Discover Levels - Discover South Somerset

discoverthelevels.com
DISCOVER
The Levels and Moors lie in the heart of Somerset. They are one of
lowland Britain’s most unchanged landscapes. An uncrowded and remote
area, rich in character, history and wildlife with many hidden places to
discover and explore.
JOURNEY
Through this unique, flat landscape.
Pass beautiful areas of orchards, woods,
withy beds and medieval churches,
crossed by a complex network of rhynes
and ditches. The remoteness of the area
provides an ideal atmosphere for cycling
and walking.
Todays’ landscape has been shaped through the
centuries by man’s efforts to reclaim the land
for agriculture. Enclosure Acts of the 18th and
19th centuries created the landscape patterns
and drainage systems found today.
We hope this publication will help you to
discover, explore and understand this unique
area, whether on a bicycle, on foot or by car.
There are details of local places of interest,
visitor attractions, landmarks and viewing
points, as well as information about circular
cycle routes and walks.
TAKE CARE
Please travel carefully. Take care on
narrow roads and be aware of other
road users such as cyclists, pedestrians,
horse riders and agricultural vehicles.
rhynes or rhines (both pronounced
‘reens’) and ditches.
During the summer, water in the channels is
penned up so that ditches are kept full and
act as ‘wet fences’. This also helps maintain
a high water table which keeps the meadows
lush and green. In winter, ditch water levels
are reduced.
Over hundreds of years people and wildlife
have adapted to the wet environment. At
times in the past, very heavy rain resulted
in flooding which blocked roads and cut off
isolated villages for days and often weeks at
a time. This can still happen – as in 2013/14
– but it is more unusual.
WILLOWS AND WITHIES
For thousands of years, man has
made use of the wetland willow.
Chair legs, baskets and medicine are
only some of its uses. Willows were
planted alongside roads and droves
across the moors to mark them
during floods. Pollarding (trimming
the willow back to its trunk) has
been practised for centuries and
provides firewood, thatching spars
and hurdles.
MOORLAND WATER
Within each square mile of the Moors,
there are up to 20 miles of drainage
channels. Depending on their size,
these channels are called drains,
rhynes or rhines (both pronounced
‘reens’) and ditches.
During the summer, water in the channels is
penned up so that ditches are kept full and
Withies are grown as shrubs, rather than
trees and their strong, flexible stems are
used for weaving baskets. Plants are cut
back to ground level each year, encouraging
long straight shoots to grow the following
season. Normally, they are harvested by
hand in November. Depending on the colour
required and the end-use, they are boiled,
soaked or left untouched, to give buffs,
browns and whites.
have adapted to the wet environment. At
times in the past, very heavy rain resulted
in flooding which blocked roads and cut off
isolated villages for days and often weeks at
a time. This can still happen – as in 2013/14
– but it is more unusual.
WILLOWS AND WITHIES
For thousands of years, man has
made use of the wetland willow.
Chair legs, baskets and medicine are
only some of its uses. Willows were
planted alongside roads and droves
WILLOWS
AND
WITHIES
acrossWillows
the moors
towithies
mark them
and
during floods. Pollarding (trimming
the willow
backoftoyears,
its trunk)
For
thousands
man has
has
DRAINING THE LAND
been practised
centuries
and
made
use of thefor
wetland
willow.
provides
firewood,
spars
Chair
legs,
baskets thatching
and medicine
are
Draining
land
to create
more
and hurdles.
only
somethe
of its
uses.
Willows
were
pasture
for longerroads
periods
the
planted alongside
andof
droves
Withies
are
grown
as
shrubs,
rather
year
has
been
practised
since
at
across the moors to mark themthan
trees
and
their
strong,
fl
exible
stems
are
least
the
13th
century,
but
major
during floods. Pollarding (trimming
used
for
weaving
baskets.
Plants
are
changes
occurred
in
the
18th
and
the willow back to its trunk) hascut
back to
ground level
each
year, encouraging
19th
centuries.
The
Enclosure
been
practised
for
centuries
and
long
straight
shoots
to
grow
the following
Movement
with
its
improvement
provides firewood, thatching
spars
season.
Normally,
they are harvested
by
schemes
criss-crossed
the wetland
and
hurdles.
hand in
November.
Depending
on the colour
with
drainage
ditches
to create
the
requiredare
andgrown
the end-use,
they
are boiled,
Withies
astoday.
shrubs,
rather
than
landscape
seen
soaked
ortheir
left untouched,
to give
buffs,
trees
and
strong, flexible
stems
are
The
relative
heights
of riverbanks
the
moors
browns
whites.
used
forand
weaving
baskets.
Plantson
are
cut
protect
built-up
areas
while
still
allowing
local
back to ground level each year, encouraging
rivers
to
overfl
ow
onto
the
moors
after
high
long straight shoots to grow the following
rainfall.
key river
have subsided,
season. Once
Normally,
theylevels
are harvested
by
pumping
stations
remove
water
from
hand in November. Depending on
thethe
colour
moors.
required and the end-use, they are boiled,
Drainage
have caused
greatbuffs,
conflict and
soaked orissues
left untouched,
to give
are
still
a
matter
of
concern.
Conservation
browns and whites.
bodies are now, in some areas, landowners
in their own right. Legislation, along with a
system of government grants, has allowed
farmers to receive compensation for lost
It must be remembered, though, that the
survival of the wildlife depends on continued
agricultural use. Any grassland habitat needs to
be grazed or cut to maintain it, otherwise it will
DRAINING the
THE LAND
quicklyDraining
return to coarse land
grassland, scrub and
eventually woodland.
