Tumbling Weir, Circular weir in Ottery St. Mary, England
Tumbling Weir is a circular structure in Ottery St. Mary that takes water from a leat and directs it downward through concentric rings. The water flows through multiple levels before disappearing into a tunnel beneath a footpath on its way to the River Otter.
It was built to channel water from a medieval leat into the River Otter, supporting local mills and agricultural work. Over the centuries, its core purpose remained unchanged even as the surrounding area evolved.
A converted 17th-century thatched house near the weir now operates as the Tumbling Weir Hotel, preserving local architectural traditions.
You can reach it by walking on designated paths from the town center of Ottery St. Mary, with good spots to view the spiraling water movement. The location is accessible on foot and offers clear vantage points for watching how the water descends.
The water creates a visible spiral pattern as it descends through the concentric rings, especially noticeable when water flow is good. This visual effect results from the clever design that directs the water's movement downward in a controlled way.
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