Watchet is an historic small port on the North coast of Somerset.  Watchet is nestled between the wild uplands of Exmoor to the West and the more gentle rises of the Quantock Hills to the East.  Watchet is a thriving town, with many independent shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as museums, galleries and a stunning new marina.  Watchet has a station on the West Somerset Railway, linking Watchet with Bishops Lydeard and Minehead. 

History of Watchet

Watchet has a long and interesting history, from its connection to the Knights Templar in the 12 Century, to Watchet’s links with the pirates of Lundy Island and as a smuggling port in the 17th Century.   There are two museums in Watchet: The  Market House Museum which houses a 12th Century Chapel and Watchet town jail; and the Watchet Boat Museum which traces Watchet’s maritime history and its association with “flatners” a special keel-less boat used to navigate the shallow waters around Watchet.  There are the remains of an Iron Age fort at Daws Castle above Watchet.  Watchet is also shaped by its more recent history.  Watchet has a station on the West Somerset Railway and the remains of West Somerset Mining railway that linked Watchet to Washford are still visible and now makes a lovely walk. Watchet’s harbour has been rebuilt several times after sea damage and is now only used for pleasure craft.  A new Marina was opened in Watchet in 2001. 

Travelling to Watchet

Travelling to Watchet is easy.  If travelling to Watchet by car, Watchet is less than 20 miles from and the M5 at either Taunton or Bridgwater.  The nearest railway stations to Watchet are also at Bridgwater or Taunton, but Watchet is also connected to the West Somerset Railway from Bishops Lydeard and has its own station.  Watchet is less than 50 miles from Exeter and Bristol airports if you choose to fly to Watchet.