Attractions and Places To See around Meare - Top 20

Meare is situated within the expansive Somerset Levels and Avalon Marshes, offering a rich natural landscape. You can explore the area that was once the historic Meare Pool and walk along the River Brue. Nearby, you'll find dramatic natural monuments like Ebbor Gorge, known for its varied circular route with rocky climbs and primeval forest sections, and the iconic Cheddar Gorge Climb, which offers stunning surroundings.

Meare boasts a rich history, including the Iron Age settlement of Meare Lake Village, a Scheduled Ancient Monument. You can also see historical buildings like Meare Manor, the Fish House, and the Church, which have links to Glastonbury Abbey. Nearby, you can visit the prominent Glastonbury Tor with its 15th-century church ruins, and the intricate Gothic architecture of Wells Cathedral. Glastonbury Abbey is also a significant historical site within easy reach.

Yes, the region around Meare offers various hiking opportunities. You can explore trails through natural features like Ebbor Gorge and Cheddar Gorge Climb. Climbing Glastonbury Tor also provides rewarding views. For more structured routes, you can find numerous options in the Running Trails around Meare guide, which includes routes like the Ham Wall Nature Reserve loop.

Absolutely. Meare is part of the Reserves and Lake Villages cycle route, providing excellent opportunities to explore the natural and historical sites by bike. For specific routes, you can check out the MTB Trails around Meare guide and the Gravel biking around Meare guide. These include routes like the Willow Walk – Ham Wall Nature Reserve loop and the Cheddar Gorge – Priddy Sheep Hurdle Stack loop.

Families visiting Meare have several options. Wells Cathedral is noted as a family-friendly attraction. The nearby Cheddar Gorge and Wookey Hole Caves offer exciting explorations. Additionally, the Somerset Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury provides an engaging look into local history and culture.

For breathtaking panoramic views, climbing Glastonbury Tor is highly recommended, offering extensive vistas of the Somerset Levels, Dorset, Wiltshire, and Wales. The Cheddar Gorge Climb also provides stunning surroundings and viewpoints. Even within Ebbor Gorge, there are sections that open up to scenic views.

Meare Lake Village is an important Iron Age settlement, dating between 300 BC and 100 AD. It consists of two villages built on artificial foundations within the now-drained Meare Pool. Archaeological excavations have revealed evidence of daily life, including hearths and glass bead production, showcasing a unique British design. It's considered similar in significance to the nearby Glastonbury Lake Village. You can learn more about its history on Wikipedia.

Yes, Glastonbury Tor is a prominent landmark easily accessible from Meare. It's a conical hill topped with the ruins of the 15th-century St Michael's Church. Climbing the Tor rewards you with amazing views of the Somerset Levels and beyond. It's especially beautiful near sunrise or sunset, though it can be quite windy at the top, so comfortable footwear is recommended.

Beyond the ruins on Glastonbury Tor, the area is rich in religious and architectural heritage. Wells Cathedral is an outstanding example of Gothic architecture, built from honey-coloured stone between 1176 and 1450. Glastonbury Abbey, set within 36 acres of peaceful parkland, is another significant historical and religious site nearby.

The Somerset Levels and Avalon Marshes, including Meare, are vibrant year-round. For wildlife viewing, spring and autumn are particularly good. Summer offers pleasant weather for hiking and cycling, though popular spots like Cheddar Gorge Climb can be busy on weekends. Winter flooding can recreate the impression of the historic Meare Pool, offering a unique perspective on the landscape.

Meare village offers some local amenities. Meare Manor, a historical building rebuilt in 1802 and renovated in 2001, now operates as a four-star guest house. For more details on Meare Manor, you can visit Visit Somerset. There are also local pubs and cafes in the village and surrounding areas to cater to visitors.

Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty and the sense of history. The challenging yet rewarding experience of the Cheddar Gorge Climb and the amazing views from Glastonbury Tor are often highlighted. The varied and engaging routes through places like Ebbor Gorge, with its rocky climbs and primeval forest sections, are also very popular.