Things to see and do

Glastonbury, famous for it's Tor, Abbey, myths, quirky shops and cafes, and annual music festival is 6 miles away.  Walk to the top of the Tor for fantastic views and atmosphere where King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table may once have stood, then head into town to see the Abbey and take in the shops and refreshments.  For more information visit www.glastonburytic.co.uk

The town of Street is just 4 miles away.  It is a pleasant market town to visit and is particularly known for the Clarks Village outlet shopping.  There is plenty of parking and there are cafes as well as lots of outlet shopping with great discounts.  For more information see www.clarksvillage.co.uk.  For groceries there is a large Sainsburys in Street and other supermarkets nearby.  In the close-by village of Edington there is the iconic Gwilliams which is the local shop and post office.  You can buy pretty much anything there, from a pint of milk to a tractor.

From Wheelwrights Cottages the nearby Mendip Hills area of outstanding natural beauty appears rising up from the Somerset Levels.  Cheddar with its famous gorge and caves, Wells with its lovely city centre, cathedral and Wookey Hole, Glastonbury, Street and a number of small villages make this a wonderful area for exploring on foot, by bicycle or by car.  More information at www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk

The Avalon Marshes, a spectacular wetland landscape, lies at the heart of Somerset’s Levels and Moors. It is nationally important for its rich cultural heritage and diversity of wildlife, with Glastonbury Tor, the Isle of Avalon and some of Britain’s best wetland nature reserves. Shapwick Heath nature reserve is within walking distance or a short car or bike ride away. Hams Wall RSPB reserve is also close by, as are Shapwick Moor, Westhay Moor, the Catcott Complex, Huntspill River and many more. There is an Avalon Marshes visitor centre and cafe not far down the road from Wheelwrights Cottages.  Find out more at www.avalonmarshes.org 

The area around Shapwick, with its many nature and RSPB reserves such as Hams Wall, is a magnet for birdwatchers at all times of the year.  Wheelwrights Cottages is perfectly placed to watch the seasonal migrations and the spectacular starling murmurations.  We are pleased to be associated with ornithologist and wildlife photographer Dave Rimes who is an enthusiastic regular visitor to the area.  Dave has detailed his Top 5 birding locations close to Wheelwrights Cottages which you can access by clicking here.

Whether it is a local walk from your cottage or maybe further afield in the nearby Mendip Hills or at the coast, there is something for everybody.  There are maps and suggested walks in your cottage.  Maybe try a walk that somebody has done, or have a look at the maps and make one up.

The area around Shapwick is ideal for cycling and the National Cycle Route NCR 3 passes right through the village.  There is plenty of room for your bicycles at Wheelwrights Cottages.

Whether you are walking or cycling, wherever you go the views are stunning. There are plenty of pubs and cafes in the area to rest your legs and refresh.

Just a few miles from Shapwick is the Somerset coast.  With seven miles of golden sands stretching between the resorts of Burnham-On-Sea and Brean, this is one of the best regions of Britain for visiting the beach. It’s perfect for walking, playing beach games, flying kites, picnics and splashing about in the sea (when the tide is in!). If you like cliffs and spectacular views Brean Down is the place to visit.  From its grassy top you look down the miles of sands to Burnham, across to nearby Weston Super Mare and across the Bristol Channel, Steep Holm and Flat Holm to Wales.  If you like piers you will find one at Burnham and at Weston Super Mare.

Your Wheelwrights Cottage is a perfect place to relax and unwind.  Take it easy in Minstrels with your own gallery, wood-burning stove and private patio area.  Explore the garden and meadow and maybe take a drink down to the bottom of the meadow and enjoy the view.  To stretch your legs you can walk out of the meadow gate into the cricket field.  You can walk or cycle to one of the nearby nature reserves or maybe stroll or cycle through the lanes or paths to one of the neighbouring villages.

There are a variety of pubs and restaurants in the area.  Some are in walking distance.  Check the information folder in your cottage and local websites, or you can ask us by emailing info@wheelwrightscottages.com

From Wheelwrights Cottages you are not far from places such as the historic city of Bath with its beautiful buildings, history and cathedral, Bristol with its host of things to do including the excellent zoo, the Concord aerospace museum and the docks area including the SS Great Britain.  There are many National Trust and English Heritage properties nearby.  The maps and information in your cottage may give you some ideas.