Draining the land to create more
pasture for longer periods of the
year has been practised since at
least the 13th century, but major
changes occurred in the 18th and
19th centuries. The Enclosure
Movement with its improvement
schemes criss-crossed the wetland
with drainage
to create the
DRAININGditches
THE LAND
landscape seen today.
Draining
land
to createon
more
The relativethe
heights
of riverbanks
the moors
pasture
for
longer
periods
of
thelocal
protect built-up areas while still allowing
year
has
been
practised
since
rivers to overflow onto the moors afterat
high
least
13th
rainfall.the
Once
key century,
river levelsbut
havemajor
subsided,
changes
occurred
in water
the 18th
pumping stations
remove
from and
the
19th
centuries.
The
Enclosure
moors.
Movement
with
its
improvement
Drainage issues
have
caused
great conflict and
schemes
criss-crossed
the wetland
are still a matter of concern. Conservation
with
drainage
ditches
to
the
bodies are now, in some areas, create
landowners
landscape
seen
today.
in their own right. Legislation, along with a
M
u
p
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h
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is
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uf
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w
is
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op
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rtr
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hs
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m
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o
w
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in
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po
w
Monb
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Tg
system
of government
grants, hason
allowed
The relative
heights of riverbanks
the moors 4902
p
fl
musw
farmers
to receive
compensation
for lost local
protect built-up
areas
while still allowing
e
a
s
show
income
a result
of managing
land
with
high
rivers toas
overfl
ow onto
the moors
after
high
w
a
(avai
water
levels
atkey
important
times
of the
year.
rainfall.
Once
river levels
have
subsided,
oT
pumping stations remove water from the
A
ot
moors.
d
bF
Drainage issues have caused great conflict and
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Loca
are still a matter of concern. Conservation
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bodies are now, in some areas, landowners
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in their own right. Legislation, along with a
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system of government grants, has allowed
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farmers to receive compensation for lost
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show
income as a result of managing land with high
cF
(avai
water levels at important times of the year.
K
a
It must be remembered, though, that the
aJ
survival of the wildlife depends on continued
th
agricultural
use.
Any
grassland
habitat
needs
to
WILLOWS & WETLANDS VISITOR CENTREs
be grazed or cut to maintain it, otherwise it will
n
quickly return
to coarse
grassland,
and
Located
at Meare
Green off
the road scrub
between
eventually
North
Currywoodland.
and Stoke St Gregory. Open all year
Monday to Saturday, 9.30 am – 5 pm. Tel:01823
It must be
remembered,
that theto
490249.
Free
car parkingthough,
and admission
survival ofshowroom,
the wildlifewillow
depends
continued
museum,
craftonshop,
video
r
If the drainage of the land is improved, it
is capable of supporting intensive arable
farming. However, the fragmentation
of the land by ditches and rhynes
causes access problems and the risk
of flooding limits its development. The
trend towards intensive dairy systems
has led to improvements of grassland,
with increases in silage-making and
fodder crops at the expense of hay and
permanent pasture.
WORKINGthe
THEland
LAND
Working
Meadows of permanent grassland
used to be the traditional farming
pattern over much of the Levels
and Moors. In recent years many
have been replaced or improved.
If the drainage of the land is improved, it
is capable of supporting intensive arable
farming. However, the fragmentation
of the land by ditches and rhynes
causes access problems and the risk
of flooding limits its development. The
trend towards intensive dairy systems
has led to improvements of grassland,
with increases in silage-making and
fodder crops at the expense of hay and
permanent pasture.
The replacement of permanent pastures
with leys of more productive grasses and
silage-making are small changes, but do
The replacement of permanent pastures
with leys of more productive grasses and
silage-making are small changes, but do
affect nature conservation. The diversity
or wealth of plant and animal species in
old, unimproved meadows is replaced
by just a few dominant species, usually
grasses and insects. While these grasses
provide ample grazing, they support little
else in the way of wildlife.
TAKE CARE
g
Meadows of permanent grassland
used to be the traditional farming
pattern over much of the Levels
and Moors. In recent years many
have been replaced or improved.
e travel carefully. Take care on
w roads and be aware of other
users such as cyclists, pedestrians,
riders and agricultural vehicles.
e
WORKING THE LAND
Traditional hay meadows are some of
the best from a botanical point of view.
For their wildlife value, these meadows
are cut as late as possible, usually after
June. Mowing late in the season allows
the meadow plants to mature, flower and
set seed, and also allows the chicks of
nesting birds to fly beforehand.
eventuallywoodland.
woodland.
eventually
WILDLIFE
WILDLIFE
Wildlife
TheLevels
Levelsand
andMoors
Moorshave
haveaarich
rich
The
variety
of
wildlife
and
an
international
variety of wildlife and an international
reputationas
asaasite
sitefor
formigrating
migrating
reputation
birds
and
breeding
waders.
Lowland
birds and breeding waders. Lowland
meadows
and
pastures
fl
ood
meadows and pastures flood inin
winterand
andthe
theflfloating
oatingseeds
seedsand
and
winter
invertebrates
living
in
the
mud
attract
invertebrates living in the mud attract
wildfowl
such
as
Teal,
Wigeon
and
wildfowl such as Teal, Wigeon and
Bewick’sSwans.
Swans. As
Aswater
waterlevels
levelsfall,
fall,
Bewick’s
fl
ocks
of
waders
such
as
Lapwing
flocks of waders such as Lapwing
andCurlew
Curlewprobe
probethe
thesoft
softground
groundfor
for
and
worms
and
insects.
worms and insects.
Animallife
lifeabounds,
abounds,from
frombeetles
beetlesand
and
Animal
dragonfl
ies,
to
badgers
and
deer,
and
the
dragonflies, to badgers and deer, and the
wetlands
are
one
of
the
few
areas
in
Britain
wetlands are one of the few areas in Britain
whereotters
ottersstill
stilllive.
live. The
Thebasis
basisofofall
alllife
lifeon
on
where
the
Levels
and
Moors
are
the
plants.
