Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Login or Signup

Routes
Places to see
United Kingdom
England
South West England
Somerset
South Somerset

Aller

Attractions and Places To See around Aller - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Aller include a variety of natural reserves, trails, and local facilities. This region, likely referring to Aller in Somerset, UK, features extensive wetlands and marshes, offering opportunities for cycling and nature observation. The area is characterized by its flat, low-lying landscape, crisscrossed by rivers and drainage systems. Visitors can explore a network of trails that connect historical sites with natural beauty.

Best attractions and places to see around Aller

  • The most popular attractions is Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve Trail, a trail that offers a fantastic gravel path across the Avalon marshes. It is part of National Cycle Route 3 and is known for its diverse wildlife and birdwatching opportunities.
  • Another must-see spot is Sweets Tea Rooms, a cafe and restaurant. This popular cafe on the levels is known as a cycling mecca, offering refreshments and a welcoming stop for cyclists.
  • Visitors also love Former Railway Bridge, Glastonbury to Burnham Line, a trail that provides a traffic-avoiding shortcut between Glastonbury and Avalon Marshes. It is a shared path with walkers and includes picnic tables.
  • Aller is known for its nature reserves, cycling trails, and local cafes. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, catering to outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking tranquil natural settings.
  • The attractions around Aller are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 60 upvotes and over 40 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: May 9, 2026

Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

A fantastic gravel trail across the Avalon marshes. Quiet in the morning but can get busy with walkers on a sunny afternoon. It’s part of national cycle route 3 so cyclists are more than entitled to use it, but bear in mind that it is a shared path and most people come here to enjoy the nature in peace. There are lots of bird watchers and if you come just before dusk you’ll see some amazing starling murmurations. Good surface of fine, hard packed gravel with a few non-threatening potholes.

Tip by

See rides here

Send to Phone

Save

Sweets Tea Rooms

Highlight • Rest Area

Not open Monday or Tuesday. Coffee refills £1

Tip by

Save

Sign up now to discover places like this

Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.

Sign up for free

Bridgwater and Taunton Canal

Highlight • River

Great track with the planets laid out for added interest and the odd kingfisher if you are keeping a watch out!

Tip by

Save

Nice traffic avoiding trail that short cuts through between Glastonbury and Avalon Marshes. Part of cycle route 3 but a shared path with walkers so keep eyes open. There’s a lovely memorial garden to a teenage girl at one end that always breaks my heart. There are picnic tables and bike stands there so a nice place to stop, but I always feel so sad for the family.

Tip by

Save

Pumping stations are dotted around the Somerset Levels to help manage its rather determined proclivity to flood. As the Levels are only marginally above sea level, it doesn’t take much to turn the area into a giant pond and water management practices have been in use since the Roman times.

This pumping station sits right next to the River Parrett Trail and River Isle is a fine sliver of land in the Southmoor Main Drain which you must walk over to cross the water.

Tip by

Save

Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Aller.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

Start today with a free account

Your next adventure awaits.

Login or Signup

Popular around Aller

Road Cycling Routes around Aller

Cycling around Aller

Hiking around Aller

Running Trails around Aller

MTB Trails around Aller

Tips from the Community

Mark
August 11, 2025, Bridgwater and Taunton Canal

Cakes in honesty box at Charlton

0

0

Southmoor Pumping Station is a historic pumping station located in Somerset, England, primarily designed for land drainage. It is part of the complex network of pumping stations and drainage systems that manage water levels in the Somerset Levels, an area prone to flooding due to its low-lying position.

0

0

Closed due to pumping, bridge fenced off

2

0

Maunsel lock cafe is the only place to get a coffee on the canal

0

1

Nice cafe at maunsel lock

1

0

Good choices, wonderfully clean toilets. Nice map on the toilet wall showing what will happen to the area if/when the ice caps all melt! Gulp.

1

0

Doghouse
April 28, 2021, Sweets Tea Rooms

Run by Vicky & Rob Sweet - local riders know the spot and Saturday mornings see many club groups arrive. Tor 2000 run a 'Youth Ride' from Sweets at 10am on Saturdays.

1

0

A fab little wayside stand with honesty box. Nice selection of cakes on a sunny Saturday, most welcome!

1

0

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of natural attractions can I explore around Aller?

The Aller region, particularly in Somerset, is rich in wetlands and marshes. You can explore areas like Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve Trail and the broader Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve, which are significant wetlands known for diverse wildlife, including the great white egret, and offer excellent birdwatching opportunities.

Are there any good cycling routes or trails near Aller?

Yes, the area is very popular for cycling. The Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve Trail is part of National Cycle Route 3, offering a fantastic gravel path across the Avalon marshes. Another useful route is the Former Railway Bridge, Glastonbury to Burnham Line, which provides a traffic-avoiding shortcut between Glastonbury and the Avalon Marshes. For more cycling options, you can find various routes in the Cycling around Aller guide.

