Watchet Lighthouse

The red and white striped lighthouse at Watchet sits on the harbour wall like a proper period piece - Victorian-era coastal heritage that actually still works. You can't go inside the thing, but that's never been the point. What draws people here is the walk itself: you get to tramp along the Somerset Coast Path with the Bristol Channel sprawling out in front of you, and the lighthouse marks the spot where you pause, snap your photos, and realise why people bothered building a town in this particular corner of the coast.

It's most rewarding if you're already walking the area - not worth a dedicated trip from Taunton on its own. But if you're staying at Haven Doniford Bay or Moorhouse Campsite, it makes a decent morning stomp. The harbour itself is worth a wander too. Working fishing boats, old stone walls, the sort of place where you actually see people earning a living rather than just posing for Instagram.

Historically minded types will appreciate the working heritage angle - this lighthouse has been doing its job since 1829. Kids will get restless if you try to make it more than a 20-minute stop, but the surrounding coastal path keeps them entertained. The best light comes in late afternoon when you're walking back towards Taunton. Allow an hour or so including the walk from the town centre to the harbour. Free, naturally - it's a working navigation aid, not a tourist attraction trying to extract money.