Category: Things to do!

WALKS AND TALKS WITH THE BELLMAN 2021

Pleased to announce that I have just had David Milton the Watchet Bell Man here in the Visitor Centre making arrangements for the Walks and Talks for this Summer.

Visitors and locals can book their place on a walk by emailing the Visitor Centre on info@lovewatchet.co.uk or by calling 01984 632101. Places will be limited and subject to Covid restrictions.  The walk is approximately 2.5mile and takes about 2 hours.

You will meet the Bell Man at the Visitor Centre where the first Port of Call is the Boat Museum. During your walk you will be shown local points of interest, told local history, hear weird and wonderful facts about Watchet and best of all the Bell Man will sing Sea Shanties at various points along the Walk. The content of the Walk can vary considerably depending on who you might meet on the way!

We have arranged the walks for a Wednesday when Watchet has its Market so that gives you two good reasons to visit. We have also arranged the time of the Walk to coincide with high tide so that Visitors can take pictures of the habour.

We have added dates for our evening walks over Halloween. These are very popular, with tales of local folklore and eerie goings on! Bring a torch and wrap up warm. (PS These walks have been known to end up at the Pub!!!)

These are the dates for the Walks and Talks with the Bell Man. We look forward to seeing you this season.

7th July 3pm, 14th July 11am, 21st July 3pm, 28th July 11am

4th August 3pm, 11th August 11am, 18th August 3pm, 25th August 11am

1st September 3pm

29th, 30th, 31st October 6pm

£6.00 per person,  Children under 12 Free.

What are you looking forward to?

BOOKING A HOLIDAY…………YEAH!

Very soon we will all be able to go on holiday. Wales, Scotland and England all have different opening up dates, but the important one for us here in West Somerset is the 12th April. This is the earliest date that you will be able to take a break in self catering accommodation. So if you’re planning to get away at your earliest convenience best make sure you’ve booked with someone who will honour your booking if for any reason it all changes for the glorious 12th!

Speaking with a friend who works at one of the local holiday parks I was informed that caravan sales have been steady all through lock down with people buying using virtual tours to make their decisions. I was also told that holiday bookings were going really well with some weeks completely booked up already.

So it looks like it could be quite a busy season. I’m sure that it will start slowly  (I wouldn’t want to book for the 12th and find I might not be able to get away) but the momentum is already building.

RIDING THE TRAIN…………YEAH!

The West Somerset Railway is re-opening on Saturday 22nd May. Great news for all those in need of a train fix. I was however upset to discover that although the WSR is reopening, the limited service will not get as far as Watchet! The first trains will run from Bishops Lydeard to Williton and return. The plan is that as Government restrictions are lifted the train service will extend to Watchet and Blue Anchor on Saturdays. It is hoped that by July the whole line will be available. The line needs to be fully open for September so that the 1940’s weekend can go ahead. YEAH!

VISITING THE MUSEUM…………YEAH!

The Watchet Boat Museum and Market House Museum will be open from the 17th May.

NEW FOR 2021…………YEAH! YEAH! YEAH?

The new East Quay development is due to open during the summer. With 12 workshops, a papermill, geology lab. art gallery, café and with plenty to do for the family, the East Quay will be the place to visit this summer.  YEAH!

Watchet Marina has new owners and they are promising great things. Looking forward to saying goodbye to the mud and ‘Hello’ to the Sailors!!   YEAH!

Your visit!  See you in the Visitor Centre…………..YEAH?

Somerset Arts Week 2020

Somerset Open Studios 2020 in West Somerset

19th September to 4th October

Somerset Open Studios fortnight sets out to offer an opportunity to meet local artists and makers in their studios and workshops, to learn first-hand about their creative processes. This year Covid 19 safety restrictions has inevitably affected the event. There are fewer studios opening to the public and, for most of these, calling in advance is necessary. But with just a little planning there is still plenty to enjoy and Watchet is an ideal base for exploring studios in West Somerset. There is also an enhanced online experience featuring images, films, stories and demonstrations relating to artists’ studio practices across the county, that everyone can enjoy safely.

 

In Watchet itself there are two artists welcoming visitors: Jenny Barron, whose richly realistic still life painting sometimes has a whimsical or surreal aspect, and Jan Martin,  whose prints combine traditional and digital techniques and encompass portraiture, caricature, and landscapes. Jan is also offering bookbinding workshops.

 

A short drive in any direction out of Watchet will take you to several more venues. Going west on the A39 towards Minehead you can visit Jane Hood (paintings and prints) in Washford, Sarah Fox (jewellery) in Withycombe, Leo Davey (painting) and Joanne Horrobin (enamelled copper vessels and sculpture) both in Minehead, then on to Luccombe on Exmoor for Sarah Easter Collins (painting). Taking the A358 south find Annabel Anderson (painting) in Bicknoller and Emma Duke (driftwood art and design) in Crowcombe. A round trip through the Brendon Hills will take you close to Lyn and Magnus Mowat (painting, sculpture, woodworking) in Brompton Ralph, or take a scenic drive across the Quantocks rejoining the A39 near Holford to visit Kate Hammond (mosaics).

 

These are just a few of many artists venues open across Somerset. Visit www.somersetartworks.org.uk for a detailed online guide and an interactive map of venues

‘Lucy’, drypoint print, Jan Martin, Watchet, Venue 107

‘Quinces and Cup’, watercolour, Jenny Barron, Watchet, Venue 108

Jane Hood in her studio, White Horse Cottages, Washford, Venue 109

‘Let’s Talk’, copper and vitreous enamel, Joanne Horrobin, Minehead, Venue 118.

Sarah Fox in her studio, Withycombe, Venue 115

‘Good boy on Bossington Hill’, mixed media, Sarah Easter Collins, Luccombe, Venue 119

 

Watchet & the Ancient Mariner!
Places to eat & drink!
Visit East Quay!
Fossil hunting and rock pooling!
Art in Watchet
Live Music!
Three Museums to visit!
Visit the shops!
Visit St Decumans Church & the Holy Well
Arrive in style. West Somerset Railway.