Wonderful Wells

The historic 4* Best Western Plus Swan Hotel is fabulously located in the very centre of pretty Wells, which enjoys the title of England's smallest city thanks to its magnificent medieval cathedral. Cobbled streets bursting with olde worlde architecture radiate out from the cathedral green to the marketplace, the bustling heart of this miniature city, nestled at the foot of the Mendip Hills. Wells is an ideal base for exploring some of Somerset's great variety with included visits to Glastonbury and Shepton Mallet. \nNEW for 2026 is an included visit to the world's oldest prison, HMP Shepton Mallet (sometimes known as Cornhill) which closed in 2013Your Itinerary
Day 1 - After joining your holiday coach, you head off to Wells, dipping into lovely Lacock en-route. The impossibly pretty National Trust village of Lacock, favourite location of film makers, has featured in 'Cranford', 'Pride & Prejudice (1995)' and 'The Other Boleyn Girl' to name but a few. Arrive in Wells at your centrally located 4* hotel for your 3 night stay. A welcome glass of Bucks Fizz in included before dinner this evening. DBB.\n\nDay 2 - 3 - At leisure in Wells with one included excursion\n\nA full day at leisure in Wells to explore this tiny gem of a city. Saturday is market day (09.00 - 14.30) where you will find colourful stalls offering all types of fine foods, fruit and vegetables, clothing, leather goods and more. Be sure to visit the iconic Cathedral with its magnificent West Front and unique features including the beautiful 'scissor arches' supporting the central tower. Adjoining the Cathedral is Vicars' Close, which is thought to be Europe's oldest continuously inhabited street. Why not visit the uniquely moated medieval Bishop's Palace which has been the home of the Bishops of Bath & Wells for over 800 years (admission applies to the ruins of the Great Hall, the Bishop's private chapel and 14 acres of beautiful and tranquil gardens).INCLUDED EXCURSION\nGlastonbury & Shepton Mallet Prison\nAfter breakfast head off to Glastonbury, on the edge of the unique stretch of countryside known as the Somerset Levels. The land around the town is flat, allowing you to spot the mystical Glastonbury Tor, rising up from sea level behind the town and of course, Glastonbury is well known for its ancient and medieval sites, many rich in myth as well as for its famous music festival. Lying at its heart is Glastonbury Abbey, once one of the greatest abbeys in the country. The ruins are on a grand scale and the grounds surrounding them provide a peaceful retreat from the hectic outside world. It is also the possible burial place of the legendary King Arthur. Entrance to the Abbey is included.\n\nThen it's off to Shepton Mallet and an included visit to Shepton Mallet Prison. Often referred to as Cornhill or The Mallet, it housed its first inmates in 1625 and when it closed in 2013, it had been the UK's oldest operating prison. Step through the prison gates and hear them clang shut behind you to join a 90-minute guided tour with an ex-prison officer which shines a fascinating light on what life was like for prisoners, officers and visitors. The tour covers every corner of the prison, including the 2 Victorian Prison Wings, the Hard Labour Yard, the old Gate Lodge and the execution room. NB The historic nature of the Victorian building may present difficulties for people with disabilities and with limited mobility. Visitors need to be able to manage a number of steps to access all areas of the tour (approx. 15 steps). Return to Wells later this afternoonDay 4- After checking out this morning, head home viaSalisburywhere you spend enjoy some free time. With its majestic cathedral topped by the tallest spire in England, Salisbury is an appealing city with medieval walls, half-timbered Tudor town houses, Georgian mansions and Victorian villas. Then it's time to re-board the coach to head back to interchange and onward to your home towns mid-evening.

Highlights
- Hotel for 3 nights with breakfast and dinner- Porterage- Welcome glass of Bucks Fizz on first night- En-route stops in Lacock and Salisbury- Included excursion to Glastonbury & Shepton Mallet- Entrance to Glastonbury Abbey ruins- 90-minue guided tour of Shepton Mallet prisonBest Western Plus Swan Hotel, Wells
\nThis 4* historic, award-winning hotel could not be more centrally located or have a more dramatic view, located directly opposite Wells Cathedral. \n\nParts of the hotel date back to 1422 and over the years, the hotel has been sympathetically refurbished and extended. \n\nAll 46 bedrooms are furnished in a traditional style and feature tea / coffee making facilities. There is an elegant yet modern bar, a comfortable lounge and a beautiful wood panelled restaurant. \n\nThere is no lift but there are some ground floor rooms and single rooms are double/twins for sole use. \n\n\nSupplement may apply for Cathedral view rooms