The Croft Retreat

About the location

CURRY RIVEL

Taunton 11 miles; Glastonbury 17 miles.

Curry Rivel is a charming village situated on a ridge overlooking the magical Somerset Levels to the north, and with marvellous views towards the Blackdown Hills to the south. The village is in an unrivalled area of unspoiled countryside renowned for its birdwatching and willow crafts, such as basket making. Curry Rivel has a picturesque village green surrounded by some thatched houses facing the parish church, dating from the 13th century. A licensed restaurant, a delightful café, a small range of shops and a petrol station can also be found in the village. There are nature reserves and bird sanctuaries just down the road and walks can begin at Curry Rivel using marked footpaths. Cycling is fantastic in this area, and if you are a novice you can choose the Somerset Levels for rides in flat, yet beautiful countryside. Somerset offers many outdoor pursuits; there are golf courses at Long Sutton and Taunton, pony trekking centres on Exmoor, and fishing on the River Parrett and at some local lakes. The RSPB West Sedgemoor has the largest lowland population of wading birds in England, such as lapwings, snipe, curlew and redshanks, and the nearby Swell Woods provide delightful walks and forms part of the RSPB reserve. Within driving distance there are some fabulous historic houses and gardens including the NT properties Montecute House and Barrington Court, and the town of Somerton, which offers an ancient market cross, the Somerset county cricket ground and the Museum of Somerset is worth a visit. Further afield there are plenty of other attractions, such as the Cheddar Gorge, Wookey Hole, Hestercombe Gardens, the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Yeovilton, Haynes Motor Museum and the West Somerset steam railway.