Exmoor and West Somerset

Towns & Villages

WATCHET

With a regenerated marina packed with rowing boats and sails, Watchet has long served as a port serving both Exmoor and the Quantock Hills. It was so important in the past that the Vikings used to mount inland raids. After visiting in 1797 the Romantic poet Coleridge used it as an embarkation point for his famous ‘Ancient Mariner’. A quayside statue acts as a 21^st century reminder of his tragic tale.

West Somerset Railway - Martin Bodman CCL

Cleeve Abbey - Photo: Patrick Mackie CCL

With atmospheric cliffs and a welcoming beach, Watchet makes a splendid resort by-the-sea and has the added attractions of the nearby 12^th century Cleeve Abbey and the 13^th century parish church of St Decuman where, so legend has it, King Arthur plied his troth.