These
the Levels and Moors are the plants. These
growininabundance
abundance: :from
fromthe
thetiny
tinyduckweed,
duckweed,
grow
giving
rhynes
their
characteristic
green
colour,
giving rhynes their characteristic green colour,
to
the
pollarded
willows.
A
profusion
of
colour
to the pollarded willows. A profusion of colour
can
be
seen
from
meadow
fl
owers
such
as
can be seen from meadow flowers such as
Kingcups,
Purple
Loosestrife,
Marsh
Orchids
Kingcups, Purple Loosestrife, Marsh Orchids
andthe
thesweetly
sweetlyperfumed
perfumedMeadowsweet.
Meadowsweet.
and
WILLOWS&
WETLANDSVISITOR
VISITORCENTRE
CENTRE
Willows
&&WETLANDS
Wetlands
Visitor
Centre
WILLOWS
LocatedatatMeare
MeareGreen
Greenoff
offthe
theroad
roadbetween
between
Located
North
Curry
and
Stoke
St
Gregory.
Open
allyear
year
North Curry and Stoke St Gregory. Open all
Monday
to
Saturday,
9.30
am
–
5
pm.
Tel:01823
Monday to Saturday, 9.30 am – 5 pm. Tel:01823
490249. Free
Freecar
carparking
parkingand
andadmission
admissiontoto
490249.
museum,
showroom,
willow
craft
shop,video
video
museum, showroom, willow craft shop,
show
and
exhibition.
Guided
tours
of
workshops
show and exhibition. Guided tours of workshops
(availabilityvaries
variesand
andsmall
smallcharges
chargesapplicable).
applicable).
(availability
A3
9
s
r
Kindggemoo
Se
Riv
er S
ow
y
Riv
er
Pa
rre
tt
Othery
A372
07
High
61
A3
01
Athelney
Aller
Stoke St. Gregory
Oath
12
18
Langport
Meare Green
Curry
04
8
A37
8
B316
Mon.
Curry
Rivel
05
Fivehead
15
Drayton
Mu
A39
A361
Street
03
Compton
Dundon
B3151
h Ham
er
Riv
ry
Ca
t
Littleton
16
Somerton
Pitney
Huish Episcopi
Kingsdon
13
Long Sutton
A372
B316
5
uchelney
River
Long Load
Thorney
Yeo (I
vel)
08
Ilchester
05
Fivehead
Midelney
Rive
r Isl
e
Isle
06
Brewers
10
Hambridge
Isle Abbotts
ort
11
l
na
Ca
K
E
stp
We BurrowHill
Westport
Barrington
02
A35
8
Puckington
17
So
A303
Ri
09
Ilminster
For more information visit
KEY
KEY
Featured on one or more cycle routes
On the River Parrett Trail
Circular Walk
Local Services
Public Toilets
Local Attractions
Place to eat / Public House
Viewing Point
Local Information Centre
ww
RAINFALL(MM) / TEMPERATURE(°C)
Average record between 1971 and 2000 / Data provided by Met Office
72.0
57.2
48.9
47.3 48.9
10.6 12.9 16.5 19.3 21.7
3.7 6.8 9.7 11.9 11.7
55.6 56.6
8.1
1.3
8.3
2.7
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
JUL
Thorney
er
Riv
14
Leland Trail
A303
t
ret
Par
Kingsbury
Episcopi
Martock
East
Lambrook
A3
08
8
outh Petherton
To Yeovil
iver Parrett Trail
Liberty Trail
1 KM
ww.discoverthelevels.com
APPROX.
OR call 01935 462781
M5
BRISTOL
83.3
56.6
64.5 67.9 65.8
TAUNTON
A303
YEOVIL
21.5 18.6 14.8 11.1 9.0
9.6 6.9 3.6 2.4 5.98
AUG SEP
SOMERSET LEVELS
OCT NOV DEC
EXETER
M3
LONDON
the village and open all year at varying times.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/barrington-court
T: 01460 241938.
HAMBRIDGE
& WESTPORT
DUNDON
06 COMPTON
03
M5
01
ALLER
Moorland village close to the River Parrett,
below the wooded ridge of High Ham. King
Alfred baptised the defeated Danish King
Guthrum here in 878. You can walk from the
village into Aller and Beer Woods, designated as
a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
02
BARRINGTON
A village with many pretty houses and cottages.
Barrington Court (National Trust) was used as
a location for the BBC drama Wolf Hall and has
gardens and orchards, restaurant and tearoom,
artists’ workshops and a book barn.
Barrington Court TA19 0NQ is on the edge of
the village and open all year at varying times.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/barrington-court
T: 01460 241938.
03
COMPTON DUNDON
Really two villages – Compton and Dundon.
On Windmill Hill above Compton stands the
monument to Admiral Hood, while Dundon
Beacon is the site of an Iron Age fort. Both
make interesting walks.
Hood Monument can be visited on foot along
a public footpath off a quiet lane with no car
The incredible
variety
flora details.
and fauna
parking.
See OS map
for of
further
The former
Hambridge
Brewery
building
can
Really
two villages
– Compton
and
Dundon.
be Windmill
seen nearHill
theabove
bridgeCompton
over thestands
River Isle,
On
the
nowadays the
workshop
of bespoke
furnituremonument
to Admiral
Hood,
while Dundon
makers.isNearby,
a canal
was built
Beacon
the site in
of Westport,
an Iron Age
fort. Both
in the interesting
1830s to link
up with the navigable River
make
walks.
