The Somerset & Exmoor Coast

The Somerset coast overlooks the Bristol Channel, which until Tudor Times had the more romantic name of the Severn Sea. A unique and diverse coastline, it inspires visitors to explore its coastal towns and villages, relax on its beaches and sample Somerset fare from cider and craft gin to cheese and cream teas, making this coast of surprises welcoming to locals and visitors alike.

Blessed with two National Trails, the King Charles III England Coast Path and the South West Coast Path, the Somerset coast also includes the West Somerset Coast Path and the end (or beginning) of the River Parrett Trail.
Walking this diverse stretch of coastline is a journey past sandy beaches, coastal estuaries and salt marshes, nature reserves, protected shores and cliffs with ancient rock formations, and rolling hills, woodlands, and villages and seafaring towns.

To the west Exmoor National Park offers one of the most remote and wildest parts of the coast, while in the east Brean Down, a natural pier and extension of the Mendip Hills, stretches out into the sea and the remains of the 19th century Brean Down Fort.
All along the route are stunning views of the Somerset coast and inland to the Somerset Levels and Quantock Hills National Landscape, as well as the south Wales coastline and the islands of Steep Holm and Flat Holm.

Celebrating 10 years of the Coast Path in Somerset

2026 is the 10th anniversary of the opening of the King Charles II England Coast Path between Brean Down and Minehead.

Since 2016, the Somerset Trail Partnership has created a series of circular walks and Storywalks along the coast and organised guided walks and events to celebrate. You can see details for the self guided walks on our Walk the Coast page.

This year the 80 Miles in Eight Days Challenge Walk will take place between 19th and 26th September and booking will go live at the beginning of March. To find out more check the featured walks below.

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Somerset trail we will working with our partners to offer a series of guided walks during the year, with information and updates posted here.

80 Miles in Eight Days - 2026

80 Miles in Eight Days
Where
County Gate to Brean Down
When
19th to 26th September
Learn more
Somerset Coast – Day 1: County Gate to Porlock
Where
County Gate to Porlock
When
Saturday, 19th September
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Somerset Coast – Day 2: Porlock to Minehead
Where
Porlock to Minehead
When
Sunday, 20th September
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Somerset Coast – Day 3: Minehead to Watchet
Where
Minehead to Watchet
When
Monday, 21st September
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Somerset Coast – Day 4: Watchet to Burton
Where
Watchet to Burton
When
Tuesday, 22nd September
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Somerset Coast – Day 5: Burton to Steart Marshes
Where
Burton to Steart
When
Wednesday, 23rd September
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Somerset Coast – Day 6: Steart to Bridgwater
Where
Steart to Bridgwater
When
Thursday, 24th September
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Somerset Coast – Day 7: Bridgwater to Highbridge
Where
Bridgwater to Highbridge
When
Friday, 25th September
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Somerset Coast – Day 8: Highbridge to Brean Down
Where
Highbridge to Brean Down
When
Saturday, 26th September
Learn more

We made it – we hit our £700 target

Waterproofs and Wellies

Two coastal primary schools in Somerset are ready to face the winter weather thanks to donations of Waterproofs and Wellies sets. Knights Templar Community Church School in Watchet and St Andrew’s Church of England Junior School in Burnham-on-Sea each received ten sets from The Outdoor Guide Foundation.

Throughout 2025, walkers on the King Charles III England Coast Path have raised funds to support this initiative. Highlights include April’s Watchet Walking Week, where twelve walkers completed the eight-mile route to Minehead, and September’s Somerset Coast Challenge, where 23 walkers collectively covered 500 miles along the Coast Path.

Pupils at Knights Templar School

Pupils in their waterproofs and wellies at Knights Templar School, Watchet

80 Miles in Eight Days – 2025 Challenge Walk

Two walkers completing the 80 Miles in Eight Days Challenge Walk on Brean Down
Richard T and Rich P complete the 80 Miles in Eight Days Challenge Walk in 2025, finishing on Brean Down

If you are a local accommodation provider, visit the Get involved page to be included on the Somerset & Exmoor Coast site.

Somerset & Exmoor Coast Highlights

For your #SomersetExmoorCoast experience take a look at our Walk the Coast page, and find your own Somerset bolt hole in our Where to stay guide, there’s everything from campsites, glamping and luxurious shepherd’s huts to quaint cottages, cosy B&Bs and historic hotels.

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