , , — needahand @ 4:13 pm

A coastal town and civil parish located on the edge of the Exmoor National Park, in Somerset, Minehead has a population of just over 10,000 and a history stretching back to the Iron Age. Perhaps best known as the location of the famous Butlins Holiday Camp, which opened its doors in 1962, and is still popular today, Minehead has also been a significant port over the centuries, though has lost most of this trade over the last hundred years or so. A pretty seaside town, Minehead attracts many tourists, especially during the summer months, when the weather is at its best, it has the usual seafront promenade, lined with cafes, amusement arcades and guest houses. Ideal as a base for touring the Exmoor National Park, Minehead offers the opportunity for enjoying a traditional seaside holiday, whilst being close to areas of great natural beauty. Within the Exmoor National Park are numerous pretty little villages, which are a joy to visit, one of the closest, Dunster, is famous for its castle. Other nearby villages include Porlock, Luccombe and Tivington. Minehead is also the starting point of the longest countryside walking trail, the South West Coast Path, if you fancy an extremely long walk. The nearby coastline is craggy and treacherous, but also very picturesque, so be sure to enjoy some coastal walks while you are there.

Minehead Street Map.

And a map of Exmoor here: http://www.my-towns.co.uk/exmoor-national-park.html

September 2, 2009

Clevedon Chard Glastonbury and Burnham on Sea

Filed under: England,United Kingdom — Tags: , , , , , — needahand @ 7:37 am

If you are travelling to the county of Somerset in England this year be sure to visit some of its coastal resorts such as Clevedon and Burnham on Sea, and also some of its historic inland towns such as Glastonbury and Chard. Clevedon and Burnham on Sea both have fine sandy beaches and good facilities, they also both have piers but in contrasting ways, with Clevedon having a charismatic Victorian pier and Burnham on Sea, what is said to be the shortest pier in Britain. Head inland for Glastonbury a small town with a long history which you will find very interesting, perhaps visit during the famous music festival when the town becomes alive, also take time to visit Chard which was settled in Saxon times, but rebuilt after a fire in 1577.

August 28, 2009

Taunton Bridgewater and Wellington Somerset

Filed under: England,History,Travel,United Kingdom — Tags: , , , , — needahand @ 4:08 pm

While visiting the county town of Taunton in Somerset, England, you might also want to consider dropping in at a couple of the nearby towns such as Bridgewater or Wellington, both are historic towns and both have their own stories to tell. In Taunton itself, there is plenty to see and do, with a history going back to Saxon times and beyond there are lots of interesting places to visit. The River Tone cuts through the town centre and it was this river that gave Taunton its name, the important strategic situation of the town led to Taunton Castle being built as long ago as the 7th century. Taunton is a pretty town and has some nice parks such as Vivery Park and Victoria Park, lovely green areas where local people can enjoy peace and quiet. Rebuilt by the Normans, parts of the castle remain and now house the Somerset County Museum. To the north of Taunton, Bridgewater, another town on a river (this time the River Parrett), was a trading centre of significance way before the Normans invaded Britain, its mention in the 9th century Anglo Saxon Chronicles give evidence of this. Bridgewater even later acted as a port, receiving coal from Wales. Wellington, of course, gave is name to the Duke of Wellington (Sir Arthur Wellesley), and during the Industrial Revolution was an important wool making town. Among places to visit in Wellington are the Cothay Manor Gardens. A lesser known town which might also attract your attention is Wiveliscombe (or Wivey as the locals call it), settled in Pre Roman times, it was later another town to prosper from the wool trade. Wiveliscombe is also well known for its brewery built by the Hancock family in 1807.

See a map of Taunton here: http://www.my-towns.co.uk/taunton-map.html

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