Rain sends tourists underground

The washout summer weather is sending tourists to the West Country underground to use the same shelter that Romans used from the British weather 1,000 years ago.

Wookey Hole Caves under the Mendips is reporting a steady stream of damp visitors arriving at the tourist attraction so that they can keep dry after heading inland from the coast.

Daniel Medley, General manager at Wookey Hole Caves said: “Sadly it has been a summer where there has rarely been more than two days in a row of sunshine for West Country visitors.

“The Romans sheltered in the caves under the Mendips from the British weather and now alongside we have the Big Wizard’s play castle and the Play Zone where kids can jump around inside for as long as they like! We also have an indoor circus show and the Old Penny Arcade – basically we are the largest indoor attraction in the region.

“It has ensured our visitor numbers have been buoyant this year and we are seeing more people want to stay at our hotel instead of head for the coast.

“We hope the weather improves as the school summer holidays break up but if it doesn’t we expect to be welcoming more people here as it is no fun with a small family in a caravan or holiday home in the pouring rain.

“Everyone in the tourist industry in the region wants to do their bit to make visiting the South West memorable for all the right reasons.”

Wookey Hole has launched a Summer Holiday package to attract customers to the new 58 bedroom hotel. From just £129, plus £75 per additional night, a family of four can stay in Wookey Hole’s hotel and wake up every morning to breakfast with the Witch of Wookey herself, before spending a day in the magical caves.

Full details of the summer package plus opening times and prices can be found at wookey.co.uk.