About Watchet

Watchet is an ancient harbour town, steeped in history, nestled between Exmoor National Park and the Quantocks in the South West of England. It is centrally located for people who want to Explore Exmoor National Park, the Quantocks or a traditional beach holiday. you'll receive a warm welcome to Watchet, home of award winning shops, places to eat and drink, museums and Watchet Marina.

Watchet's Heritage in brief

Watchet was first recorded during the dark ages. When St Decuman arrived from South Wales and acted as a physician, arbitrator and pastor to the local community. He arrived on a raft with a cow as a companion! In the Iron ages Daws fort was built above Watchet to protect the port and area. It's then natural harbour made it an early trading centre and in the 10th century coins were minted here for Ethelred II and five more saxon kings. Watchet is unqiue in that it still retains the court leet system of medeival administration alebeit in name. Posts include Portreeve and the coveted position of Ale Taster. The Star Inn, won the Somerset 2006 CAMRA award for real ale. It's unclear if the Ale Taster had a hand in this. Watchet gets its name from WACET. The blue WACET dye found in the cliffs. Watchet became an active port with a host of commodities being traded up and down the coast, to Ireland and Wales, while the Mineral Line bought iron ore down for shipment to Wales.

West Somerset Railway

The West Somerset Railway recaptures the era of the branch line country railway in the days of steam. Enjoy 20 miles of glorious Somerset scenery as the train gently rolls back the years on its journey beside the Quantock Hills and the Bristol Channel coast. Just sit back in your seat and watch the steam and countryside drift past the window...

The Railway has all the atmosphere of a Great Western Railway branch line. There are ten restored stations along the route, each having its own charm and character; many have signalboxes, engine sheds, museums, displays, steam engines and other rolling stock to see.

From Bishops Lydeard, trains run beside the Quantock Hills northwards to the coast of the Bristol Channel - locally called the "Severn Sea" - at Watchet and Blue Anchor. The end of the line is the holiday town of Minehead, with its sandy beach, thrilling fun fair, beautiful gardens and lots of shops to explore. Buses run on to Exmoor and steamers call at the harbour.

West Somerset Coast Path

The West Somerset Coast Path runs from the hamlet of Steart to the coastal resort of Minehead and passes through the Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

The Coast Path links the River Parrett Trail to the South West Coast Path National Trail, and also joins the Coleridge Way and Quantock Greenway just south of the A39 near East Quantoxhead.

At approximately 25 miles (40km) in length, the coast path boasts magnificent seaward and inland views, with occasional glimpses of industrial archaeology and a wealth of geology.

The route is described heading west from Steart to Minehead. You can join the path at a number of locations, allowing you to choose the length of your walk. In addition, there are a number of circular walks adjacent to the main route as well as access to towns and villages at Kilve, West Quantoxhead, Williton, Watchet, Blue Anchor, Dunster and Minehead. These offer a range of services and facilities such as shops, pubs, cafés, restaurants, hotels and B&Bs.

The route has been developed with the kind co-operation of a large number of landowners and farmers along the route. Without their help and support, many of the links in this path chain would not have been possible.

To make the most of your walk, dress to suit the season and wear stout shoes or boots. Please keep away from cliff edges and only go on to beaches where it is possible using public footpaths or a permissive access. Take care when crossing or using sections of road. Please keep dogs under close control near livestock at all times.

Look out for the distinctive ammonite posts and way-marker discs to help you follow the trail.