The Avalon Marshes lies at the heart of the Somerset Levels and Moors. It is home to many wild places – on the doorstep of Glastonbury, Street and Wells – and a not far from Cheddar Gorge and the Somerset Coast. There is lots to see with nature reserves full of wildlife, museums and craft galleries to visit, heritage and landscape to explore and the iconic Glastonbury Tor to climb.
Places to Visit Things to doWe are close to the M5/A303; follow the brown tourist signs from the A39. The nearest rail stations are Highbridge and Bridgwater; Castle Cary and Taunton are not too far away. National Cycle Routes 3, 26 and 33 all link with the marshes.
We have a Maps, Books and Guides page where you can download maps and find other useful information.
At the centre of the Avalon Marshes’ nature reserves, and only a short way from Glastonbury, is the Avalon Marshes Centre. The centre has a craft shop, cafe, toilets, information, car park and replica Roman and Saxon buildings. It is linked to Glastonbury by a mainly traffic free cycleway which runs through two of the principal nature reserves. To find out more go to our Avalon Marshes Centre page. Local places such as Glastonbury and Wells all have helpful Tourist Information Centres.
The marshes have four National Nature Reserves, several other nature reserves, and almost all of the landscape is protected in one way or another. It is a haven for Wonderful Wildlife and a special landscape. Most of the reserves have good tracks, trails and hides, but please note that dogs are not allowed on some parts of the reserves. Go to our at our Nature Reserve pages and Landscape pages to find out more.
Looking for somewhere to take the kids, seeking out peace and quiet, want to see some of the area’s heritage, or you want something to do on a wet day? Take a look at our Places to Visit page.
Here are some suggestions of things to do and ways to explore the Avalon Marshes:-
