This month Andrea Cowan visits the scientifically fascinating and visually stunning village of Wookey
Wookey lies at the foot of the Mendip Hills, just a couple of miles from Wells. Sitting amidst rolling hills and woodland in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the village is famous for the glittering limestone cavern known as Wookey Hole. The caves, comprised of several dramatic chambers, are a Site of Special Scientific Interest and have been used by humans for around 45,000 years. They even come complete with their own witch – a curiously shaped stalagmite in the first chamber with legends abounding of how she turned to stone.
One chamber has a spring, the primary source of the River Axe, which runs through the village and for centuries powered Wookey’s paper mills. One such mill now houses the main part of the cave’s alternative attractions, including a museum and circus show.
But the caves are not Wookey’s only appeal. For the local population of approximately 500, it is a vibrant community with plenty going on.
The Community Hall was set up five years ago in the former bowling green clubhouse. With agreement from the owners, Wookey Hole Caves Ltd, a team of volunteers renovated the building and a small management committee was formed. It is now hosts clubs such as Painting for Pleasure and a monthly craft group. The WI meets in the hall and there are regular quiz nights and coffee mornings. It is also the venue for the monthly Cinema Club, open to residents and visitors to the area.
Further social activities are provided by the Wookey Hole Club, also run by a team of volunteers. Built in 1884, today it houses a brand new skittles alley, a pool room and dart board. It has a bar serving real ales and local ciders and regular monthly live music, as well as an annual music festival. The Wookey Hole Inn, just down the road from the club, is a laid back gastro pub well known for its great food and accommodation. Sport lovers will enjoy the village cricket club located in the grounds of the grand Grade II listed Glencot House. Built in 1887, the architect’s drawings of the house were exhibited at the Royal Academy and are now held at RIBA.
Back on the high street, renovations are underway on the former village shop. The current owners plan to reopen as a shop and tearoom in the next couple of years, a venture that I’m sure will have plenty of support from local residents.
Did you know?
The constant 11°C temperature and humidity in the caves provides the ideal conditions for storing the award-winning Wookey Hole Cave Aged Cheddar.
Property Prices:
According to local estate agents, Jeanes Holland Burnell, a three bed cottage recently sold for £246,500.
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