Meare

Settlement in Somerset Mendip

England

Meare

Meare is a small village located in the county of Somerset, England. Situated approximately 6 miles west of Glastonbury, this rural settlement is nestled in the heart of the Somerset Levels, a vast area of flat, marshy land known for its rich wildlife and historical significance.

The village itself dates back to the Saxon era and is steeped in history. It is home to the intriguing Meare Lake Village, an ancient settlement from the Iron Age, which was discovered in the late 19th century. The site includes the remnants of several roundhouses, wooden walkways, and a causeway that connected the village to the mainland.

In addition to its historical significance, Meare is blessed with natural beauty. The surrounding countryside offers breathtaking views of the Somerset Levels and provides ample opportunities for walking, cycling, and birdwatching. The nearby Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, offers a haven for rare species of birds, insects, and plants.

Meare is also known for its charming thatched cottages and traditional village pub, which exude a sense of quintessential English countryside living. While its size is modest, Meare has a strong sense of community and is a popular destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Overall, Meare is a picturesque and historically significant village, offering visitors a glimpse into the past and a chance to appreciate the natural wonders of the Somerset Levels.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Meare Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.17145/-2.78125 or Grid Reference ST4541. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Telephone Exchange, Meare

Situated in St Mary's Road, this TE dates from the GPO era with a red telephone box in front of it. It used to take the name "Meare Heath" after the area South of the B3151 road between Meare and Westhay. Two microwave dishes can be seen on the pole adjacent to the TE, which serves the two aforementioned villages. The TE has (01458) 860xxx numbers and its postcode is BA6 9SP.

David Hillas

Rice Farm

The farm stand on the south side of the River Brue just to the west of Glastonbury.

Nigel Mykura

Meare School

Built of local Blue Lias stone and standing on the main road through the village, the school was built by subscription in 1813.

Nigel Mykura

Bird in Hand Westhay

An unmodernised pub at the north end of the village close to Westhay bridge over the River Brue.

Nigel Mykura

Cottages at Meare

These cottages are on the main road through the villages next to the church. Some of the gravestones in the churchyard can be seen on the right.

Nigel Mykura

Bell and Clock

This bell and clock tower are above the front door of Meare village school.

Nigel Mykura

Abbot's Fish House, Meare

Chris Andrews

Heath Rhyne, Meare Heath

Ken Grainger

Heath Rhyne, Meare Heath

Ken Grainger

Meare Heath Hide

Ken Grainger

View from Meare Heath Hide

Ken Grainger

A fertile field, some trees and a wind pump

Rob Purvis

The church of St Mary at Meare

Peter Wood

Westhay Bridge in summer

The present bridge was built in the 1960's, and carries the B3151 Glastonbury-Wedmore road. Compare a winter flood sceneST4342 : River Brue in flood at Westhay Bridge (taken from the bridge looking West). The photographer's position for this summer photo would be under water in the winter scene. The reclaimed nature of the landscape means there is no other bridge over the river for about 8km going westward (on the Burtle-Mark road) or 6km going East (minor road to Godney), so it is a vital communications link. ST4342 : The River Brue, Westhay shows the view from the bridge looking East in a non-flood season.

Edwin Graham

Winter Floods at Westhay Bridge

Looking East - the Brue has overtopped and flooded the surrounding pasture fields - a fairly regular winter occurrence after heavy rain. In the distance is Glastonbury Tor. Compare the summer scene at ST4342 : River Brue or ST4342 : The River Brue, Westhay.

Edwin Graham

Farm building on Godney Moor

The modern farm building enables feed and machinery to be kept out on this isolated moor, and offers shelter for cattle as well. Cattle graze the pasture in summer: in winter, flooding is a regular occurrence. Glastonbury Tor is in the background.

Edwin Graham

Maize almost ready for harvesting on Godney Moor

While much of this remote moor is pasture, there are fields of maize grown for cattle fodder. The combine harvester will cut the complete plants, chop them, and the resulting fodder will be silaged (in a pit, silo or in round bales) and stored until needed in winter. Glastonbury Tor is in the background

Edwin Graham

Pylon in maize field on Godney Moor

A line of pylons stretches dead straight across Westhay and Godney Moor, linking Hinckley Point nuclear power station into the National Grid. They form a striking contrast with the lowland pastures and crops that make up the landscape.

Edwin Graham

Show me another place!

Meare is located at Grid Ref: ST4541 (Lat: 51.17145, Lng: -2.78125)

Administrative County: Somerset

District: Mendip

Police Authority: Avon and Somerset