Description
The historic 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 Street.
Departure points to suit you...
Crusader Holidays uses an interchange system, taking place at either Beaconsfield Services (M40), South Mimms Services (M25/A1M) or Thurrock Services (M25).
Here you may have to change to your holiday coach and we are renowned for ensuring that this is smooth and efficient.
The holiday coaches typically depart from Beaconsfield Services at 11.15, Thurrock Services at around 09.30 and South Mimms Services at 10.30. Some customers find it more convenient to join direct at the interchange, please let is know when booking if this is the case.
*Due to increased operational costs, from Monday 16th October 2023 Dover, Folkestone, Canterbury & Ashford joining points will be subject to a £25.00 per person supplement on all 2024 UK Tours.
NOTE: Pick up points are a guide so please refer to your holiday confirmation for specific locations as details are subject to change.
Itinerary
Your Itinerary
Day 1 - Today 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 or 4-night stay. A welcome glass of Bucks Fizz in included before dinner this evening. DBB.
Day 2 - 3 (or 4) - At leisure in Wells with one included excursion
A full day at leisure in Wells to explore this tiny gem of a city. Saturday is market days (09.00 - 14.30) where you will find colourful stall 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
Glastonbury & StreetAfter 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. Then it's off to Street and Clark's Village, one of the UK's foremost outlet shopping centres with over 90 outlet shops to choose from offering big discounts on a host of famous brands.Day 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 & Street- Entrance to Glastonbury Abbey ruins
Venue Information
Best Western Plus Swan Hotel, Wells
This 4* historic, award-winning hotel could not be more centrally located or have a more dramatic view, located directly opposite Wells Cathedral.
Parts of the hotel date back to 1422 and over the years, the hotel has been sympathetically refurbished and extended.
All 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.
There is no lift but there are some ground floor rooms and single rooms are doubles for sole use.
Supplement may apply for Cathedral view rooms
Hotel/Attraction Links