Things to do

Things to do in Watchet

MUSEUMS
Here in Watchet we can boast that we have three amazing museums.
The Watchet Market House Museum opened in 1979, occupies the ground floor of Watchet’s former Market House. Inside you can find wonderful artefacts, paintings, photographs, etc., depicting Watchet’s colourful history.
Watchet Boat Museum began by accident in 1996, when a couple of locals decided to build a boat in the former WSR goods shed! There are displays of the local flat bottomed boat, known as a Flatner, interactive marine related displays and model boats.
The Radio Museum originally founded in 1993. This private collection of some 40 years is open to the public and includes displays of broadcasting equipment and related ephemera.

Currently there are no charges for entry into these three museums. However donations are welcome!

GALLERIES
The Lynda Cotton Gallery has been in Watchet for over 35 years and specialises in original works of art, both contemporary and period.
East Quay is home to Contains Art CIC, they were founded on the belief that who you are, where you are from and what you have, should not restrict your access to the highest quality arts, culture and creative opportunities and experiences. They have two galleries in East Quay and a programme of exhibitions running throughout the year.
BEACHES

Contrary to popular belief Watchet has three beaches accessible from the town!
West Street Beach is accessed by a steep slipway on West Street. The pebbly beach is home to Watchets remaining Victorian Tidal Pool. Around the headland at low tide you can access Long Sands which as its name suggests is a Long Sandy stretch of beach.
Hellwell Bay can be accessed from Watchet by a short walk over the headlands following the Coast Path towards Bridgwater. The beach here has an interesting fossil collection from the Jurassic period.

West Somerset Railway

West Somerset Railway, Somerset, is a heritage steam railway operating between Minehead and Bishop's Lydeard, near Taunton. It is the longest independent railway in Britain, (20 miles).

East Quay

East Quay is a brand new arts and culture venue in the harbour town of Watchet, Somerset. It is home to two contemporary art galleries, 11 artist studios, a paper mill, a geology workshop, print studio, restaurant, shop and 5 unique places to stay, all on the quayside in Watchet.

Lilstock Circular

Amazing rock formations are revealed at low-tide on this walk from the charming and historic estate of Lilstock which offers glimpses of rare flora and fauna and remarkable geology

Watchet, Washford along the Old Mineral Line

The Watchet to Washford walk along the Old Mineral Line is ideal for keen walkers and families. There is loads to see and do in beautiful Watchet.

Walk Minehead to Brean

Explore some of Somerset’s superb coast with a walk along part or all of the new 58-mile route that is the latest addition to the National Coast Path.

Watchet Market House Museum

Watchet Market House Museum houses a fine collection of local artefacts, fossils and marine paintings. The town’s rich maritime history features in many of the exhibits.
With visitor numbers averaging 30,000 per season, this small Museum is a ‘not to miss’ attraction.

Watchet Boat Museum

Discover the fascinating history of the flatner the origins of which date back to before the Viking invasion. The story is celebrated through photographs, full size displays and local fishing paraphernalia.
There is a collection of scale models on the upper deck, and activities for children to enjoy.