Wigtwizzle - Norman Smith's Travel Blog.: holiday

We had waited two years for this holiday as last year's was cancelled due to the pandemic. The only thing which was missing was the opening of the pubs, as we both like to just call for a pint on the way home on our daily travels. They were allowed to open with outdoor drinking only, but the vast majority in Somerset seemed to be waiting for the next phase of lockdown easing when they would be allowed to have customers inside as well as out.

We did manage to sniff one out, The Royal Oak in Luxborough and called in there one day, but it was closed the next time we passed so maybe it hadn't been worth their while to open. It wasn't the end of the world and didn't spoil our holiday in any shape or form.

We visited our usual places and, as we stayed for two weeks, we managed to unearth some more little, and not so little gems. Old favourites Selworthy, Allerford, Porlock, Lynmouth, Cleeve, Dunster and Dulverton were re-visited and Wells, Glastonbury, Tarr Steps, Watersmeet, Valley of Rocks and Bossington were added.

All in all, a damned fine holiday. Watchet, and Somerset in general, seem to have been bypassed by the holiday hoards heading for Devon and Cornwall and long may that continue. These are just random photos from the holiday, I will be blogging about the new places we visited in more detail once I get round to it!

The Mineral Line

Kentsford Farm

Washford River, Kentsford Farm

St Decuman's Church, Watchet

The Incline, Brendon Hills

Lime Kilns, Brendon Hills

Treborough Plantation

Rape Oils Seed, Washford

Selworthy

Scarface

Selworthy

Porlock Weir

Porlock Bay

Groynes, Porlock Weir

Orange Tip, Allerford Woods

Bossington

Watchet Sunset

Winsford

Exmoor Pony

Cascade, Selworthy

Brendon Valley

West Beach, Watchet

Watchet

Allerdale Woods

West Beach, Watchet

Watchet Harbour

Sunset over Bristol Channel

Allerford

River Aller

Allerford

I had a few reservations about my trip to Somerset as I'm basically a mountain person. The Lake District, Highlands of Scotland, Yes ...but Somerset???. As it turned out, I needn't have bothered worrying, as accompanied by my personal guide Sal, I had a fabulous time and absolutely loved the place. Maybe it was helped by the weather and most fabulous sunset on our first night but they weren't the only reasons.

I also loved the quietness and quaintness of Watchet which was our base. Sal said that it hadn't changed since her childhood where she had spent many a happy family holiday. It had lots of little shops, excellent coffee shops and a top deli which we frequented just about every day. Plus it had it's own steam railway which we took advantage of later in the week. Oh and to that you can add the very welcoming pubs and bars, namely Pebbles Tavern and The Esplanade Club. The Star Inn was very quaint and accommodating as well.

Well that's enough praise for one blog! Our first afternoon and evening was spent settling in and just having a discovery walk around the town. After watching the sunset I mentioned earlier, we called in at the local chippy for some delicious and well earned cod and chips.