West Somerset Steam Railway offers a great family day out through 20 miles of glorious Somerset coast and countryside between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead, taking a step back in time enjoying views of the Quantock Hills, Exmoor National Park and the West Somerset coastline. There are regular steam trains from Watchet to Dunster and Minehead.
https://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
Watchet Boat Museum holds a collection of old Flatner boats. These flat bottomed boats had no keel and were used for a wide variety of purposes around the Bristol Channel. The museum is open most days throughout the summer with free admission.
Watchet Market House Museum leads you through the fascinating history of this historic small trading port and is open most days with free admission http://www.watchetmuseum.co.uk/
Tropiquaria Zoo is home to a wide variety of exotic animals as well as offering an adventure playground, puppet theatre and a picnic area. Open from 10:00 to 18:00 in the summer. https://www.tropiquaria.co.uk/index.html
Dunster Castle from Saxon stronghold to comfortable family house, you can trace over 1,000 years of history at Dunster Castle and gardens. The scenery is spectacular, with sweepings views of Exmoor and the Bristol Channel, and the grounds houses a beautiful 18th century working watermill.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunster-castle
Cleeve Abbey is now part of English Heritage; it includes a medieval painted chamber, magnificent timber ceiling, and superb floor tiles, as well as the most complete cloister building in England. From the A39 go to Washford, Cleeve Abbey is approximately half a mile south and is signposted. http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/cleeve-abbey/
Fossils Hunting is possible at two key locations near Watchet. Hellwell Bay, just east of Watchet Marina, beyond Splash Point and West Street Beach just west of the town. Where you can often be find Ammonites, Bi Valves and "Devils Toe Nails" along with rock samples of quartz and alabaster. Please take care of tide times as these beaches flood at high tide. http://www.watchet.ukfossils.co.uk/
Torre Cider Farm a really lovely afternoon, playing on old tractors and children’s play equipment, feeding pigs, piglets, chickens and ducks, having a cream tea and visiting a well stocked farm shop, head down to Torre Cider Farm in Washford. They also offer free cider and apple juice tasting! www.torrecider.co.uk
Doniford Farm has plenty of friendly farm animals to meet and a tea room/coffee shop, with a farm shop. Open daily with FREE entry http://www.donifordfarm.co.uk/
Sea Fishing Trips with all equipment provided are available on two licensed boats from Watchet Marina with Scooby Do skippered by Steve Yeandle http://www.scoobydootoo.co.uk/ and Seafire skippered by Shaun Anning http://www.seafirefishing.co.uk/
Tarr Steps voted the best picnic spot in Britain and Ireland by the Sunday Times, Tarr Steps is a must visit area for walks, wild swims and cream teas. For more information, visit: www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/enjoying/tarr-steps
You may wish to relax while at Watchet Cottage, or perhaps find time to try something new.
Quantock Trekking is perfectly positioned on the southern slopes of the Quantock Hills. They offer fully equipment and your ride will be accompanied local guides, each with an extensive knowledge of the Quantocks and able to accommodate complete novices through to experienced riders. http://www.quantocktrekking.co.uk/
Ride the Quantocks offer Mountain Biking Professional guiding in and around the Quantock Hills http://www.ridethequantocks.co.uk with Bike hire available from Pompy’s Cycles in Minehaed http://www.pompyscycles.co.uk/