Parrett and Langport. By 1880 it was closed but
still
serves
as a drainage
and
some
of
Hood
Monument
can bechannel
visited on
foot
along
canal
structures
still
be seen.
athe
public
footpath
off acan
quiet
lane
with no car
parking. See OS map for further details.
Brown
& Forrest
TA10 0BP,
a traditional
Good
walks
with excellent
views
across the
smokery
producing
salmon,
trout,
moors
at Walton
Hillsmoked
and Ivyeel,
Thorn
Hill, where
chicken
andparks.
cheese
is
at
Bowdens
Farm
there
arebreasts
small car
M5
inStreet
Hambridge.
Youth www.brownandforrest.com
Hostel BA16 0TZ is nearby.
T: 01458 250875
www.yha.org.uk/hostel/street
T: 0845 3719143
07
04
HIGH HAM
CURRY RIVEL
On a wooded hill, with panoramic views across
the Levelsvillage
and Moors,
an island
rising
Attractive
of blueonce
lias stone,
perched
on a low
from the
marshes.
Anwith
interesting
church
ridge
above
the moors,
local shops,
cafeand
and
last remaining
in England
athe
church
dating fromthatched
the 15thwindmill
century. The
Royal
(National
Heavens
sanctuary
Society
forTrust).
the Protection
of Gate
Birdsanimal
has a reserve,
and Eastfi
eld
NatureatReserve
are nearby.
with
a large
heronry,
nearby Swell
Wood.
Stembridge
Tower
Mill TA10is9DJ
is signposted
Burton
Pynsent
monument
about
half a mile
from the road,
village,
limited
opening There
hours is
from
along
a footpath.
a public
March
toin
October.
car
park
the village near the church.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
823289
RSPB Swell Wood TA3 6PX T:
is 01935
signposted
off the
Eastfi
eld Nature
is Fivehead.
a short distance
A378
between
CurryReserve
Rivel and
Parking
past the windmill on the opposite side of the
available.
road. Perfect for picnics
but 252805
with very limited
M5
www.rspb.org.uk
T: 01458
parking in the gateway.
Heaven’s
Gate Animal Rescue Centre TA10
FIVEHEAD
05
9BE is on the main road from High Ham to
Pedwell. Open all year. T: 01458 252656
www.nawt.org.uk/centres/somerset
Land around the village was, and still is marshy
North C
- 08
a perfect
area for growing withies and teasels.
ILCHESTER
The teasels were cultivated, cut and graded
according to size, and used to roughen the
surface of newly woven cloth. There are several
Once
a major
Roman
garrison
fi
ne manor
houses
in the
area. town on the
Fosse Way and the county town of Somerset
until the 19th century. Handsome Georgian
houses and a Town Hall with a fascinating
houses
and
a main
Town
Hall
with
aHigh
fascinating
parking.
See OS
map
for further
details.
9BE
is on
the
road
from
Ham
museum.
The
Fleet
Air T:
Arm
Museum
at to
RNAS
Good walks
with
excellent
views
across the
Pedwell.
Open
all year.
01458
252656
museum.
The
Fleet
Air T:
Arm
Museum
at RNAS
Goodatwalks
with
excellent
the
Pedwell.
Open
all year.
01458
252656
Yeovilton
is
a short
distance
away
and the
moors
Walton
Hill
and Ivyviews
Thornacross
Hill, where
www.nawt.org.uk/centres/somerset
Yeovilton
is aand
short
away
and
the
moors
at Walton
Hill
and Ivy Thorn
Hill, where
www.nawt.org.uk/centres/somerset
Leland
Trail
thedistance
Monarch’s
Way
walking
there
small
car
Reallyare
two
villages
–parks.
Compton
and Dundon.
North Curry
Leland
Trail
and
the
Monarch’s
Way
walking
there
are
small
car
parks.
Really
two
villages
–
Compton
and
Dundon.
North Curry
trails
both
pass near the town.
Youth
0TZ is
nearby.
OnStreet
Windmill
HillHostel
aboveBA16
Compton
stands
the
ILCHESTER
08
trails both
pass near the town.
Street
Youth
Hostel
0TZ
is
nearby.
On
Windmill
above&BA16
Compton
stands
the
HAMBRIDGE
WESTPORT
www.yha.org.uk/hostel/street
monument
toHill
Admiral
Hood,
while
Dundon
06
08 ILCHESTER
www.yha.org.uk/hostel/street
monument
to Admiral
while
Dundon
The Fleet Air Arm Museum BA22 8HT is
T:
0845 3719143
Beacon
is the
site of anHood,
Iron Age
fort.
Both
The Fleetfrom
Air Arm
Museum BA22 8HT is
T:
0845
3719143
Beacon
is
the
site
of
an
Iron
Age
fort.
Both
signposted
Ilchester.
make interesting walks.
M5
signposted
from
Ilchester.
make interesting walks.
www.fl
eetairarm.com
T: 01935
840565
Once
a major
Roman garrison
town
on the
CURRY RIVEL
04 former
www.fl
eetairarm.com
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01935
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can
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major
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Ilchester
Museum
is
in
Town
Hall,
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and
the county
town
of840565
Somerset
HoodCURRY
Monument
can be
visitedbuilding
on foot along
Ilchester
Museum
isHandsome
in the
Town
Hall,
seenMonument
near the off
bridge
over
the with
River
Fosse
Way
and
the
town
of
Somerset
Hood
can
be
visited
on foot
along
open
Thursdays
andcounty
Saturdays,
Easter
to end
until
the
19th
century.
Georgian
abepublic
footpath
a quiet
lane
noIsle,
car
open
Thursdays
andHall
Saturdays,
Easter
to end
nowadays
theOS
workshop
of
bespoke
until
the
19th
century.
