Local Attractions and What to do and see in Watchet

Fossils

There are two key locations for fossil hunting near Watchet. Hellwell Bay, just east of Watchet Marina, beyond Splash Point and West Street Beach just west of the town.

Here can often be found Ammonites, Bi Valves and "Devils Toe Nails" along with rock samples of quartz and alabaster. Please read the guide on collecting fossils as the area is a SSSI. Further Fossils may be found at the village of Kilve some 6 miles to the east of Watchet.

Displays of local finds can be seen at the Geological Wall on the Platform of Watchet Train Station and in the Market House Museum.

Beach combing is also popular - but - be careful as the tidal range at Watchet is second only to Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia and the tides change extremely fast! As a consequence, the beach is continually refreshed.

A guide to the local fossils and most importantly the law regarding collecting fossils can be downloaded from HERE (5 mb)

Further reading of interest can be found at:-
Discovering Fossils  or  UK Fossils

Coleridge Way

In the Footsteps of the Romantic Poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, walk 36 miles through the stunning Somerset countryside of the Quantock Hills, Brendon Hills and Exmoor - a landscape that inspired Coleridge to produce some of his best known work.

From Nether Stowey on the Quantock Hills (where Coleridge lived) you can walk through a variety of landscapes: heathland, moorland, deciduous & coniferous woodland, farmland, deeply wooded valleys and historic villages with expansive views over to the North Somerset Coast and Wales.

The Coleridge Way can be completed over three or four consecutive days, making it ideal for a short break. Read More
or Download a leaflet HERE

Local Museums

Watchet has two small but fascinating museums. The Market House Museum leads you through the fascinating history of this small trading port and is open most days with free admission. To download a guide please Click Here

Watchet Boat museum holds a collection of old Flatner boats. These flat bottomed boats had no keel and were used for a wide variety of purposes around the Bristol Channel. The museum is open most days throughout the summer with free admission.

West Somerset Railway

The West Somerset Railway is 20 miles of preserved steam railway. Miles of beautiful countryside are passed by the line which stretches from Bishops Lydeard,through Watchet, to the coastal town of Minehead.

The railway was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, but he died before he saw the project completed.

Watchet Station is in the town centre and has its own charm, having recently been fully restored. For more information please Click Here

The railway attracts over 200,000 visitors a year and is a highly recommended part of any trip to Watchet. You'll be charmed by the relaxed pace of the trains through beautiful surroundings.

Exmoor National Park

The Park is 267 square miles of rural bliss. Ancient oak woodlands in deep valleys. Sweeping moorland with stunning views. Exmoor has incredible rugged coastline including the highest sea cliffs in England.

Exmoor National Park contains a host of activities for all tastes and interests and has vibrant cultural event-packed calendar.

The Park was formed in 1954 and is run by the Exmoor National Park Authority, whose aim is to "to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Park and to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the Park by the public."

For further reading, please Click Here