Easter Monday
About Selworthy
Selworthy is a small, picturesque village on the edge of Exmoor in Somerset, known for its distinctive thatched cottages and peaceful setting. Located within the Holnicote Estate and managed by the National Trust, the village was largely rebuilt in the 19th century as model housing for estate workers. Its signature cream-painted cottages and neatly kept gardens sit beneath Selworthy Beacon, offering far-reaching views over the surrounding countryside and across to the Bristol Channel.
S
Our day
Today marks the last day of our exploration of North Somerset. It is also the day that our friend Mike leaves us after spending the weekend with us.
Selworthy had been described to us as ‘beyond chocolate box’ picture perfect and this does about sum it up. It feels like a step back in time as you descend to a small valley nestled within hills, where you find charming cottages set among well tended green spaces, meandering footpaths and a babbling brook. You would not be surprised if one of the doors of a cottage opened and out stepped Bilbo or Frodo.
We visited the Periwinkle Tea Rooms for a cuppa and a slice (https://periwinkletearooms.co.uk/), and decided to abandon ideas of a healthy walk to work the cake off, as the weather at this stage was pretty poor. Plus, none of us had the heart for another steep climb to the Beacon.
Coastal hopping
We headed to Blue Anchor, on the coast on the other side of Dunster from Selworthy. This is a vast pebble beach, but with not a lot to offer other than a large, static caravan site. We were tempted by the Static Caravan Exhibition that was AA sign posted everywhere but decided “nah, waste of time as we actually have zero interest”.
More interesting was the small port/harbour at Watchet, just up the coast.
Watchet is a historic harbour town on the West Somerset coast, known for its maritime heritage and characterful mix of narrow streets, quayside charm, and coastal views. Once a busy trading port and later a centre for paper making, the town has a long history stretching back to Saxon times. The town is also closely linked to the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, said to have drawn inspiration for The Rime of the Ancient Mariner here.
From the car park, we strolled around to the harbour, which still seems to be a working port – not many luxury yachts in here! A few typical seaside type shops, but nothing really of intererst.
It was time for the final beer with Mike, so we visited the London Inn. The pubs lack of a web site pretty much epitomises the experience at this hostelry – it’s like a throwback to a pre internet era. Old fashioned decor; old fashioned furniture; old fashioned menu; old fashioned bar maid in a woolly cardigan and eating her packed lunch as she served. As much atmosphere as a condemed mans cell before hanging.
Farewell
We hustled back to Dunster where we said our goodbyes to Mike, a final wander around, and dinner back at the Luttrell Arms (https://www.luttrellarms.co.uk/). It seemed only fitting that our final drink should be back at the Stags Head, from where the fond memories of Dunster originated all those years ago, and where new memories had been created on our wonderful trip back (for Steve) to North Somerset. Those memories will include the amazing castle and gardens; breathtaking scenery; wonderful pubs and food and, above all, incredibly friendly people just about everywhere we went. Thank you Dunster!
