Watchet is an ancient harbour town, steeped in history, nestled between Exmoor National Park and the Quantocks in the South West of England. You'll receive a warm welcome to Watchet, home of award winning shops, places to eat and drink, museums, and Watchet Harbour Marina.
Watchet was first recorded during the dark ages. When St Decuman arrived from South Wales and acted as a physician, arbitrator and pastor to the local community. He arrived on a raft with a cow as a companion! In the Iron ages Daws fort was built above Watchet to protect the port and area. It's then natural harbour made it an early trading centre and in the 10th century coins were minted here for Ethelred II and five more saxon kings. Watchet is unqiue in that it still retains the court leet system of medeival administration albeit in name. Posts include Portreeve and the coveted position of Ale Taster. The Star Inn, won the Somerset 2006 CAMRA award for real ale. It's unclear if the Ale Taster had a hand in this.
The West Somerset Railway recaptures the era of the branch line country railway in the days of steam. Enjoy 20 miles of glorious Somerset scenery as the train gently rolls back the years on its journey beside the Quantock Hills and the Bristol Channel coast. Just sit back in your seat and watch the steam and countryside drift past the window...
The Railway has all the atmosphere of a Great Western Railway branch line. There are ten restored stations along the route, each having its own charm and character; many have signalboxes, engine sheds, museums, displays, steam engines and other rolling stock to see.
From Bishops Lydeard, trains run beside the Quantock Hills northwards to the coast of the Bristol Channel - locally called the "Severn Sea" - at Watchet and Blue Anchor. The end of the line is the holiday town of Minehead, with its sandy beach, thrilling fun fair, beautiful gardens and lots of shops to explore. Buses run on to Exmoor and steamers call at the harbour.
Founded in 1882, Minehead and West Somerset is the second oldest club in Somerset. Whilst preserving the best traditions of the sport, they have a progressive outlook and take pride in both maintaining and developing our magnificent course. There is always a warm and friendly welcome to individual golfers, societies, corporate groups and visitors.
