Wells Cathedral

Posted on February 20, 2012 by swadmin

Wells Cathedral welcomes visitors every day of the year and it is really only by coming in person that you can properly experience this wonderful and holy place.

The foundations of the previous cathedral can be seen in the Camery Gardens just by the cathedral. Wells Cathedral has probably the grandest West Front of any cathedral in Britain. It still retains over 300 of the original medieval statues. Inside the Cathedral are the magnificent Scissor Arches. These were built in the fourteenth century to strengthen and support the heightened central tower. The cathedral clock is unique as it still has its original medieval 24 hour clock face and complicated mechanical figures which move and ring a bell every quarter hour.

Spindlewood South West self-catering log cabins are only 5.2 miles away from this amazing historical cathedral taking on average 15 minutes to get there.

For more information visit http://www.wellscathedral.org.uk/.

Cheddar Gorge

Posted on February 20, 2012 by swadmin

Cheddar Gorge is Britain’s biggest gorge from the dramatic cliffs rising 450ft to the stunning stalactite caverns. Spindlewood self-catering lodges is only 13.5 miles away from this magnificent attraction taking on average 30 minutes to get there.

What you can do there:

Climb aboard for the Gorge Open top bus Tour
The Crystal Quest
The Lookout Tower
Cliff Top Walk
Museum of Pre-History

If you buy tickets online you save 10% at this present time:

Adults (15 years +) – 15.65
Child (5-14 years) – 10.80
Under 5s – Free

Tickets include Gough’s Cave and Audio guide Tour, Cheddar Man – Museum of Pre-History, Cox’s cave and the crystal quest, 274 steps to the lookout tower, 3 mile cliff top Gorge walk and the open top gorge tour bus.

For more information please visit http://www.cheddargorge.co.uk.

January at Spindlewood

Posted on January 17, 2012 by swadmin

We may be closed for visitors in January, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t busy here at Spindlewood Self Catering Lodges!

This is the time of year when we get the lodges ready for the new season. We have bookings from the beginning of February so now is the time we check the lodges and make any minor repairs if required. Just one new kitchen left to install and then all seven lodges will have brand new kitchens.

New Lodge Kitchen

You will be pleased to know that the chickens and ducks are still thriving and we continue to get four chicken eggs a day, although the ducks only manage one a day between them! The ducks have also worked out how to get over to the lodges now so if you come to stay don’t be surprised to find a few feathered friends visiting your verandah.

Clarks Village

Posted on January 10, 2012 by swadmin

Want to do some shopping when you’re at Spindlewood Self Catering Lodges then why don’t you visit Clarks Village.

Clarks Village is opened:

• 9am – 6pm Monday to Friday
• 9am – 8pm Thursdays
• 9am – 6pm Saturday
• 10am – 5pm Sunday

Clarks have over 90 stores offering huge savings everyday on a fantastic range of designer labels and famous brands. If you love great brands, but dislike high street prices, Clarks Village is the place for you.

For more information visit http://www.clarksvillage.co.uk.

Chinese State Circus

Posted on January 10, 2012 by swadmin

The Chinese State Circus at Wookey Hole is back for one night only – Wednesday 18th January 2012.

The show features the formidable Shaolin Master known only as “The One”; the amazing legendary ‘Bicycle Act’, the unpredictable and exhilarating twists of foot juggling with drums, the famous swinging poles, the sensational contortionist and the dynamic hoop divers with their amazing somersaults, leaps and jumps all accompanied by a captivating and atmospheric all girl group of live musicians.

Along with evocative sets, a soaring musical score and extravagant costumes, this will entertain the entire family long after the final curtain falls.

Here is what The Daily Telegraph are saying:

• “As close as it gets to being the greatest show on earth”

For more information and to book online visit http://www.wookey.co.uk/chinese-state-circus/.

