Looking for the perfect present? Unique food and drink and a tasty, treat filled day out on the Somerset and Exmoor Coast? We have curated some of the best local delicacies, many award winning, to make it easy for you. For more ideas contact our local experts https://www.visitsomerset.co.uk/discover-somerset/plan-your-visit/visitor-information/visitor-information-centres and https://www.visit-exmoor.co.uk/key-information/visitor-information-centres.
- Imagine your perfect cake and let award winning cake designer create it for you or your loved ones
If you have a sweet tooth and are partial to a cupcake or two a trip to DusiCake in Burnham on Sea is not to be missed. There’s a huge variety of flavours including delicious gluten free options, why not buy one, or a box, as a beautifully packaged present, or order a bespoke celebration cake. Their life size “Podrick Gump” was winner of best in show at the world’s greatest cake show! Grab a coffee and cake and head to the dog friendly sandy beach to work it off. Starting at the 13th century church in Berrow enjoy an easy two mile circular walk with fantastic coastal views that will take you past the wreck of the Nornen (tide permitting).
- Buy bread and pork direct from Gothelney Farm where the grain is grown and milled, learn a new skill at a field to loaf sourdough workshop or subscribe to Bread Club
Join a workshop and find out how to mix, shape and bake sourdough breads using flour that has been freshly milled, from grains grown on Gothelney Farm. Then walk the fields with Fred the farmer, see the slow-reared outdoor pig herd grazing and hear about the farms journey towards agroecology. Sign up to a regular Bread Club subscription or buy this beautiful bread and other goodies from Rosy at the bakery on the farm from 10am until 2pm every Saturday morning (times subject to seasonal change). Collect your picnic of sweet and savoury treats and fresh coffee then head to Stolford for a fascinating two mile Hidden History Storywalk. Find the stumps on the beach of the ancient Stolford forest, where the last mud horse rider rode out, and what the Somerset words ‘giltin-cup’ and ‘shramed’ refer to.
- Treat yourself or a friend to a personalised tasting experience or a Silver Medal winning bottle of Oatley Fizz delivered to the door
Visit Oatley Vineyard, near Cannington – a small, family run, eco-friendly vineyard, making international award-winning wines. They have been producing wine since 1989 and are winners of 35 International Wine Challenge awards and 15 Decanter World Wine Awards. All wines are vegan and grown with no herbicides. Book a summer self-guided or private tasting experience here or get a gift voucher or bottle of fizz delivered to your, or a friend’s, door here. Enjoy a tasting at the vineyard on Saturdays from 11am – 1pm, then head for the coast to Lilstock and enjoy a two hour circular walk exploring parts of the old Acland-Hood Estate, coastal farmland and the ruins of what once was a thriving port.
- Unique gin made from majestic oak trees and distilled in traditional copper stills in the foothills of the Quantocks
Gold award winning Dryad Gin is infused with fragrant notes of cardamom, cinnamon, orange peel and almond for a deliciously quaffable tipple rooted in natural mythology. This signature gin captures the beauty of the Quantocks, from wild heathlands to patchwork pastures, making it a perfect gift for an authentic taste of Somerset. Buy online, try at the Royal Oak Luxborough or head to the friendly pop up Dryad Inn to discover the spirit of the woodlands, meet the creators and find out where the magical, mysterious Dryad Tree is. Have fun sampling the finest gin, cocktails, local drinks and you will be sure to make new friends on the way. This is a gin with its very own song; have a listen while you go in search of the Dryad Tree and enjoy fabulous views over the Somerset Coast.
- Give the gift of coastal Somerset Viking rum, vodka or a Viking-inspired wardrobe
Somerset Viking believe that life is meant to be savoured and have carefully crafted a selection of rum and vodka, full of rich flavours and smooth textures. Each bottle is meticulously distilled to perfection and a testament to the artistry and passion of the distillers. They also roast their own coffee beans which can be subscribed to on monthly basis. Visit one of these cosy coastal pubs to sample their unique offering – The Hood Arms – Kilve, The Plough – Holford, the Combwich Anchor or buy online.
