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For me, the highlight of any visit to the Levels is always a trip to internationally renowned potter John Leach's Muchelney Pottery and shop.
To
watch him hand-throwing pots is a real privilege. And, if you are very lucky, you might catch a kiln "harvest", where the burnished, warm-toned pottery is retrieved from the ashes of the tall, wood-fired kilns, to the accompaniment of much celebration.
People come from far and wide for the chance to choose pots to add to their collection, and to take a stroll round John's own award-winning, clay-lined wildlife pond, which he describes as "the most important thing I've ever made out of clay".
One of the major features of the Somerset Levels, of course, is given away in its name - the area is very level. And this is marvellous for slightly active people as it's perfect easy walking country.
From source to mouth of the River Parrett you can follow a gentle trail through the unspoilt lowland landscape, admiring artworks such as sculptures, benches and carvings, by local craftspeople, along the way. Or, for those who prefer to travel on two wheels, there is an off-road cycle route from Muchelney to the River Parrett Visitor Centre at
Langport.
There really is something special about the Somerset Levels. It's an undisturbed, peaceful place, where you can forget about the stresses of the 21st century and rediscover a gentler pace of life.
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Muchelney Ham Farm B&B Tel. 01458 250737 www.muchelneyhamfarm.co.uk from
£30 per person per night
Muchelney Abbey, English Heritage Tel. 01458 250664 www.english-heritage.org.uk , open 1st April to 31 October
Priest's House, National Trust Tel. 01458 252621, open Sundays and Mondays,
2nd April to 25th September
The Almonry Tel. 01458 250003
Margery Fish Garden at East Lambrook Manor Tel. 01460 240328
www.margeryfish.com , garden and nursery open all year
Muchelney Pottery Tel. 01458 250324, open all year
Langport and River Parrett Visitor Centre Tel. 01935 462684
www.riverparrett-trail.org.uk
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