Handsome
Georgian
a
public footpath
off afor
quiet
lane details.
withfurnitureno car
September.
10:00am
4:00pm
houses
and
aOpen:
Town
with a-fascinating
parking.
See
map
further
September.
10:00am
4:00pm
makers.
Nearby,
inblue
Westport,
a canal
wasthe
built
houses
andThe
aOpen:
Town
with Museum
a-fascinating
parking.
See
OS
map
forlias
further
details.
Attractive
village
of
stone,
perched
on
a low
museum.
FleetHall
Air Arm
at RNAS
Good walks
with
excellent
views
across
Attractive
village
ofHill
blue
liasIvy
stone,
perched
onand
a low
in Good
theabove
1830s
towith
link
upand
with
the
navigable
River
museum.
Fleetdistance
Air Armaway
Museum
at RNAS
excellent
views
across
the
ridge
the
moors,
with
local
shops,
cafe
Yeovilton
isThe
a short
and the
moors
atwalks
Walton
Thorn
Hill,
where
09 ILMINSTER
ridge
above
the
moors,
with
local
shops,
cafe
and
Parrett
and
Langport.
By
1880
it
was
closed
but
Yeovilton
is
a
short
distance
away
and
the
moors
at
Walton
Hill
and
Ivy
Thorn
Hill,
where
09 ILMINSTER
athere
church
the 15th century. The Royal
Leland
Trail and the Monarch’s Way walking
aredating
smallfrom
car parks.
athere
church
dating
theBA16
15th
century.
Royal
still
serves
as Protection
afrom
drainage
some
of
Leland
Trailpass
andnear
the Monarch’s
are
small
car
parks.
Society
for
the
ofchannel
Birds
has
aThe
reserve,
trails both
the town. Way walking
Street
Youth
Hostel
0TZ
isand
nearby.
Society
forYouth
the
Protection
of
Birds
has
a reserve,
the
canal
structures
still
be
seen.
trails both pass near the town.
Street
Hostel
BA16
0TZ
is nearby.
with
a large
heronry,
atcan
nearby
Swell
Wood.
www.yha.org.uk/hostel/street
with
a large
heronry, at nearby Swell Wood.
www.yha.org.uk/hostel/street
The Fleet Air Arm Museum BA22 8HT is
T: 0845
3719143
Brown
&
Forrestmonument
TA10 0BP, is
a traditional
The Fleetfrom
Air Arm
Museum BA22 8HT is
T: Burton
0845 3719143
Pynsent
about half a mile
signposted
Ilchester.
Burton
Pynsent
monument
is about
half
a mile
smokery
producing
smoked
eel,
salmon,
trout,
signposted
from Ilchester.
from
the
road,
along
a
footpath.
There
is
a
public
A35
www.fl
eetairarm.com
T: 01935 840565
RIVEL
04 theCURRY
from
road,
a near
footpath.
There
is a public
A358
chicken
breasts
and cheese
is at
Bowdens
Farm
www.fl
eetairarm.com
T:the
01935
840565
car
in
the along
village
church.
RIVEL
Ilchester
Museum is in
Town
Hall,
M5 the
04parkCURRY
8
Rin
car
parkSwell
in the Wood
villageTA3
near
the
church.
i
inRSPB
Hambridge.
www.brownandforrest.com
Ilchester
Museum
is
the
Town
Hall,
v
er
6PX is signposted off the
open Thursdays and Saturdays,
Easter
to
end
Pa
Swell
Wood Rivel
TA3 6PX
signposted
off the
T:RSPB
01458
250875
open
Thursdays
and10:00am
Saturdays,
Easter to end
r-re4:00pm
A378
between
Curry
andisFivehead.
Parking
September.
Open:
tt
A378
between
Curry
Rivel
and
Fivehead.
Parking
September.
Open:
10:00am
- 4:00pm
available.
Attractive village of blue lias stone, perched on a low
available.
Attractive
village
of blue
lias local
stone,
perched
a low
HIGH
HAM
09
www.rspb.org.uk
T: 01458
252805
ridge
the
moors,
with
shops,
cafeonand
07 above
ILMINSTER
09 Ilminster
www.rspb.org.uk
T:
01458
252805
ridge
above
the
moors,
with
local
shops,
cafe
and
a church dating from the 15th century. The Royal
09 ILMINSTER
a
church
dating
from
the
15th
century.
The
Royal
Society
for the Protection of Birds has a reserve,
05 FIVEHEAD
Society
for the
Protection
of Birds
hasWood.
a reserve,
FIVEHEAD
05 a large
Busy market town with fine Minster church and
with
heronry,
at nearby
Swell
Busy
marketand
town
ne Minster
church and
On
hill, with
views
across
witha awooded
large heronry,
at panoramic
nearby Swell
Wood.
almshouses
a with
goodfichoice
of independent
61
A3
almshouses
and aplaces.
good choice
of independent
theBurton
LevelsPynsent
and Moors,
once anisisland
shops and eating
The Meeting
House
monument
aboutrising
half a mile
shops
and eating
places. The
Meeting
from
the
marshes.
An
interesting
church
Burton
Pynsent
monument
is about
a mile
Arts Centre
has exhibitions,
live
music House
and a
Land
around
the
village
was, and
still
ishalf
from
the
road,
along
a footpath.
There
ismarshy
aand
public
A35
Arts
has exhibitions,
live
musicroute
and a–
Land
around
the
village
was,
and
still
isisEngland
marshy
the
last
remaining
thatched
windmill
in
the
road,
along
a near
footpath.
There
a public
A358
café.Centre
An off-road
walking and
cycling
-from
a perfect
area
for
growing
withies
and
teasels.
car
park
in
the
village
the
church.
8
café.