What historical or man-made points of interest are there?

Beyond its natural beauty, you can discover sites like the River Isle and Southmoor Pumping Station. This historic pumping station is part of the complex network managing water levels in the Somerset Levels, showcasing the region's long history of water management.

Are there family-friendly activities or attractions in Aller?

Absolutely. Many attractions are suitable for families. The Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve Trail and the Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve are great for nature walks and birdwatching. The Former Railway Bridge, Glastonbury to Burnham Line is a shared path with picnic tables, perfect for a family outing. Additionally, Sweets Tea Rooms is a family-friendly cafe.

Where can I find a good cafe or refreshment stop in the area?

A popular spot for refreshments is Sweets Tea Rooms. Known as a 'cycling mecca', it's a great cafe on the levels that is very accommodating to cyclists and offers coffee refills. Please note it is typically closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in the nature reserves?

The nature reserves around Aller, particularly Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve, are home to a diverse array of important wildlife species. This includes the great white egret, a rare bird that has made a comeback thanks to conservation efforts. You can also witness amazing starling murmurations, especially just before dusk.

Are there hiking trails available near Aller?

Yes, there are several hiking opportunities. The Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve Trail is a shared path popular with walkers. For more dedicated hiking routes, you can explore options in the Hiking around Aller guide, which includes trails like the 'Burrow Bridge and Toll Gate – Burrow Mump loop'.

What is the terrain like for outdoor activities around Aller?

The Aller region in Somerset is characterized by its flat, low-lying landscape, crisscrossed by rivers and drainage systems. Trails like the Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve Trail feature a good surface of fine, hard-packed gravel, making them generally easy to navigate, though they can get busy with walkers.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Aller?

Visitors particularly appreciate the tranquil natural settings, the diverse wildlife, and the well-maintained trails suitable for both cycling and walking. The sense of peace and the opportunities for birdwatching, especially the starling murmurations, are frequently highlighted. The welcoming atmosphere of local spots like Sweets Tea Rooms is also a favorite among the community.

Are there any specific considerations for cyclists on the trails?

Cyclists will find many trails, including the Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve Trail and the Former Railway Bridge, Glastonbury to Burnham Line, are part of National Cycle Route 3. However, these are shared paths with walkers, so it's important to be mindful of others. Some sections, like those in Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve, may have A-frame barriers that could restrict larger bikes or trailers.

Can I find viewpoints to enjoy the landscape?

Yes, the Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve Trail and the broader Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve offer various viewpoints across the Avalon marshes and wetlands, allowing you to take in the serene, low-lying landscape and observe the natural beauty of the area.

Most popular routes around Aller

Road Cycling Routes around Aller

Most popular attractions around Aller

Lakes

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating

Explore more

Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:

BrewhamCharlton MackrellMistertonNorth PerrottIlchesterChilton CanteloClosworthSouth PethertonYeovilMudfordYeovil WithoutLimingtonStoke Sub HamdonMontacuteTintinhullCrewkerneCharlton MusgroveEast CokerBrutonBarwickHardington MandevilleHaselbury PlucknettSomertonPen SelwoodHinton St GeorgeBrymptonDraytonShepton BeauchampMerriottSeavington St MaryChilthorne DomerEast ChinnockWest CokerNorton Sub HamdonBarringtonWest and Middle ChinnockOdcombeChiselboroughKingsbury EpiscopiYeovilton and DistrictLong LoadAshMuchelneyMartockLong SuttonBratton SeymourHorsingtonHigh HamNorth CheritonKingsdonWest CrewkerneDinningtonSeavington St MichaelLopenKingstoneChillingtonStocklinchHambridge & WestportLovingtonWhitelackingtonStoke TristerPuckingtonKeinton MandevilleCucklingtonWincantonPitcombeShepton MontagueMapertonHoltonKingwestonCompton DundonPitneyWayfordIltonIsle AbbottsAnsfordTatworth and FortonCurry MalletWinshamIsle BrewersYarlingtonHenstridgeCricket St ThomasChaffcombeFiveheadBroadwayAshillBeercrocombeHuish EpiscopiDonyattIlminsterWest CamelCombe St NicholasWambrookBuckland St MaryWhitestauntonHortonChard TownBarton St DavidKnowle St GilesCurry RivelDowlish WakeCompton PauncefootCudworthQueen CamelCastle CaryRimptonMarston MagnaSparkfordSouth Cadbury and Sutton MontisCharlton HorethorneMilborne PortLangportNorth CadburyNorth BarrowSouth BarrowAbbas And TemplecombeAlfordCorton DenhamBabcary

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do around Othery

background

Get ready to conquer new peaks

Sign up for Free

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy