Mendip Profiles > Mendip Stories > Gerry Cottle
Gerry Cottle
Wookey Hole Ltd
Company Director
A visitor attraction which draws 215,000 visitors per annum. The attraction is home to historic caves, a dinosaur park, fairy garden, museum, working paper mill demonstration, play barn, mirror maze and new for 2008, a 54 bed hotel and Clown museum.
Why do you do what you do?
I have been working with travelling circuses all my working life and have travelled all over the world. Wookey Hole and the Caves was a great opportunity for me to settle down away from the congestion in the West Country.
How long have you lived in Mendip?
4 years although when I arrived I found out that my ancestors left Somerset to work in London in 1809 so I have come back.
How does Mendip inspire your work?
The Mendip area is beautiful and green. Wookey Hole is situated on the edge of the Mendip Hills. I am happy to live deep in the country but within 20 miles of a wide range of other places and only 2 hours from the outskirts of London. I have never been so happy - I love it here.
What are the advantages and drawbacks about living in this area?
Advantage: There is a lot to do here. My children and grandchildren have moved here with me and they are always busy. I like the events at the Bath and West showground, particularly the antiques fairs, Wells is a beautiful city and the markets on Wednesday and Saturday really bring it alive. I enjoy shopping in Clarks village in Street. The fish and chips locally are the best I have ever had. The charm of a country village like Wookey Hole really adds to the appeal of my visitor attraction.
Disadvantage: The lack of a railway network is a drawback. I use Castle Cary station but it feels like Miss Marple country and is not a great selling feature for the area. You have to use your car and I find that there are a lot of sedate drivers around.
What's your favourite part of Mendip and why?
Wookey Hole itself and Wells. I also like Bath and Glastonbury for the same reasons. I love the individuality and variation of these places.
What would you say to encourage people to visit here and work here?
It’s a lovely part of the country, and most of Somerset is totally undiscovered.
