Category: Travel

The first summer season of fossil walks at Watchet with local geologists Dave and Andy (‘DnA’) proved to be a big hit with fossil enthusiasts ranging from 6 to 60 years young attending. The weather was good – the fossils were great – with plenty of Devil’s toe-nails (oysters) and large ammonites seen on all the walks which finished with a look at the unique 200 million year old ‘Fossil Islands’ with their Nautilus shells, sea-lilies (‘star stones’), clams and giant worms!

Andy and Dave are already planning more fossil walks at Watchet and elsewhere along the Somerset coast next year. The guys are always interested to hear of any unusual or large fossil finds – or if any individuals or groups want a fossil / geology walk or tour arranging. Contact details and further information are available from Louise at the Watchet Visitor Centre, 01984 632 101.

Watchet Summertime. Not a term for Watchet in the summer, but an amazing week-long celebration that sees our community put on a plethora of events to entertain the visitors as well as locals.

Starting on Saturday 11^th August and running through to Saturday 18^th August, the whole town really came alive with themed days and stalls along the Esplanade and the pubs busy with musical acts. There were jolly sea shanties galore with a workshop and shanty evening held in the Boat Museum. Even our beautiful churches got in on the music action with a live concert.

Tell me more, tell me more!  An outdoor cinema screening of Grease had people sitting all over the Esplanade. It turned colder, but that’s not where it ends… The festivities continued with a Family Fun Day by Watchet Town Council, architectural history walks around the town and the much-loved traditional duck race. The finale had the Esplanade alive once again with more live music, a hog roast and some of the most beautiful and mesmerising fireworks ever!

Phew! What an amazing week! But that’s not it… Breaking the usual tradition of being in Watchet Summertime week, the stunning peaceful candle float had to be held on Monday 27^th to coincide with the tide times.

Wow Watchet… You really know how to throw a summer party! A huge well done to the organisers of Watchet Summertime, the Town Council and all of the local businesses. We can’t wait for the 8^th Watchet Summertime in 2019.

Photos by Terry Walker.

Looking forward to Half Term?

Whether you love having the kids home for a week or dread it, I can guarantee you’ll be looking for something to do with them!

Saturday 25th May, Rope Making, 10.30am – 2pm, Boat Museum
Join us in the Boat Museum where Chris will teach you how to make your very own piece of rope! Great fun and you get to keep your rope as a lovely souvenir! Admission and rope making is free of charge. Donations welcome.

Sunday 26th May Wheelbarrow Race, 2 til 4.30pm The Esplanade
Watchet’s annual and totally wacky Wheelbarrow Race will take place with Pit action happening at around midday. Racing starts  at 2pm on the Esplanade. Watch as teams of fancy dressed racers in customised wheelbarrows aim to be the first to complete the pub circuit.

Monday 27th May to Saturday 1st June, From 2pm, Crafternoon at Country Banana, 37A Swain Street
Decorate a cotton shopper in Maritime pictures with textile paint using your hands, fingers or brushes. See your bag transformed into a piece of Art with the help of Dea, the owner of Country Banana. £6.00 per bag.

Date and time to be arranged Fossil Walk, starting at the Visitor Centre
Scratch far below the surface of Watchet and come and enjoy our fossil walks hosted by local geologists Andy King and Dave Evans. Travel back nearly 200 million years and discover the fossils of animals that lived in the shallow, warm seas that covered Watchet during the Jurassic Period, the time when dinosaurs walked on the nearby hills. See wonderful fossils, including spectacular ammonites, oysters and clams.
Each fossil walk lasts about 2 hours. £4 per person. Booking essential! Contact the Visitor Centre – 01984 632101.

Thursday 30th May, Pirate stories 11am in the Boat Museum
Come and listen to the swash buckling tales of Pirates on the high seas! Under 6 years old. £1.00 per child

Saturday 1st June, Rope Making,  10.30am – 2pm, Boat Museum
Join us once again in the Boat Museum where Chris will teach you how to make your very own piece of rope! Great fun and you get to keep your rope as a lovely souvenir! Admission and rope making is free of charge. Donations welcome.

Sunday 2nd June, Street Fair, 10am – 4pm, the Esplanade
Loads of stalls and activities for all the family including live music, stalls, fun activities and local produce. All taking place on the beautiful Esplanade in Watchet.

Picnic at Splash Point, anytime!
Bring you own picnic, pick up some sandwiches from any of our wonderful cafes and deli, or some fish and chips from the Harbour Fish Bar. Then take a short stroll up to Splash Point which boasts breath taking views across the harbour, marina and town!

Crabbing off the Harbour Wall, when the tide is in!
Take your crab line and bucket and enjoy hauling in your catch!