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Coast
Coastal Delights
This is one coastline that keeps you on your toes. You can be playing on a popular sandy beach, or, within a mere handful of miles, be walking along a spectacular coastal path with just the seabirds for company.
Stretching for some 40 miles from Kilve in the east to Combe Martin in the west, the West Somerset, Devon and Exmoor coastline is characterised by its dramatic sea cliffs - the highest in England - romantic coves, thick coastal forests and lofty headlands. Each town and village along the coast has something different to offer.
Lying at the northern end of the Quantocks, Kilve is a picturesque village consisting of three settlements. Here you will find the ruins of the old Chantry, founded in 1329 and once used for storing barrels of spirits smuggled into Kilve Pill. The beach is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a favourite haunt of geologists with its spectacular rock formations and fossils, including amonites and reptile remains.
The ancient little seaport of Watchet has a quirky charm and a history of Viking invasions. It's an intriguing mix of narrow streets, old maritime buildings and a swish new marina. Coleridge is said to have written his epic poem, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner after a visit to Watchet in 1797 - this is celebrated by a magnificent statue.
For traditional seaside fun and a base for some great walking, go to Minehead with its wide promenades and sandy beach. Take a stroll up the Parade to admire the vibrant floral displays. The colourful, popular seafront is filled with family attractions and amusements but the resort has a quieter area around Quay Street and the harbour, the beautiful Blenheim Gardens and the picturesque higher town on North Hill with its lime washed thatched cottages. North Hill marks the start of Exmoor National Park and the South West Coast Path starts in Minehead and runs all the way to Poole in Dorset.
Further along the coastline flattens out to reveal a unique mile-long shingle ridge and inland saltmarsh at Porlock Weir.
On the Devon side of the Exmoor coast, sheltering below the cliffs at Foreland Point, lies Lynmouth. It's almost too good to be true, a perfectly preserved period piece in miniature - a little harbour, cluster of balconied waterfront buildings and palm-fringed parkland. The unique water-powered cliff railway carries passengers up to the equally charming holiday centre of Lynton. From here it is a short walk to the Valley of Rocks - the dry valley is lined with craggy outcrops which have been eroded into fantastic shapes. Look out for wild goats and enjoy stunning sea views.
Further west, remote rock-bound bays and coves appear tantalisingly through thick cover of magnificent oakwoods- aptly named Woody Bay is extraordinarily beautiful. The cliffs finally subside past Hangman's Point at Combe Martin, a pretty seaside resort with a sheltered, sandy beach and the longest high street in the country.
