Watchet

Watchet is a small harbour town and civil parish in the west of Somerset, England, situated at the mouth of the River Washford on the Bristol Channel. The town has a rich maritime history, having been a port for over a thousand years. It was once a significant trading centre, exporting wool and importing coal. The harbour still welcomes visiting yachts and fishing boats.

The parish of Watchet encompasses the town itself and the surrounding rural area. Watchet is known for its distinctive red sandstone cliffs. The West Somerset Railway, Britain's longest heritage railway, runs through the town, offering scenic journeys along the coast. The Watchet Visitor Centre, located in the old railway station, provides information about the town's history and attractions.

Key landmarks in Watchet include St Decuman's Church, which has parts dating back to the 13th century, and the ancient market cross in the town square. The town has been the subject of various artistic inspirations, most notably the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, who lived nearby and is believed to have been inspired by the local landscape for his famous poem, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner. Watchet's economy today relies on tourism, small businesses, and local services.