Dunster by Candlelight shrugs off recession for Dunster and Minehead hotels

Judging by the number of visitors wandering around the Dunster by Candlelight late night shopping Christmas celebrations, the hotels in Dunster and nearby Minehead must have been doing recession beating trade last weekend.

Dunster by Candlelight is great and a real community event with carol singers, Morris dancers, stilt walking, fire juggling and lots more.

Plus, of course, there are all the great Dunster shops and the Olde Worlde ambiance that is so unique to Dunster that brings people from all over the country and which visitors really appreciate.

A lady I spoke to, as I had a half of bitter in the Stags Head Inn in West Street, told me that she and her family had been visiting Dunster by Candlelight for years from their home in Coventry and loved it.

Dunster by Candlelight 2008 proved that this recession can be beaten and I will definitely be back in Dunster again for their Christmas shopping celebrations next year.


Bye for now

Rob

Somerset hotel guest house bed and breakfast (B & B) countryside views, places to visit and photography

Lynmouth and Lynton are great places to go to see for visitors at West Somerset hotels, bed and breakfasts, guest houses and B and Bs

Lynmouth and Lynton are great places to go for visitors at West Somerset hotels, bed and breakfasts, guest houses and B and Bs. Situated in Devon on the border with Somerset, Lynmouth and Lynton are probably unique with their variety of spectacular views and varied walks.



The last time I visited Lynmouth, there was some low lying mist that was like a blanket lying over the sea and between the two hills. It was quite amazing and people were stopping their cars at the top of Countisbury Hill just to gaze down at the rolling mist.





I've seen mists like this before, when I've been looking down from the moors into the West Somerset valleys, but I wouldn't say they were common and to balance the picture I took at the Valley of the Rocks, I have also included a picture taken from the beach area looking back on this attractive small seaside town.

The hardy cricket players seemed quite happy too. What a wonderful location to play cricket :-)

Bye for now

Rob

Somerset hotel guest house bed and breakfast (B & B) countryside views, places to visit and photography

Chill in tranquil Blenheim Gardens, Minehead, West Somerset close to Minehead's hotels, bed and breakfasts and guest houses

A great place to chill out, if you are staying at one of the many great Minehead bed and breakfasts, guest houses, B & Bs or hotels, is Blenheim Gardens, Minehead.

Sometimes I think that we take flowers and plant life for granted. After all, they are just there, quietly doing their bit for our atmosphere. But without them we wouldn't even be able to breath.

A gentle stroll in Blenheim Gardens in Minehead helps your mind breath more easily too and is definitely worth a visit, if you are staying at a hotel, guest house or bed and breakfast (B & B) locally.

Certainly, those who are looking after the gardens this year have excelled themselves because the flowers and trees are looking beautiful.

Bye for now

Rob

Somerset hotel guest house bed and breakfast (B & B) countryside views, places to visit and photography

Porlock Weir Boat Shed Museum of Memorabilia for visitors to West Somerset hotels, guest houses, bed and breakfasts and B and Bs

If you are staying at one of the many West Somerset hotels, guest houses, bed and breakfasts and B and Bs and would like a relaxing short walk, Porlock Weir offers a number of choices of things to do and places to see.



Yesterday, my wife and I fancied a reasonably short walk so popped down to get some fresh air at Porlock Weir and I noticed a very small museum of memorabilia. Really it's just one room but interesting, nevertheless and has been set up to support the worthy cause of the Royal National Life-boat Institution (RNLI).



We parked up and walked in a circular route to include the back road that leads eventually to Worthy Toll Road. There were views across the Bristol Channel and Porlock Bay and a peacock butterfly bathing in the sun.

It was a pleasant afternoon out and not too physically demanding.

If you are staying at a local West Somerset hotel, bed and breakfast, guest house or B and B and you find yourself travelling from Minehead, Dunster, Wootton Courtenay or Timberscombe through Porlock, perhaps en-route to Lynmouth and Lynton, and, if you find memorabilia intriguing, set in an attractive harbour location, the Porlock Weir Boat Shed of memorabilia may be of interest to you.

Bye for now

Rob

Somerset hotel guest house bed and breakfast (B & B) countryside views, places to visit, things to do and photography

Minehead Friday Farmers Market tourist attraction for visitors staying at West Somerset hotels, bed and breakfasts, guest houses and B and Bs

Minehead Farmers Market that currently takes place most Fridays is growing as a tourist attraction for visitors staying at West Somerset hotels, bed and breakfasts, guest houses and B and Bs.

This morning, there was even a busker playing folk tunes on a violin, when I passed the farmers market.

The stalls are brightly coloured and have lots of intriguing local and organic produce for those who are interested in the food they eat and where it comes from.

If you are staying at a hotel, bed and breakfast, guest house or B and B in Minehead, Dulverton, Wootton Courtenay, Porlock, Dunster, Timberscombe, Watchet, Williton, Alcombe or the surrounding areas, it could be an enjoyable Friday morning out.

Bye for now

Rob

Somerset hotel guest house bed and breakfast (B & B) countryside views, places to visit and photography

Porlock Hill to Lynmouth scenic drive is a good day out from your West Somerset hotel bed and breakfast or guest house

If you are staying at a West Somerset hotel bed and breakfast (B & B) or guest house in Porlock, Minehead, Timberscombe, Wheddon Cross, Dunster or surrounding areas, you may enjoy a drive up Porlock Hill or either of the toll roads and then across the top road to County Gate on the Somerset - Devon border.

The scenic views are absolutely breathtaking both over the Bristol Channel, down to Porlock Vale and across Exmoor.

There are several places to stop off and park and lots of moorland paths to explore, if you like walking.

Eventually, the A39 leads to Countisbury Hill which then, breathtakingly, plunges down into Lynmouth.

Enjoy :-)

Bye for now

Rob

Somerset hotel guest house bed and breakfast (B & B) countryside views and photography

Porlock hotel guest house bed and breakfast countryside walks

If you are staying in West Somerset at a Porlock hotel guest house or bed and breakfast (B & B), a visit to Porlock Weir is a must with its pleasant local walks along the pebble beach or follow one of the paths that run parallel to the beach along the fields in the direction of Worthy Toll Road and Culbone.



Alternatively, there are lots of great walks up the hillside through the trees for those that like something more strenuous.

Often, when I visit Porlock Weir, I enjoy just wandering about looking at the boats in Porlock Harbour and enjoying half a pint of beer in the local pub. On a nice day, there is nowhere better.

Bye for now

Rob

Somerset hotel guest house bed and breakfast (B & B) countryside views and photography