Langtry Cottage

West Somerset Railway
We suggest travelling through beautiful Somerset countryside on the historic West Somerset Railway line between Minehead and Bishops Lydeard on trains hauled by steam locomotives. This is the longest private railway in the U.K. Find out more at www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk. The Railway Festivals are extremely popular and attract steam buffs from far and wide. The stations at Williton and Washford (with its Railway Museum ) are just a few minutes away from Langtry Cottage.

Coleridge Way and other trails
For enthusiastic walkers we recommend the delights of the many footpaths in the Brendon Hills, including stretches of the Coleridge Way, the nearest point for which is at Roadwater, just 3.5 kilometres away. The boundary of Exmoor National Park is even closer to Langtry Cottage. You can even walk on flatter terrain from Langtry Cottage directly down to Watchet Harbour on a section of the Old Mineral Line Trail.

Bird Watching
The area is a good one from which to observe many bird species from birds of prey and pheasants to wrens. Then there are the dippers, moorhens, mallards and yellow wagtails to be seen on the Washford River. At low tide on the nearby beaches at Blue Anchor and Doniford you may also witness a diversity of wading and other birds searching for food.

Quantock Hills
We suggest you visit the Quantock Hills, Britain 's first area of outstanding natural beauty. The Quantocks are a paradise for keen walkers and photographers. Deer, wild ponies and sheep roam the hillsides and combes and birds are everywhere. August is the time to see heather at its glorious purple best, while in May for example Vinny Combe is a spectacle of colour with its profusion of rhododendrons in bloom. The views from Beacon Hill are truly magnificent when on clear days the River Seven Bridges, the Black Mountains in Wales and Dunkery Beacon, high up on Exmoor may be seen.

Bakelite Museum, Williton
It is just a few minutes away from Langtry Cottage to see the largest collection of plastics in the world.
www.bakelitemuseum.co.uk

Dunster
While you are staying at Langtry Cottage you will miss a treat if you do not visit the medieval village of Dunster www.visitdunster.co.uk. The young at heart are likely to enjoy the Dolls Collection at the Memorial Hall by the Yarn Market. The castle and grounds are also worth exploring.

Exmoor Falconry & Animal Farm
At this farm at Allerford a wide range of activities are offered as well as the falconry displays. Check out possibilities at www.exmoorfalconry.co.uk

Combe Sydenham Country Park
A short distance away from Langtry Cottage, the estate, in a hidden Exmoor valley, covers 500 acres that you can walk around to observe unspoilt nature at its best. Exmoor Adventures, www.exmooradventures.com, that are based on the estate offer a range of activities including mountain biking, archery and fly-fishing.

Cleeve Abbey
It's a short walk to Cleeve Abbey from Langtry Cottage. A visit to the Abbey, founded in 1198, is very rewarding for anyone interested in history and architecture.

Historic Watchet Town and Harbour
The ancient coastal town of Watchet , which is a few minutes away by car, retains much of its old architectural character and charm, seemingly a place where time has stood still. With its two museums, its collection of small shops, including some selling works of art and antiques, its tearooms and pubs, its station for the West Somerset Railway, its promenade overlooking the marina crowded with boats, Watchet is a good place to take in the sights and to unwind.

Wimbleball Lake
Near to Dulverton, Wimbleball Lake, www.swlakestrust.org.uk, offers sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, trout fishing, walking and bird watching.

Tropiquaria
Virtually our neighbours on the eastern side, but separated by fields, Tropiquaria, www.tropiquaria.co.uk, offers hours of fun with a range of interests for young and old. The basement of the main building has an aquarium; while on the ground floor there are a variety of butterflies, reptiles, small monkeys and free-flying tropical birds. There is also a radio museum and cafe. On the outside there are other animals and birds plus an adventure playground for energetic children.

Exmoor
Exmoor National Park, www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk, is only a short drive away. With its steep-sided valleys, scenic lakes, heather clad moorland, clear flowing rivers and dramatic gorges to the sea. There are numerous activities that can be undertaken: Fishing, riding, walking, mountain biking, jeep safaris to name but a few. Taking the North Hill Road from Minehead there are magnificent views from above Selworthy and Allerford. The delightful scenery should not be missed at Webber's Post (S.W. of Luccombe), Dunkery Beacon and Landacre Bridge (to the west of Withypool). We recommend also a visit to the town of Dulverton and nearby Tarr Steps, upstream on the River Exe.

West Somerset Coast
The Blue Lias sedimentary rock that occurs in reefs on the beaches between Blue Anchor Bay and Kilve provides ample opportunity to discover fossils. With knowledge gained from tide tables purchased at tackle shops, it is possible to walk safely most of this section of coast at low tide to take in the fascinating geological distortions of the cliff strata. Otherwise there are very pleasant cliff-top paths and cream tea venues at East Quantoxhead and down the lane to the sea at Kilve. There is a lovely sandy beach, with high-tide swimming opportunities in a cove at Home Farm to the east of Doniford.

Sea Fishing
In the right season it is possible to fish for mackerel, cod, thornback ray, dogfish, sharks, etc under the watchful eye and guidance of the owner captains of powerful launches based at Minehead and Watchet harbours. Fishing from the beach is also popular at Blue Anchor Bay and Bossington.

Porlock Weir
Approached via the quaint village of Porlock, with its antique shops, picturesque Porlock Weir has a small tidal harbour, a stony beach, several shops, pub, hotel, etc.

Lynmouth and Lynton
No visit to West Somerset is complete without driving on the A39 over Exmoor and the border into Devon to relish the enchantment of Lynmouth, Lynton and Watersmeet and the dramatic cliff-top views over the Bristol Channel at Valley of the Rocks. On route you could have a pleasant time by detouring to discover the Doone Country and Oare Church , made famous in the novel by R D Blackmore.