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"Lovely cottage with all the home comforts. Ideal base if you want to relax in the countryside"
The Peters Family
Godney Village
Godney is approached in all directions by narrow lanes or droves, flanked on either side by pollarded willows and drainage rhynes often frequented by herons. Turning off the main roads from Glastonbury or Wells there is an instant sense of escaping from the hurly burly, while the absence of street lights at night allows stargazers a clear view of the starlit sky (weather permitting) often serenaded by the hooting of owls.
Spend time in Godney to appreciate that it is a very special place. The ancient name Godeneia means "God's Island" – once a small clay island amidst the flooded Somerset Levels. Legend suggests that the village was directly linked with the visit of Joseph of Arimathea and may even have been the site of a holy burial chamber, while many ley lines pass through it.
Godney was the site of the Glastonbury Lake Village, an iron age settlement occupied from 300BC until abandoned by the Romans, possibly due to rising water levels. The village was home to around 100 people in houses made of hazel and willow which were covered with reeds. Artefacts from the village were discovered at the end of the 19th century and are now on display at the Tribunal in Glastonbury High Street.
Modern-day Lower Godney, alongside the river Sheppey, is a more recent settlement, which grew after the draining of the Levels. One of the smallest Mendip parishes, Godney now has around 200 residents and a strong community spirit with regular events ranging from mouse racing to an annual Wurzels concert! Primarily a farming community, expect to see farm vehicles on the lanes - many guests find this view of every day working country life an interesting feature of their stay. Visit Godney's website or explore Godney on Google Maps.
Eating and Drinking
This area of Somerset offers visitors a rich and varied gastro-experience. There are numerous good quality pubs, restaurants, cafes, tea rooms and farm shops in Glastonbury, Wells and the surrounding villages and we will be happy to pass on some local recommendations.
We also recommend...
...home-cooked Sunday lunch and teas at nearby Sharpham Tea Garden.
Take the next step to a real village - book now.