Glastonbury & Wells

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It was a wet and blustery week when we set off for a few days stay at The Old Oaks campsite in Glastonbury.  We were joined by our friends Bob and Caroline in their Burstner and Keith and Fran in their new (to them) Rapido.

Old Oaks was a beautiful site and the wardens were friendly and helpful. It is a 30 minute walk over the hill into Glastonbury with spectacular views across the Somerset levels.  The campsite has a taxi service which will take you into Glastonbury, Wells or Street and bring you back again mid afternoon.

Glastonbury is an ‘interesting’ town. We have never seen so many middle aged hippies. The shops were full of fairies, dragons and wizards and burning joysticks. No photos of the town as it was pouring with rain pretty frequently.  As you will see from the photos that follow, the weather was very overcast.

(left), our pitch at Old Oaks with Bob and Caroline’s Burstner in the background.

(above), the fishing lake at the campsite.

(below), some of the Old Oaks residents who provide very tasty fresh eggs to the on site shop!

A break in the weather allowed some views from the Glastonbury Tor. (above), Glastonbury town seen from the Tor. 

(right), the spectacular view across Somerset.

After exploring Glastonbury, which takes about half a day, we decided to take the taxi into Wells the next morning. Yet again, rain and very dull and cloudy.

The best place to be was indoors and we headed for the fabulous cathedral. It is impressive from outside but inside it is even more so. You can easily spend a couple of hours in the cathedral there are so many interesting historic items. Unfortunately, photographs were not permitted inside. The scissors arches, the choir area, the stained glass windows and the most interesting, 400 year old clock (inside) are all worth the visit.  Take the guided tour, it is well worth it!

(above), Wells Cathedral on a very wet day and (right), the outside section of the old clock (not nearly so impressive as the inside).

Just as interesting is Vicars Close, just north of the cathedral. This is the oldest, continuously inhabited street in Europe and where the senior clergy of the cathedral used to live.  The views below are (left), looking south and (right) looking north in Vicars Close. Unfortunately, it was bin collection day when we visited!

Even on wet days you get the tourists!  (above), Bob, Fran, Desnée and Caroline.

(right), a view of just one of the many, intriguing gateways.

To the south of the cathedral is the Bishops Palace (above left) which is surrounded by a beautiful moat. Apparently, the gardens are beautiful and well worth a visit but today was not the type of day that inspired one to walk around gardens, however beautiful they were!

Time to return to the taxi and get back to Old Oaks for a nice, warming cup of tea!

Overall, an enjoyable few days, good company, lovely campsite, and plenty to go and see.