Things to do in and around Shepton Mallet
We have compiled a list of a favourite local sites. In the Southwest we are spoilt for places of natural beauty and steeped in history. We have listed a few here.
Ebbor Gorge
Ebbor Gorge is a magnificent limestone gorge within the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Designated as a national nature reserve, the mixed woodland and deep gorge is home to much flora and fauna, including 250 species of mosses, liverworts and lichens. The caves within the gorge were inhabited by neolithic people and flint tools have been found. The path through the gorge is steep, rocky, wet and muddy. If you have decent footwear and average fitness, you’ll be fine.
If you are planning to complete the round walk, I’d recommend going up the gorge (it’s so much fun you don’t notice the effort) and down the meadows (as the views are amazing and with you for the whole descent).
If you are planning to complete the round walk, I’d recommend going up the gorge (it’s so much fun you don’t notice the effort) and down the meadows (as the views are amazing and with you for the whole descent).
Wells Cathedral
Wells Cathedral is one of the most beautiful of all England’s cathedrals. Built between 1176-1450, the cathedral is in the Early English Gothic architectural style. The Grade I-listed building is a fascinating place to visit at any time of year; rich in history and beauty. Set in the heart of the tiny city of Wells, this cathedral is a popular tourist attraction and can get busy at peak times. It is free to enter but people are expected to make a donation.
Old Somerset & Dorset Viaduct
Wells Cathedral is one of the most beautiful of all England’s cathedrals. Built between 1176-1450, the cathedral is in the Early English Gothic architectural style. The Grade I-listed building is a fascinating place to visit at any time of year; rich in history and beauty. Set in the heart of the tiny city of Wells, this cathedral is a popular tourist attraction and can get busy at peak times. It is free to enter but people are expected to make a donation.
East Somerset Railway
A Trip Back In Time Come and meet our friendly staff and take a relaxing ride on our heritage steam train through the beautiful Mendip Countryside. The return journey takes approximately 40 minutes and is a 5 mile round trip. You pay once and you can ride the trains all day! As well as riding the train you can visit our engine shed and workshop and see our restoration projects up close, while away an hour or so chatting away to our very knowledgeable volunteers.
Glastonbury Tor
A Trip Back In Time Come and meet our friendly.
Beneath the hill, it is said, that there is a hidden cave through which you can pass in to the fairy realm of Annwn. There dwells the lord of the Celtic underworld Gwyn ab Nudd with the Cauldron of Rebirth.
Later tradition has it that here lies the Holy Grail brought here by Jesus’s uncle, Joseph of Arimathea. The Cauldron and the Grail were both the object of quests for King Arthur and his knights.
Glastonbury has a long tradition of being ‘The Isle of Avalon’ where King Arthur went after his last battle. The monks of Glastonbury Abbey claimed to have actually found his grave in 1191.
Jesus is said to have come to Glastonbury as a boy, traveling here with Joseph of Arimathea. Joseph was a tin merchant and had travelled to the South-West for this valuable metal. This legend inspired William Blake to write the famous poem ‘Jerusalem’;
Beneath the hill, it is said, that there is a hidden cave through which you can pass in to the fairy realm of Annwn. There dwells the lord of the Celtic underworld Gwyn ab Nudd with the Cauldron of Rebirth.
Later tradition has it that here lies the Holy Grail brought here by Jesus’s uncle, Joseph of Arimathea. The Cauldron and the Grail were both the object of quests for King Arthur and his knights.
Glastonbury has a long tradition of being ‘The Isle of Avalon’ where King Arthur went after his last battle. The monks of Glastonbury Abbey claimed to have actually found his grave in 1191.
Jesus is said to have come to Glastonbury as a boy, traveling here with Joseph of Arimathea. Joseph was a tin merchant and had travelled to the South-West for this valuable metal. This legend inspired William Blake to write the famous poem ‘Jerusalem’;