Wookey Hole Review
Wookey Hole
Somerset
Reviewed by Nicola Erickson
My husband and I along with our two daughters of three and four visited Wookey Hole in Somerset on Saturday 31st May. We were greeted by lovely staff at the ticket booth who showed us directions of where to go and what to do first. The ticket booth is situated opposite the attraction and benefits from having its own ice cream parlour alongside it.
We were advised to go to see the new circus show first, of which we did and we were blown away with the talent. The circus was made up of mainly children varying in ages and boy did they put on a show. There was juggling, acrobats, hoola hooping, unicycles, magic and a cheeky monkey that squirts the first few rows with water (be warned). Popcorn is available to buy for £2.50 for a large bag and candy floss is £1. The circus seats 350. After attending the circus we then went on to Clown Town and Model Village which contained costumes from various decades, pictures, clown memorabilia and many model circuses. We found the museum fascinating and full of history and we particularly enjoyed the clown face painted egg display by egg artist Debbie Smith.
We decided to do the Wookey Hole cave tour after sitting down for the circus show which lasted appropriately 25 minutess. The cave tour lasted 30 minutess and was a detailed tour taking you through several chambers, our guide explained the different types of rocks and formations within the cave and revealed the secrets of the Wookey Hole Witch and local cheese making. It was a dry day but the rock was damp and the steps slippery, there are tunnels that you have to duck down to get into and bridges to cross, therefore the tour would not be suitable for anyone in a wheelchair or suffers of joint pain or back problems (also no pushchairs are allowed in the cave). On the exit of the cave you can explore the beauty of the River Axe Waterfalls or go for a woodland walk, picnic using picnic areas and the dinosaur Valley and fairy gardens are also a must (look out for the enormous gorilla). There are many other indoor attractions including the fun Mirror Maze, Penny Arcade, Wizards Play Castle, Cave Diving Museum, Pirate Zap Zone, Cheese tasting and food available from the witches kitchen.
There is a restaurant on site called Captain Jacks restaurant (also open to non-visitors ) that offers great value for money and main meals start at around £7 for burger and chips, lasagne and chips etc… or jacket potatoes for around £4. There is plenty of choice with sandwiches, wraps and pasties which start from approximately £3 (kids meal includes sandwich, crisp, drink, a biscuit with sweets and are £4.99). Drinks are approximately £2 and they also sell beers at around £4. The restaurant was clean and seats around 100 and the separate bar area seats approximately 80, the only slight let down was the cleanliness of the restrooms which had a dirty floor and sinks.
The final part of the outdoor activities lead out of Captain Jacks Restaurant and onto Pirate Island adventure golf (you have to pay separately for golf unless you buy a day ticket). This is a brilliant course but unfortunately due to it being busy we didn’t get to go on the course before the venue closed at 5 which my girls were disappointed with.
As a family we enjoyed Wookey Hole and there is lots to do and see for all ages, there is free parking and lots of little tea shops throughout, the gift shop is full of mystical and interesting gifts, so if you are looking for a nice place to visit that’s not too busy (I was pleasantly surprised as it was a dry Saturday at half team) then this ideal 4/5 stars.
Rating: 4/5
Standard tickets cost: Adults £18, Children (3-14 years) £12, Seniors (69 years +) £12. Save 15% on these prices by booking online.
For more information or to book tickets visit www.wookey.co.uk.
Wookey Hole Caves, The Mill, Wells BA5 1BB | 01749 672243
