In Cheddar Gorge; at Charterhouse; on camels
Until the 13th Century, much of the south-west pocket of England was covered in large bed sheets of water; it’s inhabitants lake dwellers. Then the land - funded by the powerful abbeys of places such as Glastonbury - began to be drained and built upon, and now it is recognised as the stunning scenery of the Somerset levels; the Mendips; the caves and gorges that are scattered throughout the country. No matter the season, and regardless of the weather, nothing will detract from Somerset’s sheer beauty, short of building hulking grey cities all over it. If you’ve stayed in that part of the country before, then no doubt you’d go back there in a second, and if you haven’t, then you should be packing your suitcase right now, and reading ahead to find out exactly where to visit.
Charterhouse, the Mendips
Perhaps one of the less well-known spots, but most certainly one of the loveliest, Charterhouse is rife with wildlife, views and ancient history. Located in the heart of the Mendip hills, the landscape there is of bountiful variety, parts of it limestone rocks, while other areas are layered with coarse grasses and shrubs. Charterhouse marks the area where the Romans used to have their lead mines, and upon closer inspection, some aspects of that archaic civilisation can still be seen. Bring the children here for some great time spent exercising in the fresh air, as they run about over and under the rocks, and for the ultimate experience, bring the dog too, so they can chase the odd rabbit.
Quantock Hills
Camel trekking is the sort of exotic activity you would usually associate with some such far-flung destination as Central Asia, or Northern Africa, so it is often a surprise to people that such a thing can easily be carried out in our own country. The Bridgewater Camel Company operates from a farm in the Quantock Hills, in western Somerset, and offers guided tours of varying lengths, ranging from an hour-long, to overnight, which is advised if you want the full experience. Almost anybody can ride a camel, including some people with certain disabilities, so you can go as a whole family, and make a full camping trip of it.
Cheddar Gorge
If you can’t afford to visit the Grand Canyon, then Cheddar Gorge is the next best thing. The limestone cliffs tower four-hundred-and-fifty feet above the road surface, which lasts for three miles, and you have the choice of driving through it - at the bottom - or walking along the cliff-tops, taking in the fantastic views that completely surround you, immersing yourself in the environment of old. In some ways, the latter option is more rewarding, as you don’t have to face the depressingly vast plethora of tourist establishments along the road. However, nothing will ever compare to the first time you drive through the gorge, staring up to watch the roaming goats nimbly leap about on the perilously steep cliff-faces, or see the odd rock-climber hammering his climbing hooks into the rock. As you drive into the town of Cheddar, you will be faced with a last rock, at the end of the gorge and high above, that looks almost like the face of a lion, surveying his grand kingdom, and shaking his fiery mane pityingly at the extent to which we humans try to make a profit out of it.
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