Secret World Founder Pauline Kidner explains: “As we are dealing with wildlife, we never really know in advance which animals we may have in, however there is a good chance that there will be babies, such as badger and fox cubs, in addition to birds of prey and smaller mammals such as bats, hedgehogs and mice. We also have some resident animals that for one reason or another we have been unable to release and have stayed with us. Our Special Events are a great opportunity for people of all ages to meet and learn about these wonderful animals.” There is no set admission charge to Secret World’s Special Events, but visitors are asked to make a donation to the charity which rescues over 5000 animals every year.
Bishops Lydeard village is the site of agricultural yesteryear with an excellent example of an overshot waterwheel at Lower Mill. The beautiful church, with fine sets of bench ends, is an example of many others in this area.
BISHOPS LYDEARD MILL is an interesting attraction with many trades on display; including the cooper’s and saddler’s shops, a blacksmith’s shop, the Victorian kitchen, the wheelwright’s shop, and thatching displays. This is a ‘not for profit’ business as, after operating costs, the proceeds from visitors go to charity.
Glastonbury is known throughout the world for the Glastonbury Festival or ‘Glas’, it is also a unique centre for those interested in complementary medicine, new age living, unusual jewellery and cut glass objects. The town is also home to Glastonbury Abbey with its impressive grounds. It was here that William Blake wrote the ‘Glastonbury Hymn’, more commonly known as ‘Jerusalem’. The holy wells of the Chalice Well are another Glastonbury experience.
GLASTONBURY ABBEY - that Special place ! Normally quiet and tranquil ! From March to October costumed guides, playing characters from the Abbeys’ past, will tell you with humorous touches a little of the Abbeys’ history and legends. Then there are many events and family activities during the school holidays. From May until late September there is a cafe for tea, coffee, cakes etc. See
www.glastonburyabbey.com for full details.
Street is home to the Clarks Shopping Village, a visit here can be multi functional with a choice of Glastonbury or bagging bargains at the unique shopping village. Street boasts many amenities unusual for a village; these include the Clarks Shoe Museum, a theatre, sports club, and the STRODE LEISURE CENTRE that welcomes visitors.
The CLARKS SHOE MUSEUM is wonderfully interesting with history of the Clark’s dynasty and samples of shoe types throughout the ages. In the centre of the village is the 19C Crispin Hall, built for William Clark in 1885 for use as a public hall, library and reading room for his workers. It now houses a cafe, shops and a weekly market.
Nearby Glastonbury Tor and its legends of entrances to the remains of the Church of St Michael is one of Somerset’s most renowned landmarks with a fantastic 360 degree view from the summit. Renovated paths provide easier access for the less ambulant.
Somerton is reputedly the 7C Royal Capital of Wessex. The 17C square, market cross, town hall, elegant houses and inns create an attractive townscape of outstanding architectural and historical interest. ‘The Monocled Mutineer’ was filmed here. Somerton Arts Festival takes place annually in July. In the valley of the river Cary north of the town are the trout lakes of Viaduct Fisheries. This town is home to the Somerset Guild of Craftsmen showcasing and selling member’s work to discerning customers who are looking for something original, unique and beautifully made.
Discover the history, legends and spirit of one of England’s most important and fascinating abbeys.
Renowned as the legendary burial place of King Arthur and the earliest Christian foundation in Britain.
Ancient Ruins
The Abbot’s Kitchen The Holy Thorn
St Patrick’s Chapel Museum & Exhibitions
Costumed Guides (March - October) 36 Acres of Beautiful Parkland Gift Shop
Outdoor summer café Disabled Access
We welcome dogs on short leads
Keep up-to-date for Events 2014 at
www.glastonburyabbey.com @glastonburyabbe
or follow us 64 Registered Charity No. 1129263 Company Reg No: 6873912
Langport is at the junction of the rivers Ivel and Parret at the foot of the Mendip hills, overlooking the marshy flats adjacent to these rivers. A small part of the town lies to the west of the Parrett, this is Langport Westover and to the east is Langport Eastover. The narrow principal street of Langport leads to the Parrett, over which is a handsome bridge of three arches. The ancient Langport Church is worth a visit with its arched gateway known as the Hanging Chapel, a name synonymous with its past as the execution place for the miscreants of the Monmouth rebellion, it is now a museum.
Just two miles to the south is the often flooded hamlet of Mulcheney home to an eighth century Benedicitine Abbey and the Abbot’s lodge. Both are open to the public and the grounds are ideal for a picnic.
Just to the north of Langport at West Henley is the National Animal Welfare Trust at Heavens Gate Farm. This unique working animal caring home charity is most definitely worth a visit.
The attractive village of Curry Rivel is of blue lias stone, perched on a low ridge above the levels, with several interesting shops and a church dating mainly from the 15th century. Burton Pynsent monument overlooks the site of the battle of Sedgemoor, fought in 1685. The RSPB has a reserve at nearby Swell.
Stoke St Gregory is set on a sandstone ridge very near to the geographical centre of Somerset between Curry Moor, which carries the River Tone to its confluence with the River Parrett, and West Sedgemoor. An ideal area for twitchers as it is home to thousands of resident and migrant birds. It is also home to the Willow and Wetland Visitor Centre.
WILLOW AND WETLAND VISITOR CENTRE home of the basket and hurdle makers. Here you can watch the process and see an extensive wetlands exhibition. The English Basket Centre is somewhere you can see baskets and hurdles being made and walk through the adjoining willow beds.
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