This summer, Wells Cathedral is to be visited by giant mythical creatures in a new summer-long event, inspired by a 17th century book, held in the cathedral’s historic library.
Wells Cathedral Brings Giant Mythical Creatures to Life in Unique Summer Experience
The book, ‘Historia Naturalis’, was a widely read zoological text filled with illustrations of mythical creatures once believed to exist, such as unicorns, phoenixes, griffins and dragons. Wells Cathedral is bringing this fascinating text to life, and the creatures alongside it, with the installation of a 15-metre dragon in the nave of the cathedral, and a six-metre serpentine-dragon coiling around the central pillar of its Chapter House building.
Visitors of all ages will be invited to play zoological detectives, as they embark on a self-guided tour of the 850-year-old building, following a ‘mythical creatures’ trail. Organisers say the experience will also include further inflatable surprises, a viewing station with binoculars to spot historic creatures, and a series of creature-themed creative workshops, including colouring, ‘serpentine singing’ sessions, picture-printing and puppet-making.
The event forms part of the cathedral’s initiative to welcome a wider range of visitors to the medieval building.
The Very Revd Toby Wright, Dean of Wells, said:
‘At Wells Cathedral, we are on a mission to become the UK’s most joyful cathedral, and we want to share that joy with as many people as possible – of all ages.
‘Immersive and creative experiences like Mythical Creatures offer visitors new ways to engage with the many fascinating stories held within these ancient walls, and we hope, provide some much-needed fun and entertainment too!”
The Wells Cathedral Mythical Creatures experience runs from 6 July to 1 September, and is included in the standard cathedral admission fee, or with a valid admission pass.
More information can be found on the Wells Cathedral website here.