An
off-road
walking
and
cycling
route
–
-(National
a
perfect
area
for
growing
withies
and
teasels.
Heavens
Gate
animal
sanctuary
carRSPB
park
inTrust).
the
village
near
the
The Stop Line Way – connects the town with
The
teasels
were
cultivated,
cut
and graded
Swell
Wood
TA3
6PX
ischurch.
signposted
off the
The
StopDillington
Line WayHouse
– connects
the town
withA303
The
teasels
cultivated,
and
graded
and
Eastfi
eld
Nature
Reserve
are
nearby.
RSPB
Swell
Wood
TA3
6PX
is
signposted
off the
Chard.
conference
centre
is
according
towere
size,
andRivel
used
tocut
roughen
theParking
A378
between
Curry
and
Fivehead.
A303
Athelney
Chard.
Dillington
House
conference
centre
is
according
to
size,
and
used
to
roughen
the
A378
between
Curry
Rivel
and
Fivehead.
Parking
close by.
surface
of newly woven cloth. There are several
available.
close
by.
surface
of
newly
woven
cloth.
There
are
several
Stembridge
Tower
Mill
TA10
9DJ
is
signposted
available.
fi
ne
manor
houses
in
the
area.
www.rspb.org.uk T: 01458 252805
fi
ne manor
houses
in
area.
from
the village,
limited
opening
hours from
www.rspb.org.uk
T: the
01458
252805
The Meeting House Arts Centre TA19 0AN
Stoke
Gregory
The
Meeting
Artshouses
CentreSt.
TA19
0AN
March to October.
is
on East
StreetHouse
and also
the
Local
05 FIVEHEAD
is
on
East
Street
and
also
houses
the
Local
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
T:
01935
823289
Information
Busy
marketCentre.
town with fine Minster church and
05 FIVEHEAD
Information
Eastfield Nature Reserve is a short distance
Busy
marketCentre.
town
fichoice
ne
Minster
church
and
Dillington
House
TA19
9DT
offers
residential
almshouses
and
a with
good
of independent
Dillington
House
TA19choice
9DT
residential
past the windmill on the opposite side of the
almshouses
and
alectures
good
of independent
and
day
courses,
andoffers
concerts.
shops
and
eating
places.
The
Meeting
House
and
day
courses,
lectures
and
concerts.
Perfectthe
for village
picnicswas,
but with
veryis
limited
shops
and
eating
places.
The
Meeting
M5road.
www.dillington.com
T: 01460
258648
Arts
Centre
has exhibitions,
live
music House
and a
Land around
and still
marshy
18
www.dillington.com
T: 01460
258648
parking
in the
gateway.
Arts
Centre
has exhibitions,
live
musicroute
and a–
around
the
village
was,withies
and still
is teasels.
marshy
café.
An off-road
walking
and
cycling
-Land
a perfect
area
for
growing
and
Gate
Animal
Rescue
Centre
TA10
café.
An off-road
walking
and the
cycling
route
-The
aHeaven’s
perfect
growing
withies
and
teasels.
The
Stop
Line
Way
–
connects
town
with –
teaselsarea
werefor
cultivated,
cut and
graded
ISLE
ABBOTTS
10
Meare Green
9BE
is
on
the
main
road
from
High
Ham
to
The
Stop
Line
Way
–
connects
the
town
withA303
The
teasels
were
cultivated,
cut
and
graded
ISLE
ABBOTTS
10
Chard. Dillington House conference centre
is
according to size, and used to roughen the
A303
T: 01458
252656
Pedwell.
all
year.used
Chard.
according
to
size,
and
to roughen
close by.Dillington House conference centre is
surface ofOpen
newly
woven
cloth.
There
arethe
several
close by.
surface
of newly
woven
cloth.
fiwww.nawt.org.uk/centres/somerset
ne manor
houses
in the
area.There are several
fine manor houses in the area.
North Curry
One
of Meeting
a clusterHouse
of unspoilt
villagesTA19
in the
heart
The
Arts Centre
0AN
0
One
ofEast
a cluster
of
unspoilt
villages
inAcross
the
heart
Meeting
House
Artshouses
Centre
TA19
0AN
of
the
Levels,
close
toalso
the
River
Isle.
the
is The
on
Street
and
the
Local
08 ILCHESTER
of
the
Levels,
close
to
the
River
Isle.
Across
the
is on to
East
housesFivehead
the Localis on
river
theStreet
east
isand
Islealso
Brewers.
Information
Centre.
river
toland
the east
is north
Isle
Brewers.
is on
Information
Centre.
higher
to
the
with
neFivehead
views
across
Dillington
House
TA19
9DTfioffers
residential
Mon.
higher
land
to
the
north
with
fi
ne
views
across
Dillington
House
TA19
9DT
offers
residential
the
and, to lectures
the west,and
the concerts.
secluded villages
and valley
day courses,
A37
the
valley
and,
to
the
west,
the
secluded
villages
Once a major Roman garrison town on the
and
day courses, lectures
and
concerts.
of
Beercrocombe
and Curry
Mallet
- which has a
www.dillington.com
T: 01460
258648
of
Beercrocombe
Curry
Mallet
-Carta.
which has a
Fosse
Way and variety
the county
of Somerset
www.dillington.com
T:the
01460
258648
special
connectionand
with
Magna
The incredible
of fltown
ora and
fauna
special connection with the Magna Carta.
The incredible
variety of
flora andGeorgian
fauna
until
the 19th century.
Handsome
10 ISLE ABBOTTS
houses and a Town Hall with a fascinating
10 ISLE ABBOTTS
05
Fivehead
River
11
House dating from 1717 and a pay-and-play
golf course alongside the River Parrett, with
restaurant and bar.
