Washford Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Washford Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Washford sits in a prime spot for exploring Somerset's best bits. I always tell people to start with Cleeve Abbey (TA24 6EU, open 10am-5pm Apr-Oct). It's a 13th-century monastery with some of the best-preserved medieval monastic buildings in Britain. TripAdvisor gives it 4.5/5 from over 300 reviews.

The West Somerset Railway (TA24 6BT) runs right through Washford and is the longest heritage railway in England. We recommend taking the steam train to Minehead for a day out - kids absolutely love it.

Dunster Castle (TA24 6SL, open 10am-5pm) is just 5 miles away and scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. The medieval castle sits on a steep hill with amazing views across Exmoor and the Bristol Channel.

For beach days, Blue Anchor Bay is just 2 miles away. It's quieter than many Somerset beaches and has a long stretch of sand perfect for dog walking. After a day exploring, your hot tub will be waiting back at the cottage!

Pet Friendly

Dogs love Somerset as much as humans do! Many Washford cottages welcome pets, often with enclosed gardens where they can run safely. Some even provide dog beds, bowls and treats.

The Washford Inn (TA23 0JZ) allows dogs in the bar area and garden, so you can enjoy a pint without leaving your four-legged friend behind. They even keep dog biscuits behind the bar.

Exmoor National Park offers endless walking opportunities. The Coleridge Way passes near Washford and takes you through stunning landscapes where your dog can run free.

Blue Anchor Beach allows dogs year-round, unlike many UK beaches with summer restrictions. The flat sand is perfect for energetic runs and the shallow water entry is great for dogs who enjoy a paddle.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Washford

Torre Cider Farm (TA23 0LA, open daily 10am-5pm) is a working farm producing award-winning ciders and apple juices. We went for a tasting session and came away with three bottles! They offer free tastings of their products and the farm shop sells local cheeses, preserves and gifts. The café serves excellent cream teas and ploughman's lunches featuring their own cider.

Cleeve Abbey (TA24 6EU) deserves a second mention because it's truly special. English Heritage maintains this site beautifully. The great hall with its original roof and floor tiles is remarkable. A visitor last month wrote: "The peace and tranquility of this place is amazing. You can almost hear the monks going about their daily business."

Washford Station on the West Somerset Railway (TA24 6BT) isn't just a place to catch a train. The station itself is a preserved 1950s GWR country station with a small museum about the railway's history. Trains run regularly between February and November. One TripAdvisor reviewer called it "a journey back in time through beautiful countryside."

Is Washford suitable for a family holiday?

Yes! Families love Washford for its central location. Beyond the attractions already mentioned, Tropiquaria Wildlife Park is just outside the village - perfect for younger children with its indoor play areas for rainy days.

How far is Washford from the beach?

Blue Anchor Bay is the closest beach, just 2 miles away. Minehead's larger beach is 7 miles away and the stunning Porlock Bay is about 12 miles.

Can I get around Washford without a car?

It's possible but challenging. The village has a train station on the heritage railway line and there are some bus services, but they're limited. I'd recommend bringing a car to make the most of your stay.

What's the best time of year to visit Washford?

Spring and early autumn are ideal - the weather is often good but you'll avoid summer crowds. The West Somerset Railway runs special events throughout the year, including Santa Specials in December.

Are there good places to eat in Washford?

The Washford Inn serves good pub food and the White Horse Inn in nearby Stogumber gets excellent reviews. For something special, try Reeves Restaurant in Dunster (booking essential).

Is there a supermarket in Washford?

There's a small village shop for essentials, but for a bigger shop head to Williton (2 miles) which has a Co-op, or Minehead (7 miles) which has larger supermarkets including Tesco and Morrisons.

Helpful links:

1. Cleeve Abbey - English Heritage
2. West Somerset Railway
3. Dunster Castle - National Trust