Many Somerset towns and villages have connections with King Alfred and Wedmore’s is that it was left to his son Edward The Elder.
Among Wedmore’s other claims to fame is its creation of the Turnip Prize for bad art which is awarded on the same day as the better known competition, the Turner Prize. A number of festivals and celebrations are held in the village which also stages large scale classic opera in a marquee and amateur dramatic productions in the village hall.
In the middle of the moors and the heart of some of the country’s best diary pasture, the village or Isle of Wedmore is slightly raised; having been built on land that was not scoured away by the rivers when the sea water receded. The elevation gives dramatic views of the distinctively lush landscape backed by the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Around Wedmore
An excursion onto the moor reveals the typical criss-crossing of waterways known as rhines packed with exotic plants which have equally exotic local names. They in turn support a wealth of wildlife and Wedmore makes a wonderful base for exploring the reserves of the Avalon Marshes.
Staying in the village there is plenty of interest with an imposing church, claims to Saxon treasure trove, a coaching Inn and scores of independent businesses and shops.