Watchet is a small harbour town on Somerset’s north coast which benefits from natural access to the sea and a location just a few miles from the greenery of Exmoor National Park. Inland, Bridgwater and Taunton are also just an easy drive away.
About Watchet for Cottage Holidays
At just 9 miles from Minehead, Watchet could be a great choice for a family self-catering break or romantic cottage holiday.
Watchet’s maritime past and present are evident throughout the town and its harbour is now a busy modern marina. As well as being popular with boaters, the cliffs and shores around Watchet attract fossil hunters and beachcombers alike. With the second highest tidal rise and fall in the world its beaches are constantly refreshed and alive with exciting finds. Children and adults alike search rock pools to discover what the latest high tide has delivered. Stay safe though with the fast changing tide and always check movements and times.
Watchet has its fair share of attractions for self-catering holidays. Family friendly attractions include Doniford Farm Animal Centre and Park and Tropiquaria Wildlife and Theme Park. Another fun family day out on offer is a journey on a steam train. You can take a steam train trip from Watchet to nearby Blue Anchor Bay Railway Museum and discover how the West Somerset Railway made a difference to this part of Somerset. Rail enthusiasts can ride further afield through the Mendip Hills on the line that runs from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard. For a bit of adventure, fishing trips are also on offer from Watchet and are bound to be a top choice for keen anglers.
Watchet has a rich and interesting history which you may want to learn about whilst on a cottage holiday. Famous historical sons of Watchet are the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, St. Decuman, and knights involved in the murder of Thomas A Becket. Coleridge is said to have written his most famous poem ‘Rime of the Ancient Mariner’ while staying in Watchet, from where the mariner supposedly set sail. A statue to the character stands overlooking the harbour. Legend has it that St. Decuman arrived in Watchet from what is now Wales on a raft with a cow, to begin his ministry among local people.
There is a splendid church dedicated to the saint that was built by two knights looking for forgiveness for their part in the death of Thomas A Becket. Another knight’s family had a chapel erected close to the harbour for the same reason. This was rebuilt and stands today. A lot of Watchet’s past can be recalled at a number of venues.
The Market House museum and The Boat Museum give you an excellent insight into the past life of the town, the harbour and local area. Much sympathetic restoration and expansion has made Watchet the charming town it is today. The Esplanade is a pleasant walk alongside the harbour and a tour of the narrow streets will provide you with both ancient sites and high street shopping. There are also coastal paths where you can enjoy stunning views of the coast and countryside and even trace the footsteps of Samuel Taylor Coleridge. With so much to offer Watchet could be an excellent base for a West Country cottage holiday.
Whether you opt for a stay in a romantic cottage, a coastal cottage, chalet or log cabin, we hope you find the right type of self-catering accommodation to meet your needs. We feature pet-friendly as well as pet-free accommodation and hope you have the best of times in this part of the West Country.
Book a Watchet cottage and look forward to discovering some of the best of Somerset on holiday.
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