For a small harbour town Watchet really does punch above its weight when you’re looking for things to do. It’s packed with history, culture and interesting shops. Here are my top 5 ‘must do’s’ when visiting Watchet.
1. Fossil hunting on Watchet’s Beaches
Helwell Bay is one of the best spots in the country for fossil hunting, it’s only a 10 minute walk from the town centre along the cliffs. Take the path onto the cliff behind East Quay gallery. Follow this path and it will lead you to the steps down to Helwell Bay.
You can actually see large fossils in the rocks as walk across the beach. Search around the freshly broken shale slabs. This area is known for its ammonites and Bivalves, they’re both quite common on this beach.
There are also lots of rock pools on this beach to explore as well.
It should be noted that Helwell Bay is a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) don’t use hammers, chisels, or power tools on the rock face or cliffs. Only collect loose specimens from fallen rocks and stay a safe distance away from the unstable cliffs.
We love visits to Helwell bay, a lovely walk, plenty to occupy all and it’s free!
https://www.lovewatchet.co.uk/fossil-hunting
2. Explore Watchet Harbour, the old town and independent Swain Street shops
There are lots of nooks and crannies in Watchet to be explored, you’ll often be rewarded with discoveries of sculpture or wall art. A wander around the harbour, marina and old streets is an essential Watchet experience. On the harbour you’ll see the Ancient Mariner and Yankee Jack statues, watch the boats and finish with an ice cream, coffee or something to eat overlooking the harbour. Watchet’s harbour is one of the town’s defining attractions and is the centre for all Watchet’s events and markets. During your wander it’s worth a leisurely mooch in the independent shops along Swain Street, I never manage to go home empty handed!
https://www.lovewatchet.co.uk/what-s-here
3. Take a steam train from Watchet Station
The West Somerset Railway runs through Watchet, with the restored station right in the centre of town. The preserved railway is around 20 miles long. A steam-train journey through the countryside towards Minehead or Bishops Lydeard is a lovely nostalgic experience. It also gives you the chance to discover Minehead and its sandy beach.
https://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
4. Visit East Quay
East Quay sets Watchet apart from other Somerset Seaside towns. A gallery, community space and art centre is a must see when in Watchet. There are always interesting exhibitions and the staff are really genreous with their time and keen to explain the stories behind the art. The whole ethos of East Quay is about inclusion, warmly welcoming locals and visitors through its doors. Overlooking the harbour you can wander around the building inside and out, there are wonderful views of the sea and harbour. Lots of events and activities which all are welcome to dip in to. Two Rivers Paper is also based in East Quay, you can see them making the handmade paper.
The café serves fabulous food, we can highly recommend.
This is definitely a ‘must do’ highlight of Watchet and it’s free!
https://www.eastquaywatchet.co.uk
5. A museum crawl!
An alternative to a Watchet pub crawl (of which there are many!), a museum crawl. A lot happens in Watchet, it’s a busy little town and always has been. History oozes from the place, this is celebrated with three special little museums, all worth a visit.
Market House Museum
Here you can discover Watchet’s history and also all about its fossil finds.
Boat Museum
Celebrating Watchet’s maritime history, a lovely little museum and conveniently situated next to the towns visitors centre, always worth popping into to get the low down on what going on.
https://www.lovewatchet.co.uk/boat-museum-ff
Radio Museum
Inspired by the 1930’s transmitting station in Washford this museum is all things radio and well worth a peek.
All these museums are free, although I’m sure they wouldn’t turn down a donation!