From markets, street fairs, Watchet Music Festival, carnival, fireworks, Watchet is full of exciting events all year round which are perfect to enjoy on your break away. The surrounding area is full of events too, like the amazing Snowdrop Valley, the Dark Skies Festival, Dunster by Candlelight, plus numerous village fetes, concerts and sporting events. Exmoor National Park and the Quantock Hills both provide guided walks throughout the year.
End of February - End of March
Snowdrop Valley is a privately owned remote valley in a hidden part of Exmoor close to Wheddon Cross. The Badgworthy Land Company kindly allow access to the valley while the beautiful carpet of snowdrops is in bloom throughout February each year.
Car Parking - £2 per car including walking map. Buses (from car park if you don't wish to walk) - Return Trip £6 Adult
Snowdrop ValleyThe Sunday Community Hub, Market traders, crafts, fun and frolics for young and old with stalls, artisan food, music and entertainment.
10.00-16.00 first Sunday of the month, April-October.
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
Thursday 23rd - Sunday 26th April 2020
After a gap of one year in 2019, 2020 sees the return to the calendar of an event that has been a “must visit” since 1996. The WSR’s Spring Gala is back and the line-up of guest steam locomotives will feature bigger machines than was possible in 2019, thanks to the sterling work of the track and infrastructure teams.
West Somerset RailwayEvery Wednesday From 6th May - 28th October
There has been a market in Watchet since the 13th century and this tradition continues today with the lively and colourful Watchet Summer Market. Every Wednesday, from May to September, brightly-coloured gazebos are erected on The Esplanade, overlooking the harbour and marina, and traders arrive to offer the best of local produce and craft.
Sunday 24th May
Watchet’s wackiest, funniest, amazing creatively entertaining, crowd pleasing, spectacular 'Circuit de Watchet' wheelbarrow race.
Race starts at 2.00 p.m on the Esplanade with grid action from noon.
Watchet CarnivalWednesday 29th July
Held in the picturesque setting of Dunster Castle Lawns by kind permission of Mr J A. F. Luttrell. This year the fair will be celebrating 42 years from the early beginnings, as a Donkey Derby held in West Somerset. The Dunster Country Fair has grown to become one of West Somerset's premier attractions.
Dunster Country FairSaturday 25th – Sunday 26th July
Carnival Parade - Saturday, 25th July 2020 6:00pm
A colourful, exciting, entertaining and wonderful Carnival Parade.
Carnival Fete - Sunday, 26th July 2020 12.00pm-5.00pm
Watchet Carnival Fete is held at Watchet Memorial Ground. It’s a Sunday 'FUN' day filled with a full programme of family entertainment and activities for everyone to enjoy. There will also be a wide range of stalls offering a wonderful selection of produce, arts and crafts, gift ideas, fun carnival fete games plus food and refreshment vendors, 'Grab a Grand' raffle draw and much more!
Sunday 16th - Saturday 23rd August
Now into its 9th year Watchet Summertime events offers a week packed with fun events and entertainment for everyone, finishing with a huge firework display on Saturday 23rd August.
Watchet SummertimeFriday 21st August 2020
Dunster Show is the premier Agricultural Show in West Somerset and one of the major one day Shows of the West of England. Taking place on the Lawns below Dunster Castle the dramatic backdrop is a perfect setting for a family day out with Bands, Demonstrations, Crafts and Trade Stands providing quality entertainment for all. The Show also boasts a competitive showing atmosphere with a wide range of classes for Horses, Cattle and Sheep attracting competitors from all over the country.
The Dunster ShowFriday 28th – Sunday 30th August
Watchet Music Festival is run by Watchet LIVE, who organise events in and around the town of Watchet, West Somerset.
Artists in 2020 include; Sister Sledge, Shed Seven, Gabrielle, The South, Toyah, Sound of The Sirens, The Blockheads, Dr Meaker, Hands of Gretel, Future Dub Orchestra, The Hawkmen and many more...
Watchet Music FestivalSaturday 12th - Sunday 13th September, 10:00am-5:00pm
Military train loaded with vehicles to run from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard and back each day where it will be stationed in Minehead's platform each afternoon. Intensive service of steam trains taking you between stations. Military and civilian vehicles and displays. RAF displays. Forties dance on Saturday evening under the Minehead Station canopy. A 1940's hair dressing 'pop-up shop'.
West Somerset RailwayFriday 4th - Saturday 5th December
Over two dusky evenings this picturesque medieval village of Dunster is transported to a bygone era under the glow of candlelight. The village comes alive with a celebration of Christmas past. This includes candlelight and torch processions, carol singers, Morris dancers, street entertainers, a Victorian roundabout and street stalls selling traditional food and drink.
Free event—buses will run from 4.30pm on a continuous loop approximately every half-hour starting at Watchet, £4 return.
Dunster by Candle Light"A wonderfully comfortable boutique B&B in charming Watchet. The breakfast was great and we were very well looked after by Jason. Close to both Exmoor and the Quantocks this is an excellent bolt hole for those heading for the hills or escaping hectic urban life."
Richard Appshaw"Great place to stay, well appointed decor and attention to detail. Jason is an oracle of local knowledge - we enjoyed taking our fish & chips to eat into the pub Pebbles next door! Nice to see local businesses working together."
Rae Martin"The word boutique is overused these days but it absolutely applies to Swain House. It's calm, beautifully designed and well though out, and Jason is a fantastic host."
Sophie Harrison"Unusual. Comfortable. Clean. Helpful. Friendly. All in all a lovely place to stay."
Julie Harvey"Just back from a wonderful stay at Swain House in Watchet. Very smart suite with great breakfast and welcoming and knowledgeable owner. Thoroughly recommend it."
Michael O'Shea"If you want to stay in style - this is the hotel. You would not expect this in a small town in Watchet. It is located in the centre of the town walking distance from the harbor where you can enjoy the coastal view, experience of retro southwest railway, and real local cider."
Tamae Osaka"A brilliant find - renovated with a lovely mix of old world charm and modern comfort. Beautiful fit out that made the stay feel quite luxurious. Jason was fantastic from the moment we arrived. Would recommend to anyone looking for a special place to stay. A friendly, boutique B&B with the privacy and feel of a small hotel. Loved it! We will be back."
Marianne & Dan Mewett"Fantastic boutique B&B the room was fabulous. The huge roll-top bath a sheer delight to submerge in and revel in the glorious bath toiletries. The ground coffee & choice of teas were really welcoming after brisk walks around the harbour and the treat of home made banana loaf added that extra special touch. The breakfast choice was sensational from cereals to full English with smoothies in between. It was lovely to see a vegetarian option as well plus different juices. The service could not have been better!"
Frank Cardona"Tasteful and well appointed accommodation with good attention to detail ( eg. Umbrellas available/USB chargers installed etc.) Excellent breakfasts including delicious pancakes....very friendly and helpful service. Great position to enjoy coast and pubs, some offering great live folk music"
John McCarry"Wonderful stay at this beautiful stylish and hospitable accommodation - only criticism, one night just isn't long enough!"
Hilary Newman"Excellent. Above and beyond We left feeling very spoilt. Wish we could find more places like yours. Well done Swain House!"
Alison Broomes"Truly lovely B&B. If more were like this, then luxury hotels would be out of business."
Daniel Mitchell