|
|
 |
|
|
Discovering the delightful Somerset coastline by Peter Hunt
|
|
|
Discovering the delightful Somerset coastline |
|
|
|
|
|
Travel & Tourism
|
|
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.
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 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.
A holiday home is a great base for exploring the area. Here are a selection of Somerset coastal cottages.
Related Articles -
Somerset, coastal, cottages,
|
Rate This Article  |
|
|
|
|
|
Do you Agree or Disagree? Have a Comment? POST IT!
| Reader Opinions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author Login |
|
|
 |
Advertiser Login
ADVERTISE HERE NOW!
Limited Time $60 Offer!
90 Days-1.5 Million Views
|
|
GENE MYERS
Author of four books and two screenplays; frequent magazine contributor. I have four other books "in...more
|
|
|
|
|
TIM FAY
After 60-plus years of living, I am just trying to pass down some of the information that I have lea...more
|
|
|
|
|
LAURA JEEVES
At LeadGenerators, we specialise in content-led Online Marketing Strategies for our clients in the t...more
|
|
|
|
|
ALEX BELSEY
I am the editor of QUAY Magazine, a B2B publication based in the South West of the UK. I am also the...more
|
|
|
|
|
SUSAN FRIESEN
Located in the lower mainland of B.C., Susan Friesen is a visionary brand strategist, entrepreneur, ...more
|
|
|
|
|
STEPHEN BYE
Steve Bye is currently a fiction writer, who published his first novel, ‘Looking Forward Through the...more
|
|
|
|
|
SHALINI MITTAL
A postgraduate in Fashion Technology. Shalini is a writer at heart! Writing for her is an expression...more
|
|
|
|
|
ADRIAN JOELE
I have been involved in nutrition and weight management for over 12 years and I like to share my kn...more
|
|
|
|
|
JAMES KENNY
James is a Research Enthusiast that focuses on the understanding of how things work and can be impro...more
|
|
|
|
