Our small coastal town of Watchet is sandwiched between the Quantock Hills, an area of outstanding natural beauty, and Exmoor National Park, with its stunning undulating hills. Just a stone’s throw away you can romp through beautiful, dense woodland, follow meandering rivers and marvel at the ancient monuments of Landacre Bridge and Tarr Steps. Dunster Castle and Cleeve Abbey also sit just a few minutes away.
Enjoy 20 miles of glorious Somerset scenery as the steam trains gently rolls back the years on its journey beside the Quantock Hills and the Bristol Channel coast. Just sit back in your seat and watch countryside drift past the window.
West Somerset Railway
Stretching from the Vale of Taunton to the Bristol Channel coast the Quantock Hills were designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1956, the first such designation in England.
The Quantocks
Dunster is an idyllic medieval village about 10 minutes from Watchet. 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.
Dunster Castle
Walk 51 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.
Coleridge Way
Experience a day out at Wimbleball Lake. Discover our nature paths by foot or bring the bike and explore our off-road cycle trails. A short distance from the main centre is Wimbleball Dam, watch water cascade down it.
Wimbleball Lake
Stunning landscapes, wilderness and tranquillity, Exmoor is one of Britain's breathing places and the glimpse of wild Red Deer or the native Exmoor Pony, are just a couple of the delights that make Exmoor special.
Exmoor National Park
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.
Minehead
"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