Yeo (I
vel)
KINGSBURY EPISCOPI
08
Ilchester
This lively village has a lock-up on the green, a
magnificent church, numerous small orchards
and an annual May Day festival. A traditional
cider farm on Burrow Hill produces prize winning
A303
ciders and the famous
Somerset
Cider Brandy.
Leland
Trail
Burrow Hill Cider TA12 6BU is on the slopes
of a hill with a single tree on top, easily spotted
from miles around.
www.ciderbrandy.co.uk T: 01460 240782
A short but steep walk to the top of the hill will
reward you with great views.
12
LANGPORT
A3
08
8
Once a busy port on the River
Parrett, this
ancient market town offers riverside walks,
cafés and arty shops, including a glass-blower
and willow-maker. Look out for the ‘hanging
chapel’ gatehouse in the old town wall. The
parish church in adjoining Huish Episcopi has a
To Yeovil
magnificent tower and a stained glass window by
Edward Burne-Jones. Kelways Garden Centre,
famous for peonies, is on the Somerton road.
Coarse fishing on the River Parrett - ask at
Fosters Newsagents in Bow Street for details
and permits, open 5am to 5pm Monday to
berty Trail
Saturday and 7.30am to 12 noon on Sunday.
T: 01458 250607
1 KM APPROX.
The Local Information Centre is in Bow Street.
E: [email protected] T: 01458 253527
m
NTON
ster
XETER
OR
LONG 01935
SUTTON 462781
13 call
Picturesque village with a beautiful church on
M5
the Podimore
village green. There is a Friends Meeting
BRISTOL
House dating
from 1717 and a pay-and-play
M3
golf SOMERSET
course alongside
the River Parrett, with
LEVELS
LONDON
restaurant and bar.
A303
LongYEOVIL
Sutton Golf Course TA10 9JU is on the
road to Long Load.
LongSOMERTON
Sutton Golf Course TA10 9JU is on the
16
road to Long Load.
www.longsuttongolf.com T: 01458 241017
Town Tree Farm Nature Gardens TA12 6AP
are beyondonce
the riverside
Load.The
Reputedly
the Royalvillage
CapitalofofLong
Wessex.
T: 01935
823203
17th
century
square, market cross, town hall,
elegant houses and inns create an attractive
townscape
of outstanding architectural and
14 MARTOCK
historical interest. Somerton Arts Festival takes
place annually in July. There are coarse fishing
lakes in the River Cary valley, close to the town.
A flourishing community with many ancient
Hamstone
buildings
including
theisCourt
The Local
Information
Centre
in theHouse
library
and
the Treasurer’s
House – one of the oldest
T:
01458
878865
domestic
buildings
Somerset. Gallery and Shop
Somerset
Guild ofinCraftsmen
is at The Courthouse Gallery TA11 7LX
Treasurer’s House (National
Trust) 274653
www.somersetguild.co.uk
T: 01458
TA12
6JL. T:
Tel 01935
825015
Viaduct
Fisheries
TA11
6LJ has six coarsewww.nationaltrust.org.uk
fi
shing lakes
Yandles Woodworking
TA12
6JU,
www.viaductfi
shery.com Centre
T: 01458
274022
sawmill
with gallery,
hobbies
and café.
Lytes Cary
Manor TA11
7HUshop
(National
Trust), a
www.yandles.co.uk
T: 01935
822207
small
Elizabethan house
with chapel
and gardens, is
Hamthree
Hill Country
Park
about
miles from
theTA14
town.6RW is about two
miles
from
Martock. Circular trails, orienteering
T:
01458
224471
courses, barbecue area and panoramic views
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lytes-cary-manor
across
Somerset.
for picnics,
ballofgames
Midney
GardensGreat
TA11 7HR
are south
and flying kites.
Somerton,
with plant nursery and café
www.southsomersetcountryside.com
www.midneygardens.co.uk
T: 01458 274250
15
17
MUCHELNEY
SOUTH PETHERTON
In Medieval times Muchelney was an influential
Benedictine
Abbey.and
Now
can explore
Close
to the A303
theyou
Parrett
Trail, the
excavations
of the
abbey
the remains
this
Hamstone
village
hasalongside
small shops
and
of the 15th
and offering
Abbot’s House
cafés,
a pubcentury
and thecloister
David Hall
a
(English Heritage).
Next
to the
abbey
is the parish
programme
of music,
theatre
and
cinema.
church
withchurch
paintedisroof
and the
thatched
The
parish
thought
to have
the Priest’s
House (NT).
Muchelney
Gallery is
highest
central
octagonalPottery
tower and
in England.
nearby
and there
are coarse
fishing
lakes
at the
East
Lambrook
Manor,
with its
classic
cottage
neighbouring
hamlet
of Thorney.
gardens
created
by Margery
Fish, is a mile or
so from South Petherton.
Muchelney Abbey TA10 0DQ (English Heritage)
and
theDavid
Priest’s
(National
Trust)
open
The
HallHouse
Arts Centre
TA13
5AA are
is near
seasonally.
Prigg
Lane Car Park. T:01460 240340
www.english-heritage.org.uk T: 01458 253842
www.thedavidhall.org.uk
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
T: 01458
253711
East Lambrook Manor Gardens
TA13
5HH, is
signposted from the village.
Pottery
TA10 0DW is between
T: Muchelney
01460 240328
www.eastlambrook.co.uk
Muchelney and Thorney, open all year.
www.johnleachpottery.co.uk T: 01458 250324
parish church in adjoining Huish Episcopi has a
www.english-heritage.org.uk
T: 01458
253842
magnificent tower and a stained glass
window
by
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
T:
01458
253711
Edward Burne-Jones. Kelways Garden Centre,
famous for peonies, is on the Somerton road.