- Tour Torre Cider Farm and sample award winning cider and apple juice
Somerset is without a doubt famous for its cider and at Torre Cider Farm, you can go behind the scenes on a tour with the owners through their beautiful orchards and find out the secrets of pressing and fermentation, the importance of bees and of course sample their multi award winning cider, apple juice and cider vinegar. Keep your carbon footprint to a minimum with cider picked, processed and consumed on site equalling a grand total of just 0.9 food miles. Say Cheese and you might think of Somerset! The farm shop here is packed full of local goodies, gifts and cheese of course. Create a bespoke hamper full of your favourite things or get one made up as a gift. Dog and family friendly.
- Bespoke award winning 100% natural Grown Up Marshmallows, not just for grown-ups!
These gourmet award winning, handmade marshmallows are naturally free from fat, egg, gluten and dairy products. Their signature flavours are available all year around, but if there is a flavour you would like that you cannot see just let them know. Grown Up Marshmallows are made from 100% natural ingredients and packaged in 100% recyclable, biodegradable, compostable material. Available from farmers markets, online (where you can also get gift boxes and gift vouchers delivered), or their store in Minehead. After stocking up head off along Minehead Seafront to see the sculpture that marks the beginning/or end of the South West Coast Path, the UKs longest National Trail.
- Enjoy award winning ice cream from the first ever solar ice cream van
Styles is recognised as one of the country’s premier producers of luxury dairy and vegan homemade farmhouse ice cream. You can enjoy Styles ice cream at various places along the coast and you will find them at village shops, country fairs and festivals. They have a parlour at Minehead Steam Train Station, and from April to September there are vans at Blue Anchor beach front and at the top of Porlock hill. Styles have twenty flavours of dairy ice cream, two vegan and four sorbets (also vegan), which are all handmade at Styles Farm. Year round enjoy a four mile circular walk at Kilve finishing up with a Styles ice cream at the Chantry Tea Garden.
- Miles Tea and Coffee roasted by the coast in the heart of Exmoor
This independent family-run business nestling in the foothills of Exmoor National Park have been blending tea since 1888 so know a thing about brewing the perfect cup. They are a founding member of the Ethical Tea Partnership and members of the Fairtrade Foundation. Visit the Porlock Roastery shop to get supplies of their award-winning teas, coffee or Heavenly hot chocolate all blended and roasted daily. Alternatively sit down at one of the coastal farm shops and cafes such as the Driftwood Café at Blue Anchor where you will be sure to find a cup of Miles finest. Enjoy a Hidden History Storywalk from here to Dunster Beach and back which should take around an hour and a half and work up an appetite!
- Enjoy Porlock Bay Oysters right on the coast
The farm is situated in Porlock Weir’s historic harbour, an area with a proud tradition of oyster farming going back more than one hundred years. They were the first site in England and Wales to attain the top ‘A’ classification from the Food Standard for pacific oysters. For the oyster connoisseur why not send a gift box or Porlock Bay Oyster Gift Card. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at the Kitchen also at Porlock Weir, which opened in Autumn 2023 as the place to enjoy the finest seafood, the menu centred around Porlock Bay Oysters as well as many other fish dishes. Take time to explore this quaint hamlet then stride in the famous footsteps of Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth to Porlock on a four mile circular walk.
Food glorious food ..
Enjoy a day out with family, friends, dogs, chatting with local producers and tasting, fresh, locally grown produce at one of our coastal markets. Sample tasty food and drink then explore the independent shops in these interesting coastal towns.
- Burnham on Sea multi award winning Eat Festivals
- Monthly Burnham on Sea Independent Market
- Monthly Burnham on Sea Makers Market
- Weekly Friday Bridgwater Castle Market
- Monthly Bridgwater Independent Market
- Quarterly Bridgwater Food and Drink Festival
- Monthly from March to October Watchet Street Fair
- April to September Watchet Town Council Wednesday Market
- Weekly Friday Minehead Farmers Market
