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 local Somerset fare from cider and craft gin to cheese and cream teas.

Along its entire length the Somerset coast includes a fully open stretch of the King Charles III England Coast Path, which begins on part of the South West Coast Path, and takes in the West Somerset Coast Path and the end (or beginning) of the River Parrett Trail.
Walking this diverse stretch of coastline is a journey of contrasts passing sandy beaches, coastal estuaries and salt marshes, nature reserves, cliffs with ancient rock formations, rolling hills and woodlands, and villages and seafaring towns. All the time blessed with stunning views of the Somerset coast and across the Channel to south Wales and the islands of Steep Holm and Flat Holm.

In the west, Exmoor National Park offers one of the most remote and challenging parts of the trail. In West Somerset the route is shadowed by the heritage steam railway as it passes through coastal towns and villages. After skirting the coastal northern boundary of the Quantock Hills National Landscape, the route enters Bridgwater Bay and the Somerset Wetlands and Moors National Nature Reserve. The estuaries of the Rivers Parrett, Huntspill and Brue provide overwintering grounds for thousands of migarto0ry waterfowl every year. At Brean Down, a natural pier and extension of the Mendip Hills, the trail joins the banks of the River Axe before crossing to North Somerset.

Since 2016, the Somerset Trail Partnership, which manages and maintains the trail between Minehead and Brean, has created circular walks and Storywalks along the coast and organised guided walks and events.

Throughout 2026 we will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the King Charles II England Coast Path between Brean Down and Minehead with guided walks and events that celebrate our coastline.

To find out what’s on visit our Anniversary Walks page and join us to explore the nature, history and heriotage of Somerset’s coast.

Included in the celebrations is this year’s 80 Miles in Eight Days Challenge Walk, which will take place between 19th and 26th September. Booking for this is live now and places are limited. To find out more check the featured walks below.

80 Miles in Eight Days - 2026

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

We made it – we hit our £700 target

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.

To be the first to hear what’s on where and when, sign up to our mailing list or follow us on social media and community networks.


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