Thornby, Blue Anchor

The Neighborhood:

Blue Anchor is a small coastal hamlet in west Somerset, three miles from medieval Dunster. Well known for its alabaster rocks, which are of great geological interest, Blue Anchor is a quiet and peaceful seaside location with a wide beach, plentiful fossils and a promenade three quarters of a mile long with scenic views of Dunster Castle and Minehead Bay beyond. It offers peaceful relaxation, is popular with anglers who fish off the promenade, and is just a short steam train ride on the West Somerset Railway from Minehead. The Blue Anchor station waiting room and booking office have been lovingly restored, using Great Western fittings, many of them original, and the Railway Museum is housed in the former waiting room. Walk along the beach from Blue Anchor to Dunster, enjoying the views across the channel towards Wales, and wander through the medieval streets with the beautiful castle towering above. Inside the castle are fine plasterwork ceilings, while the extensive terraced and landscaped gardens contain many rare shrubs and trees, and offer marvellous views out to sea. Further afield, Minehead has golden sandy beaches, seaside attractions, and plenty of cafes, shops and bistros.