The Pippins, Old Cleeve

In Washford (approximately 5 minutes by car or 30 minutes on foot)

The White Horse Inn -- A traditional 17th-century freehouse on the edge of Exmoor, set beside the River Washford near Cleeve Abbey. Serves an extensive menu of locally sourced food with daily specials, real ales, and West Country cider. The pub has a cosy atmosphere with beams and open fires. Accommodation and breakfast available. Well-reviewed on Tripadvisor with a Travellers' Choice award.

The Washford Inn -- A friendly pub and inn on the A39 between Williton and Minehead, serving a range of pub food and drinks. Letting rooms also available.

Torre Cider Farm -- An award-winning cider farm just off the A39, producing handmade cider from their own heritage apple orchard. The farmhouse kitchen serves stone-baked pizzas and seasonal food, with indoor and outdoor seating. Farm shop, orchard tours, cider tastings, and a children's play area with farm animals. A great family day out.

At Blue Anchor (approximately 5 minutes by car)

The Smugglers Inn -- A traditional beachfront pub across the road from Blue Anchor Bay, with a cosy bar, wood burner, and several dining areas. Serves pub classics including fish and chips and a popular Sunday roast, alongside authentic stone-baked pizzas. Local ales and West Country cider on tap. Dog-friendly.

The Driftwood Cafe -- A licensed 1930s beachside cafe and restaurant right on the coast path beside the West Somerset Railway station. Renowned for all-day breakfasts, excellent fish and chips, cream teas, and homemade cakes. Open all year round. Dog-friendly and child-friendly.

In Roadwater (approximately 5 minutes by car)

The Valiant Soldier -- A traditional country pub dating from 1720, ideally placed for exploring Exmoor and the coast. Serves tasty home-cooked food seven days a week using locally sourced produce, with an a la carte menu, daily specials, and a snack menu at lunchtime and in the evening. Real ales, wines, and spirits.

Further Afield

Dunster -- The medieval village of Dunster, approximately 15 minutes by car, has several pubs, restaurants, tea rooms, and an excellent traditional bakery. Well worth a visit for a meal combined with sightseeing.

On the Doorstep

Cleeve Abbey -- One of the finest medieval monasteries in England, cared for by English Heritage. Founded in 1198 by Cistercian monks, the abbey retains England's most complete set of monastic cloister buildings, standing roofed and two storeys high. Highlights include the magnificent tiled refectory floor from 1270, the angel roof, and the painted chamber. A fascinating and atmospheric visit. In Washford, approximately 5 minutes by car. Seasonal opening -- typically April to October.

St Andrew's Church, Old Cleeve -- A beautiful Grade I listed medieval church dating back to the 12th century, one of the oldest buildings in the village. Worth a visit for the architecture and the peaceful churchyard.

Torre Cider Farm -- Visit the orchard, see heritage apple varieties, tour the cider-making operation, and sample award-winning cider. Farm shop with local produce, farmhouse kitchen restaurant, children's play area, and friendly farm animals. Just off the A39 in Washford.

Nearby

West Somerset Railway -- Britain's longest heritage railway runs 20 miles from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard, with stations at Washford and Blue Anchor. Steam and diesel services with stunning views of the coast and countryside. Special events including galas, the popular 1940s weekend, and seasonal services throughout the year.

Watchet -- A characterful harbour town approximately 3 miles east, with a working marina, the Boat Museum, the Market House Museum, independent shops, and public art including a statue of the Ancient Mariner. The town has a thriving creative community with galleries and studios.

Dunster Castle -- A striking medieval castle set in beautiful gardens and parkland, managed by the National Trust. The castle has been home to the Luttrell family for 600 years. Approximately 15 minutes by car.

Tropiquaria Wildlife Park -- A quirky wildlife attraction in a former BBC transmitting station near Washford, home to tropical animals, reptiles, and birds of prey. Popular with families.

Wider Exmoor

Exmoor National Park -- The whole of Exmoor stretches out from Old Cleeve, with heather moorland, wooded valleys, wild ponies, and red deer. Walking, cycling, horse riding, fishing, and stargazing are all within easy reach.

Tarr Steps -- An ancient clapper bridge across the River Barle, surrounded by wonderful woodland walks. Approximately 40 minutes by car.

Lynmouth and Lynton -- The famous cliff railway connects these twin villages on the dramatic North Devon coast. The Valley of Rocks nearby is spectacular. Approximately 30 miles along the coast.

Walks

Blue Anchor to Watchet coastal walk -- A rewarding section of the South West Coast Path running along the Bristol Channel shoreline. Approximately 3 miles each way, taking in dramatic Triassic cliffs with fossil interest, views across to Wales, and the historic harbour at Watchet. The eastern section is particularly scenic, lined by colourful layered cliffs.

Blue Anchor to Dunster Beach -- A level walk along the shingle bar from Blue Anchor to Dunster Beach, with views of Dunster Castle in the background and the West Somerset Railway running alongside. Approximately 2.5 miles each way.

Cleeve Abbey and Dunster circular -- A 7-mile circular walk connecting the abbey ruins in Washford with the medieval village of Dunster, its castle, and gardens. A wonderful combination of history and countryside.

Quantock Hills -- England's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is within easy driving distance to the east. The Quantocks offer open heathland ridge walks with panoramic views, ancient oak combes with rushing streams, and herds of wild red deer. Popular routes include Wills Neck (the highest point at 384 metres) and the Coleridge Way long-distance path.

South West Coast Path -- The famous long-distance trail follows the entire Somerset coastline. From Blue Anchor you can walk east to Watchet and on to Kilve, or west through Dunster and on to Minehead -- the official start (or end) of the 630-mile path.

Exmoor moorland walks -- Selworthy Beacon, Dunkery Beacon (Exmoor's highest point), and the Horner Woods are all accessible within 20 to 30 minutes by car, offering some of the finest walking in the South West.

Beaches

Blue Anchor Bay -- A sandy beach stretching for over half a mile, just one mile north of Old Cleeve. Popular for walking, rock pooling, and fossil hunting along the Triassic cliffs. The Driftwood Cafe and the Smugglers Inn are right on the beach. Free parking available.

Minehead -- A traditional sandy seaside beach with facilities, approximately 15 minutes by car to the west. Good for families.

Dunster Beach -- A quiet pebble and sand beach between Blue Anchor and Minehead, backed by dunes and marshland. Dunster Beach Chalets provide a nostalgic charm.

Kilve Beach -- A dramatic rocky beach approximately 20 minutes east, popular with fossil hunters. The Jurassic-era rocks and rock pools make it a fascinating stop.