Bossington

Bossington is a peaceful hamlet of distinctive thatched cottages on the Holnicote Estate, where Exmoor meets the Bristol Channel near Minehead, and its own National Trust car park sits in the middle of the village. From here you can wander down to the pebble beach, lined with old lime kilns and Second World War defences, a good place to watch coastal birds, with far-reaching views across to Wales and along the Exmoor coastline. Bossington lies on the South West Coast Path, and the climb from the car park to Hurlstone Point brings sweeping sea views. Reviewers single out the scenery, the quiet of the stony beach and the walks, which they find steep and challenging in places but worth the effort. Two tips from visitors: wear good shoes for the pebbles, and bring a picnic or stop at Kitnors tea garden near the car park, which is not run by the Trust. Dogs are welcome all year on the coastal footpaths that start in the village.