Next week we’re off to Tenerife in search of Winter sun – I hope we actually find some! It’s my first holiday abroad since 2018 – what with Mum’s Alzheimer’s, then Covid, then losing Penny and Dad, and finally finishing and publishing a massive book series, there hasn’t been the time. So the next newsletter should feature Tenerife Tales instead.

In the meantime, back in wet and windy Britain, we finally ventured out after days of oppressive storms to visit Wells. Wells is one of my favourite local towns – if you’re ever in the area, I highly recommend a visit. It’s got so much – a beautiful cathedral, lovely shops, a regular street market, and the Bishop’s Palace and Gardens, which are truly stunning. We didn’t do the palace and gardens yesterday because we’ve been there before and the weather wasn’t great, but they are unmissable if you are visiting for the first time. There’s so much history in Wells if you love that kind of thing (which I do!). It’s also where the movie Hot Fuzz was filmed, so if you’re a fan, you can take a walking tour of the movie locations.

The cathedral tours are also fantastic. They last an hour and are conducted by volunteers. And visit The Loft – the cathedral cafe, which is my favourite cafe in Wells. Try the cloister cake!

Xanthe’s Venue Rating –  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Wells is, imho, one of the finest little towns in the West Country. 

Xanthe’s Cafe Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐- lovely hot chocolate and a delicious selection of cakes.

Piccies below – the first one is of me standing in ‘Penniless Porch’, built in around 1450 for beggars to ask for alms. Number 2 shows the cathedral in the background, then there’s me indulging in a lemon crumble cake and hot chocolate in The Loft, and finally a shot of a wet but still pretty town square.