Chalice Well Trust

Posted on December 16, 2011 by swadmin

Chalice Well is one of Britain’s most ancient wells, nestling in the Vale of Avalon between the famous Glastonbury Tor and Chalice Hill. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and orchards it is a living sanctuary in which the visitor can experience the quiet healing of this sacred place. For over two thousand years this has been a place where people have gathered to drink the waters and find solace, peace and inspiration.

The gardens are open every day of the year except for the first Saturday in June when we celebrate Companions’ Day. Companions’ Day is an opportunity for those who support Chalice Well Trust to enjoy exclusive access to the gardens and listen to first class speakers.

For more information please visit – http://www.chalicewell.org.uk/.

Spindlewood Lodges is only 5.5 miles away from this beautiful garden only taking you around 8 minutes to get there travelling along the A361.

Glastonbury Abbey

Posted on December 16, 2011 by swadmin

I need of some local culture and history whilst staying at Spindlewood Self Catering Lodges then why not visit the Glastonbury Abbey.

Glastonbury Abbey is set in 36 beautifully peaceful acres of parkland in the centre of the ancient market town of Glastonbury.

Many believe that the Holy Thorn tree that can be seen in the grounds originated from Joseph of Arimathea’s staff. Others are convinced that King Arthur and Queen Guinevere are buried in the Abbey grounds. Whatever one believes, the facts are that the ruins are unique. The grounds provide a spot of peace and tranquillity in an otherwise hectic world.

Places of interest at the Abbey are:

Abbey Entrance
Cross
St. Dunstan’s Chapel
Site of King Arthurs Grave
Abbot’s Hall
Abbot’s Kitchen
Galilee Nave
King Arthur’s Tomb
Monks Kitchen
Gift shop and lots more…

For more information on this attraction please visit – http://www.glastonburyabbey.com.

Spindlewood Lodges is only 6.2 miles away from the historical place only taking you around 10 minutes to get there travelling along the A361.

Renovations have begun!

Posted on November 24, 2011 by swadmin

Last year we replaced 3 kitchens and totally upgraded one lodge. This year we are going to be replacing the 4 remaining kitchens and upgrading a further two lodges. Busy times! Demolition has already commenced

Starting work on one of the bedrooms

Visitor reaction to the newly upgraded lodge has been very favourable this year. We will have the other 2 lodges upgraded in time for Christmas. I will update you on progress in my next blog!

Spindlewood in the Autumn

Posted on November 9, 2011 by swadmin

Autumn has well and truly arrived here in Somerset. After some glorious sunny days – and beautiful sunsets, the trees are now shedding their leaves with a vengeance! Carnival time has arrived too – Shepton Mallet hosts the carnival tonight, with Wells and Glastonbury taking place this weekend – fingers crossed the weather remains fine for all.

And good news – we have had our first duck egg! In fact, we have had several and although we haven’t worked out which duck is laying them – Latte or Expresso (yes that is their names) – we suspect Expresso as she has the loudest quack!

Expresso

Later this month we have an unusual booking at the lodges – a film crew will be staying with us for a few weeks whilst making a film in nearby Shepton Mallet. The film is called the Zombie King, starring Hollywood Actors Corey Feldman and Edward Furlong. The film crew chose to stay with us as they will be working all hours and “wanted somewhere with peace and quiet so they can sleep at any time of the day”. So, if you happen to be in Shepton at the end of November don’t be surprised if you see a few strange faces…..

October at Spindlewood

Posted on October 13, 2011 by swadmin

It may no longer be summer – despite the heatwave at the beginning of the month – but the lodges have seen a steady stream of holidaymakers over the past couple of weeks. Autumn can be a beautiful time here, with the trees changing colour and wonderful sunsets over the Tor. Mind you, the Spindlewood Chickens have started to roost a lot earlier! We have begun to offer their eggs for sale to our customers at the lodges and they have proved to be very popular. There is something special about knowing which egg comes from which chicken; in fact several customers have asked us to write the name of the chicken that laid the egg on the eggs. Now we are just awaiting our first duck egg – we will keep you posted!

The Spindlewood Lodges Blog

News from the heart of Somerset