Many holidaymakers heading to the West Country simply pass through Somerset on their way to the beaches of Devon or Cornwall. But it's worthwhile discovering the diverse shoreline that this county has to offer. And where better to stay than at one of our Somerset coastal cottages.
Families looking for 'bucket and spade' fun should head to one of the hugely popular resorts at Weston super Mare, Burnham on Sea, Brean or Minehead to enjoy a traditional British seaside holiday. Weston super Mare is the archetypal English seaside resort. It became popular in the Victorian era and many of its grander buildings date from that time though it remains a popular family holiday resort. The Grand Pier is the focal point on the seafront. The Pier has been updated over the years but still retains its original character. Burnham on Sea is a long-established holiday resort with a long promenade looking across Bridgwater Bay. A magnificent sweep of sand stretches seven miles north to the holiday villages of Berrow and Brean stopping at the National Trust headland of Brean Down. Minehead is where Exmoor meets the sea. Sitting on the very edge of the National Park it is a traditional seaside resort with its promenade, palm trees, extravagant floral displays and long, sandy beach.
Where Exmoor’s plateau plunges into the sea, the Somerset coastline is high and dramatic with cliffs and lush wooded valleys cutting down to the coast. Here, the village of Porlock (pictured above) has retained its charm with steep, winding streets and some thatched cottages Somerset can be proud of.
To the east of Exmoor the coastline becomes less dramatic although here you can find some lovely small Somerset coastal towns and villages such as Dunster and Watchet. Dunster, lies just inland on the eastern edge of beautiful Exmoor. The winding high street and bustling market place are a treasure trove of historic buildings - with over 200 boasting Grade I or II listing - while towering over everything is Dunster's romantic castle. Watchet is a charming little coastal town between the Quantock Hills to the east and Exmoor to the west. It is steeped in history and literary connections particularly with the poet Coleridge and The Rime of the Ancient Mariner - there is a statue of the Ancient Mariner, with the albatross around his neck, on the quayside.
Between Watchet and Burnham on Sea the low-lying Somerset Levels meet the Bristol Channel. It is the largest area of fenland outside East Anglia, and one of Britain's most important wetland wildlife habitats. The Levels stretch across the lowlands between the Mendip and Quantock Hills and are what is left of a once wider area of flooded fenland. Glastonbury Tor is the most prominent landmark in the Levels rising up over 500 feet and dominating the town of Glastonbury. In days gone by this was actually an island surrounded by sea, and later inaccessible marsh, hence it becoming known as the Isle of Avalon. Traditionally the Levels have produced willow used to weave many items including hurdles, baskets, baby cradles - and even coffins.
So why not browse my selection of Somerset coastal cottages, and see what catches your eye?

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