Page 117 - demo

Then to Wookey Hole, a series of limestone caves that have been occupied by humans for at least
45,000 years and have a long history of mystery and magic, including the story of the Witch of
Wookey and how she was exorcised by a brave Benedictine Monk. More on Wookey Hole . . .

From there to Glastonbury, where a visit to Glastonbury Abbey is a must. This Christian place is
so ancient its origins are shrouded in myth. It is certain, however, that there has been a religious
order here since the 5th century. It is even said that Joseph of Arimathea, who is supposed to
have provided the burial chamber for Jesus of Nazareth, came here to pray. The staff he was
leaning on took root and to this day a descendant of the “holy thorn” is still there, flowering each
year in spring and at Christmas.

You’ll then cross the great plain of Zoyland where, in 1685, the rebel Duke of Monmouth, who was
trying to seize the British crown, was defeated by the king’s army in the bloody battle of
Sedgemoor. Among the army units in the battle that day were the newly formed Life Guards and
the Blues and Royals, guards units that still exist today and are at the ceremonial forefront of
many of the great royal occasions.

From there you’ll traverse the Exmoor Heritage Coast. Attractions include:

 Traditional seaside fun at a traditional Victorian resort at Minehead
 The country’s longest trail, the 630 mile South West Coast Path, starts traversing Exmoor’s
dramatic coast
 The highest cliffs in the country at Great Hangman point
 The highest tides in all of Europe
 The longest heritage railway in England and the only Victorian water powered cliff railway
 Hidden coves, secluded beaches and a rich maritime history.

Exmoor National Park is a unique landscape of moorland, woodland, valleys and farmland,
shaped by people and nature over thousands of years. Large areas of open moorland provide a
sense of remoteness, wildness and tranquillity rare in southern Britain, while spectacular coastal
views, deep wooded valleys, high sea cliffs and fast flowing streams all combine to form a rich and
distinct mosaic.

Arlington Court is a complete family estate held by the Chichester family for over five hundred
years. The house was built in 1823 and extended in 1860 in a simple but elegant Regency style.
The interior however, is sumptuous and is home to a vast collection of treasures, from model ships
to shells, collected over several generations.

The Carriage Museum in the stables has a vehicle for every occasion from cradle to grave.
Currently on loan from the Houses of Parliament is the Speaker’s State Coach, a glorious, gilded
carriage with over 300 years of history.

The grounds, all 2700 acres of them, provide some excellent walks – 20 miles of them – and the
chance to see some of the red deer that roam freely on the estate. There’s also an ancient heronry
and a couple of species of bat roosting in the cellars

Watersmeet is the meeting place of the East Lyn River and Hoar Oak Water. A dramatic river
gorge, ancient woodlands, tea garden and shop in stunning surroundings. Take a stroll around the
2,000 acres of Watersmeet and Countisbury, a haven for wildlife with expansive views. Explore
the rich woodlands of the Lyn Valley and stroll along the riverside at Lynmouth, Combe Park and
Rockford. Or go canoeing on the East Lyn River from Watersmeet House down to Lynmouth.
There’s salmon and trout fishing on the river, too.