Tenby perches on a rocky promontory between two sandy bays overlooking the Bristol Channel. It is a picturesque walled town with cobbled streets, a 15th C Merchant’s House and an interesting history. Famously, Henry Tudor sailed into exile from the town, returning later to defeat Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth and found a new dynasty as Henry VII. It’s a popular resort. As well as the usual beach stuff, cafes and so forth, there are boat trips to nearby islands, water sports and walking on offer along the coastal path.
Ventnor developed as a seaside health resort in Victorian times and still retains some of that atmosphere. It was a favourite childhood place of Winston Churchill’s. The town is in a lovely location, built on a steep slope beneath St Boniface Down, has a good beach and, though a little flaky in parts, it also has a quirky character, some nice little shops, decent amenities and is deservedly popular. In the 19th century, Ventnor was referred to as the 'English Mediterranean' and its relatively sheltered location does actually create its own favourable microclimate, with more sunny days and fewer frosts than other places on the Island. It boasts its own botanic gardens on the site of the former Royal National Hospital for Diseases of the Chest.
Wells, the second-smallest city in England (after the City of London) is often missed in favour of larger attractions. Bamber Gascoigne once referred to it being renowned for “the unspoilt perfection of a range of ecclesiastical buildings” – and he was right. Wells’ crowning glory is probably its extraordinary cathedral, with its amazing west front depicting the hierarchy of heaven with some 300 individual statues, and the astonishingly modern-looking scissor arches added to the nave in the 14th C to strengthen the tower. On the north transept is a 24-hour astronomical clock, also 14th C, with knights striking the hours; and the octagonal chapter house is stunning. Outside is Vicars Close, an entire street of 14th C houses. The nearby moated Bishop’s Palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens; swans on the moat ring a bell when they think it’s time for food.
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