Trinity Cottage, Roadwater

In Roadwater

The Valiant Soldier -- The village pub, at the heart of Roadwater. A traditional Somerset country pub serving home-cooked food, real ales, and local ciders. The pub has a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and is popular with both locals and visitors. Food served at lunchtime and in the evenings. Dogs welcome. Check opening times as they may vary seasonally.

Nearby

Tropiquaria cafe, Washford -- Approximately 1 mile north. The cafe at Tropiquaria wildlife park serves light lunches, homemade cakes, and cream teas. A good option for families visiting the zoo.

Cleeve Abbey tearoom -- Approximately 2 miles north, at Cleeve Abbey (English Heritage). A pleasant tearoom serving teas, coffees, cakes, and light refreshments in the grounds of this beautifully preserved medieval monastery.

Watchet pubs and restaurants -- Approximately 4 miles north-east. The harbour town of Watchet has several pubs and restaurants, including the Pebbles Tavern on the harbour, the Star Inn, and various cafes along the Esplanade. The Watchet fish and chip shop is popular.

Minehead restaurants -- Approximately 8 miles north-west. A wider choice of restaurants, pubs, and takeaways including Indian, Chinese, fish and chips, and traditional pub food. The Harbour House and the Old Ship Aground on the harbour are well-regarded.

Local Produce

The Watchet Co-op and various independent shops in the town provide everyday groceries. The Brendon Hills area is known for its local farming heritage, and seasonal produce can often be found at farm gates and local markets.

Cleeve Abbey -- Approximately 2 miles north. One of the finest and most complete medieval monasteries in England, managed by English Heritage. The 13th-century refectory has a magnificent timber roof, and the cloisters, dormitory, and gatehouse are remarkably well preserved. The grounds are beautiful and peaceful. Open daily from spring to autumn.

West Somerset Railway -- The longest heritage railway in England, running 20 miles from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead. Washford station is approximately 1 mile from Roadwater, making it easy to hop on a steam train for a journey along the coast. Special events run throughout the year, including themed train services and gala weekends.

Watchet harbour -- Approximately 4 miles north-east. A historic harbour town with a marina, the Watchet Boat Museum, the Market House Museum, a statue of the Ancient Mariner (the town inspired Coleridge's poem), and a thriving arts and creative community. The Esplanade offers fine views across the Bristol Channel to Wales.

Tropiquaria, Washford -- Approximately 1 mile north. A family-friendly wildlife park housed in the former BBC transmitting station. Home to tropical plants, reptiles, small mammals, and an indoor adventure play area. A fun outing for children.

Minehead -- Approximately 8 miles north-west. A traditional seaside resort with a sandy beach, the Blenheim Gardens, a charming higher town of thatched cottages, and the start of the 630-mile South West Coast Path. The West Somerset Railway terminus is here.

Coleridge Way -- A 51-mile long-distance walking trail from Nether Stowey in the Quantock Hills to Lynmouth on the Exmoor coast. The trail passes through Roadwater, making the village an excellent base for walking sections of this scenic path.

Dunster Castle -- Approximately 6 miles north-west. A dramatic hilltop castle owned by the National Trust, set within beautiful terraced gardens and parkland. The medieval village of Dunster below is one of the finest in Somerset, with its yarn market, packhorse bridge, and independent shops.

Local Walks

Brendon Hills woodland walks -- The wooded slopes of the Brendon Hills surround Roadwater and offer beautiful walking through mixed woodland, along quiet streams, and across rolling farmland. The area is particularly lovely in spring (bluebells) and autumn (golden foliage). Several circular routes start from or near the village.

Coleridge Way -- The 51-mile long-distance path from Nether Stowey to Lynmouth passes directly through Roadwater. You can walk individual sections as day walks -- east towards the Quantock Hills or west towards Exmoor and the coast. The route follows a mix of woodland paths, farm tracks, and quiet lanes.

Cleeve Abbey grounds -- Approximately 2 miles north. The grounds of Cleeve Abbey make for a pleasant short walk, with the medieval buildings, peaceful gardens, and the surrounding countryside providing a lovely setting.

Watchet to Blue Anchor coastal walk -- Approximately 4 miles to Watchet. From Watchet harbour you can walk along the coast path towards Blue Anchor, with views along the Somerset coastline and across the Bristol Channel to Wales. The path passes through interesting geology and is excellent for fossil hunting.

Quantock Hills -- Approximately 8 miles south-east. England's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offers superb ridge walking, ancient oak woodland, and panoramic views. The hills inspired the Romantic poets and remain one of Somerset's finest walking areas.

Beaches

Blue Anchor -- Approximately 4 miles north-west. A long, quiet shingle and sand beach with rock pools and views along the coast. The Blue Anchor pub sits right by the beach. A peaceful, unspoilt stretch of coastline.

Watchet harbour beach -- Approximately 4 miles north-east. A small beach near the harbour, with interesting rock formations and good fossil hunting opportunities in the Blue Lias limestone.

Minehead -- Approximately 8 miles north-west. A wide expanse of sand at low tide, ideal for families. The seafront has traditional seaside facilities and is the starting point of the South West Coast Path.