Muchelney Pottery TA10 0DW is between
Muchelney
Thorney,
open Parrett
all year.- ask at
Coarse fiand
shing
on the River
www.johnleachpottery.co.uk
T: 01458
250324
Fosters Newsagents in Bow Street
for details
and permits, open 5am to 5pm Monday to
Thorneyand
Lakes
TA10to0DW
has two
lakes for
Saturday
7.30am
12 noon
on Sunday.
coarse
fishing
by day ticket and camping and
T: 01458
250607
caravan
park.Information Centre is in Bow Street.
The Local
www.thorneylakes.co.uk
T: 01458
250811
E: [email protected]
T: 01458
253527
13
LONG SUTTON
Picturesque village with a beautiful church on
148
Podimore
the village green. There is a Friends Meeting
House dating from 1717 and a pay-and-play
golf course alongside the River Parrett, with
restaurant and bar.
LongSOMERTON
Sutton Golf Course TA10 9JU is on the
16
road to Long Load.
www.longsuttongolf.com T: 01458 241017
Town Tree Farm Nature Gardens TA12 6AP
Reputedly
the Royalvillage
CapitalofofLong
Wessex.
are beyondonce
the riverside
Load.The
17th
century
square, market cross, town hall,
T: 01935
823203
elegant houses and inns create an attractive
townscape
of outstanding architectural and
14 MARTOCK
historical interest. Somerton Arts Festival takes
place annually in July. There are coarse fishing
lakes in the River Cary valley, close to the town.
A flourishing community with many ancient
The Localbuildings
Information
Centre
in theHouse
library
Hamstone
including
theisCourt
T:
01458
878865
and
the Treasurer’s
House – one of the oldest
Somerset
Guild ofinCraftsmen
domestic
buildings
Somerset.Gallery and Shop
is at The Courthouse Gallery TA11 7LX
www.somersetguild.co.uk
T: 01458
Treasurer’s House (National
Trust) 274653
Viaduct
TA11
6LJ has six coarseTA12
6JL. Fisheries
T: Tel 01935
825015
fiwww.nationaltrust.org.uk
shing lakes
www.viaductfi
shery.com Centre
T: 01458
274022
Yandles Woodworking
TA12
6JU,
Lytes Cary
7HUshop
(National
Trust), a
sawmill
with Manor
gallery,TA11
hobbies
and café.
small
Elizabethan house
with chapel
and gardens, is
www.yandles.co.uk
T: 01935
822207
about
from
theTA14
town.6RW is about two
Hamthree
Hill miles
Country
Park
T:
01458
224471
miles
from
Martock. Circular trails, orienteering
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lytes-cary-manor
courses, barbecue area and panoramic views
Midney
Gardens Great
TA11 7HR
are south
ofgames
across
Somerset.
for picnics,
ball
Somerton,
with plant nursery and café
and flying kites.
www.midneygardens.co.uk
www.southsomersetcountryside.com
T: 01458 274250
15 MUCHELNEY
17 SOUTH PETHERTON
Somerton, with plant nursery and café
www.midneygardens.co.uk
T: 01458 274250
17
SOUTH PETHERTON
Close to the A303 and the Parrett Trail,
this Hamstone village has small shops and
cafés, a pub and the David Hall offering a
programme of music, theatre and cinema.
The parish church is thought to have the
highest central octagonal tower in England.
East Lambrook Manor, with its classic cottage
gardens created by Margery Fish, is a mile or
so from South Petherton.
The David Hall Arts Centre TA13 5AA is near
Prigg Lane Car Park. T:01460 240340
www.thedavidhall.org.uk
East Lambrook Manor Gardens TA13 5HH, is
signposted from the village.
T: 01460 240328 www.eastlambrook.co.uk
18
WILLOWS & WETLANDS CENTRE
The Coate family have been growing willow on the
Somerset Levels since 1819 and visitors to their
Centre can experience the complete process from
walking through the withy beds to visiting the
basket-making workshops. Video room, museum
and guided tours. Café, photographers gallery and
makers studios also on site. Free admission and
car parking, charge for guided tours.
Willows and Wetlands Centre TA3 6HY is on the
road between Stoke St Gregory and North Curry.
Closed on Sunday. T:01823 490249
www.englishwillowbaskets.co.uk
WILDLIFE
MOORLAND WATER
WILLOWS AND WITHIES
VISITOR INFORMATION
If you would like to know more about
travel to the area, places to stay and
attractions to visit, please contact one of
these Tourist Information Centres,
YEOVIL
A: Petters House,
T: 01935 462781
Petters Way,
Yeovil, Somerset
BA20 1SH
(open all year Monday - Friday 0900 -1600)
E: [email protected]
A303 Cartgate TIC
A: A303 Cartgate TIC, T: 01935 829333
Cartgate Picnic Site,
A303/A3088 ,
Stoke sub Hamdon
TA14 6RA
(open April – October, every day 0930-16.30
November – March Mon & Fri 10.00-15.00)
E: [email protected]
More local information centres at
Bruton, Castle Cary, Crewkerne, Ilminster,
Langport, Martock, Somerton, South
Petherton and Wincanton.
or visit our website
www.discoverthelevels.com
Rocketbox.co.uk
Published by:
South Somerset District Council, Brympton Way,
Yeovil, Somerset. Telephone: 01935 462462
Photography: Lynne Newton, plantphoto.com, SSDC,
visitsomerset, hedgehogphotographic.com
Design: Rocketbox.co.uk
Whilst every care has been taken in compiling this leaflet,
South Somerset District Council cannot be held responsible
for any errors or omissions.
WORKING THE LAND
DRAINING THE LAND
JOURNEY
DISCOVER…