SOMERSET - 01-04/07/08

Nunney Castle, the world famous Cheddar Gorge and Dunster Village in Somerset are all included on this page of photographs dating from the beginning of July 2008.

Nunney Castle in Nunney Village near Frome was built in 1373 by Sir John de la Mare, dogs are welcome at the small French style moated castle which has free admission and is in the care of English Heritage. Further west Dunster Village in the Exmoor National Park is an medieval village well worth a visit with a variety of things to see and do.
The village has over 200 grade two listed buildings with museums, gift and craft shops and tea rooms some of which are shown above including the Nunnery, (left photo) on Church Street.
More views of Dunster including one of the most popular attractions - Dunster Castle which overlooks the village, (no dogs permitted in the castle). There has been a castle on the site since 1066. Currently in the care of the National Trust it was undergoing major roof repairs so a large part of the exterior was covered in scaffolding although it was still open to visitors. The works are due for completion in 2009. The last photo above is from Cheddar Gorge showing the entrance to one of the famous caves in Britain's biggest gorge.
Cheddar Gorge is also famous as the home of Cheddar Cheese and is popular for rock climbing, abseiling and walking. For walkers there is a three mile cliff top route which is a popular choice to see the best of the 400ft deep gorge or for an easier option there are open top buses that conduct sight-seeing tours from April to September.