The Somerset Levels - A Poted Guide
Glastonbury Tor T
he Somerset Levels is home to a diverse range of fauna and flora, many types of
birds, otters, dragonflies, and attracts thousand s of migrant birds. From the flatness of the terrain there are outcrops that rise abruptly, such as Glastonbury Tor, Brent Knoll and Burrow Mump. Te Avalon Marshes are the wetland home of many types of wildlife, and it is a quite place for the visitor. Te River Parrett Trail leads through the heart of the Levels and Moors. In this area a number of villages with “zoy” in their name, such as Chedzoy, Middlezoy and Westonzoyland, signify that before the marshes were drained, they were islands.
Bridgwater is probably most famous for the autumn Bridgwater Carnival drawing visitors worldwide, this is augmented by an Autumn Fair and the Guy Fawkes Carnival to enjoy. Te Bridgwater and Taunton Canal is an idyllic waterway for cruising and a walking route. In and around the town there are a number of places to eat and stay. Te Admirals Landing is a great food pub located near the docks. For sightseeing, the impressive scenery, fauna and flora of the Quantock Hills are nearby. Being on the M5 corridor, Bridgwater is a good base for the rest of Somerset and further south.
On the edge of the Quantocks, and close to the edge of the Somerset Levels, North Petherton, with its history, is an interesting place to visit. Nearby, Huntworth is a delightful tranquil village with the Boat & Anchor offering fine food. North Newton has the Harvest Moon with great food. Rhode and Woolmersdon are simply delightful olde world villages with several good quality inns. Te Macmillan Way West long distance footpath is popular with serious walkers.
Other nearby places worth taking a look at are West and East Huntspill. West Huntspill has special interest to the angler, walker and birdwatcher. Te local Crossway Inn is a family run pub with rooms. Te Westonzoyland Steam Land Drainage Pumping Station is open to visitors, and at Westonzoyland there are re- enactments of the last battle fought on British soil. Tere are a number of food pubs in the villages, such as the Sedgemoor Inn, and the George Inn at Middlezoy. Tese are great places to eat. Te River Huntspill is a famous national angling competition venue and is just one of the many coarse fishing waters in the area.
Bishops Lydeard village is the site of agricultural yesteryear, with an excellent example of an overshot waterwheel at Lower Mill. Te
70
beautiful church, with fine sets of bench ends, is an example of many others in this area. When you have finished walking around the area, and visiting the mill, you may like to refresh at the Bird In Hand.
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. Tis is a ‘not for profit’ business as, after operating costs, the proceeds from visitors go to charity.
Glastonbury needs no explanation as it is known throughout the World for the Glastonbury Festival or ‘Glasto’, and for its Cathedral. Also, for those interested in complementary medicine, new age living, unusual jewellery and cut glass objects. In such a well known town there are too many places to eat and stay to be included here, but the Mitre Inn will not disappoint. GLASTONBURY ABBEY, with its impressive grounds, is a quite, tranquil and special place to visit. It was here that William Blake wrote the ‘Glastonbury Hymn’, more commonly known as ‘Jerusalem’. Whilst visiting the abbey, why not try the ABBEY TEA ROOMS, here Mary and her team serve delicious food. Te Chalice Well is another Glastonbury experience.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108
