West Somerset Railway
Our Railway, a true country branch line of the old Great Western Railway is full of fascination whether you are looking for a nostalgic ride back in time through lovely countryside or to study the railway and industrial heritage which our line preserves. The historic steam locomotives, coaches and wagons, and the buildings of our ten unique stations linked by a twenty mile scenic journey will repay hours of exploration. The surrounding countryside is as varied as it is beautiful. The gently rolling Quantock hills and distant Exmoor, unspoiled villages and farms nestling in leafy lanes, the cliffs and coast of the Bristol Channel with views of distant South-Wales, confident Church Towers, Dunster's imposing Castle and Minehead's seaside charm are all waiting to be discovered.
Torre Cider Farm
Torre Cider Farm has been producing traditional scrumpy for over 20 years, ranging from dry to medium sweet cider, as well as making our delicious fresh apple juice. They also sell the ever popular cider vinegar which has an array of interesting uses, so there is something for everyone, all of which is free to taste in the farm shop or simply enjoy the surroundings with a nice pint of cider! It is free to go and visit, you can browse the well stocked farm shop selling locally produced food and crafts, stop for some homemade treats in our tea room, come and view the farm animals whilst letting your children play.
Dunster Castle
The historic Dunster castle, now managed by the National Trust overlooks the beautiful village & surrounding area. Dunster castle has been a strategically important fixture to the exmoor landscape for the last 1000 years. It has a dramatic hill top location that overlooks Exmoor & the Bristol channel. Punching the skyline with it's turrets and towers Dunster castle has a fairy tale feel to it. Ancient castle with fine interiors and sub-tropical gardens, dramatically sited on a wooded hill.
The Countryside
The Quantock Hills AONB
Stretching from the Vale of Taunton to the Bristol Channel coast the Quantock Hills offer a great diversity of landscapes. The imposing sandstone ridge rises out of the surrounding agricultural land and is famous for its views, some of the most stunning scenery in the country. The Quantock Hills were designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1956, the first such designation in England.
Exmoor National Park
The Exmoor Tourist Association was formed in 1982 by a group of like minded Tourism Operators who wanted to maximise the benefits of sustainable tourism for its members, the local economy and communities. We are a non-profit organisation, using our subscriptions for the promotion of our members and of Greater Exmoor.
The Coleridge Way
Walk 36 miles through the stunning Somerset countryside of the Quantock Hills, the Brendon Hills and Exmoor, a landscape that inspired Coleridge to produce some of his best known work.
Neighbouring Towns / Villages
Minehead Town
Minehead is a popular seaside resort and boasts a beautiful sandy beach extending the full length of Minehead Bay, through to Dunster beach and Blue Anchor Bay. It is also known as the gateway to Exmoor.
Watchet Town
A lovely little coastal town with an active Marina, Old Port, quaint houses and shops, with many walks in beautiful countryside, along the interesting coastline or just sit on the Esplanade with a cider or an ice cream, both locally made of course.
Dunster Village
Dunster is an idyllic medieval village about 10 minutes from Williton. With a wealth of heritage and history from the National Trust's 11th century Dunster castle to the Old Yarn Market in the middle of the high street. With over 200 listed buildings Dunster is preserved so that generations to come can enjoy the historic qualities of this unique village.
Kilve Beach
Lying at the northern end of the Quantocks about 10 minutes from Williton is Kilve, is a picturesque village consisting of 3 settlements. Here you will find the ruins of the old Chantry, founded in 1329 and once used for storing barrels of spirits smuggled in to Kilve Pill. The beach is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a favourite haunt of geologists with its spectacular rock formations and fossils, including ammonites and reptile remains easily visible in the rocks, it is easily accessible and great for families.
Wimbleball Lake
The newly renovated facilities at this majestic Lake in Exmoor National Park offer first class facilities both on and off the water.
