Mid Somerset and the Plain of Sedgemoor
Mid-Somerset's low-lying landscape consists of willow trees and quiet streams, drained by the River Brue and River Parrett.
The Polden Hills stretch across Mid-Somerset's central region but hardly rise above 300ft.
Nevertheless, they afford fine views over the lowlands to both the north and south.
The lowland area, known as The Plain of Sedgemoor, was at one time submerged.
It is now criss-crossed by a maze of drainage ditches, known as rhines.
Vast tracts of unspoilt countryside lie between the collection of major roads that run across this region.
A collection of hamlets, villages and historical attractions are easily accessible for those on self catering holiday breaks in Mid-Somerset.
We've provided an account of some of the most notable.
Bridgwater This one-time thriving port is situated on the River Parret and is steeped in history.
The town was used by the Duke of Monmouth as his head quarters, prior to the Battle of Sedgemoor in the late 17th century.
He was later declared king here.
Oliver Cromwell's esteemed admiral, Robert Blake was born here.
There's a museum commemorating his life.
Sites of interest include St Mary's Church, with its elaborate screen-work as well as Castle Street and its handsome Georgian architecture.
Bruton Situated in the valley of the River Brue, Bruton features a narrow packhorse bridge, known locally as Bruton Bow.
The remains of a 12th century priory, a three storey dovecot, can be found on a hill overlooking the town.
Burnham-on-Sea A small coastal resort with over 5 miles of sandy beaches, that affords a good view of Bridgwater Bay.
The local church is noted for its 80ft, 14th-century tower which leans some 3 ft from the vertical.
It also houses the 'Whitehall Altar'which was commissioned by James II and was at one time housed in Whitehall, Hampton Court and Westminster Abbey before George IV gave it to the Vicar of Burnham in 1820.
Castle Cary Featuring a charming old town with old houses, shops and a stone lock-up that dates back to the late 18th century.
Situated behind the 18th century market hall, it resembles a stone bee-hive with gratings instead of windows.
Glastonbury In addition to the well-known festival, Glastonbury is also famous for its abbey, of which sadly, only fragments remain.
It was the last of a series built on the same site: the first was founded in AD 688.
Glastonbury is also associated with Arthurian legend and is thought by some to be Avalon, the place were King Arthur was taken following his death.
The Holy Grail is also said to have been brought from Jerusalem by Joseph of Arimathea and placed below Chalice Spring on Glastonbury Tor.
The George and Pilgrims Inn is one of the oldest English inns with other notable buildings including StJohn's Church and St Man's Almshouses.
Meare This is the site of one of the lake villages built during the Iron Age.
The town was at one time owned by the Abbots of Glastonbury, who stayed at Meare Manor House during the summer.
The house dates from the 14th century, as does the Fish House, located on the fringes of the village.
Sedgemoor A region of low-lying marshlands that stretch from the Mendips to Taunton and Ilminster, To the North of Westonzoyland village, visitors will find the site of the Battle of Sedgemoor, the last major battle to be fought in England.
Somerton Set on the River Cary; this attractive town features a pleasing array of historical buildings including 16th-century houses on the north side of the market-place and an 18th century town hall.
To the west are the Hext Almhouses which date from 1626.
Street This is town is located on the slopes of the Polden Hills, where the Romans mined stone.
There are good walks to be had over the nearby hills, with some great views of the Mendip and Quantock Hills and to the Bristol Channel in the distance.
On Windmill Hill to the south-east stands a monument commemorating Admiral Lord Hood, who served valiantly against the French.
The Polden Hills stretch across Mid-Somerset's central region but hardly rise above 300ft.
Nevertheless, they afford fine views over the lowlands to both the north and south.
The lowland area, known as The Plain of Sedgemoor, was at one time submerged.
It is now criss-crossed by a maze of drainage ditches, known as rhines.
Vast tracts of unspoilt countryside lie between the collection of major roads that run across this region.
A collection of hamlets, villages and historical attractions are easily accessible for those on self catering holiday breaks in Mid-Somerset.
We've provided an account of some of the most notable.
Bridgwater This one-time thriving port is situated on the River Parret and is steeped in history.
The town was used by the Duke of Monmouth as his head quarters, prior to the Battle of Sedgemoor in the late 17th century.
He was later declared king here.
Oliver Cromwell's esteemed admiral, Robert Blake was born here.
There's a museum commemorating his life.
Sites of interest include St Mary's Church, with its elaborate screen-work as well as Castle Street and its handsome Georgian architecture.
Bruton Situated in the valley of the River Brue, Bruton features a narrow packhorse bridge, known locally as Bruton Bow.
The remains of a 12th century priory, a three storey dovecot, can be found on a hill overlooking the town.
Burnham-on-Sea A small coastal resort with over 5 miles of sandy beaches, that affords a good view of Bridgwater Bay.
The local church is noted for its 80ft, 14th-century tower which leans some 3 ft from the vertical.
It also houses the 'Whitehall Altar'which was commissioned by James II and was at one time housed in Whitehall, Hampton Court and Westminster Abbey before George IV gave it to the Vicar of Burnham in 1820.
Castle Cary Featuring a charming old town with old houses, shops and a stone lock-up that dates back to the late 18th century.
Situated behind the 18th century market hall, it resembles a stone bee-hive with gratings instead of windows.
Glastonbury In addition to the well-known festival, Glastonbury is also famous for its abbey, of which sadly, only fragments remain.
It was the last of a series built on the same site: the first was founded in AD 688.
Glastonbury is also associated with Arthurian legend and is thought by some to be Avalon, the place were King Arthur was taken following his death.
The Holy Grail is also said to have been brought from Jerusalem by Joseph of Arimathea and placed below Chalice Spring on Glastonbury Tor.
The George and Pilgrims Inn is one of the oldest English inns with other notable buildings including StJohn's Church and St Man's Almshouses.
Meare This is the site of one of the lake villages built during the Iron Age.
The town was at one time owned by the Abbots of Glastonbury, who stayed at Meare Manor House during the summer.
The house dates from the 14th century, as does the Fish House, located on the fringes of the village.
Sedgemoor A region of low-lying marshlands that stretch from the Mendips to Taunton and Ilminster, To the North of Westonzoyland village, visitors will find the site of the Battle of Sedgemoor, the last major battle to be fought in England.
Somerton Set on the River Cary; this attractive town features a pleasing array of historical buildings including 16th-century houses on the north side of the market-place and an 18th century town hall.
To the west are the Hext Almhouses which date from 1626.
Street This is town is located on the slopes of the Polden Hills, where the Romans mined stone.
There are good walks to be had over the nearby hills, with some great views of the Mendip and Quantock Hills and to the Bristol Channel in the distance.
On Windmill Hill to the south-east stands a monument commemorating Admiral Lord Hood, who served valiantly against the French.
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