Fossils

Watchet's beaches are rich in fossils, particularly ammonites, preserved as Mother-of-Pearl. More information from the Market House Museum—but watch the tide times! Tide Tables are available from local shops.

Fossil Hunting - To the east of Watchet harbour, beyond Splash Point, you come to Helwell Bay, while west of Watchet harbour you have West Street beach, formerly known as Cridland's beach. Both are close to the town and are rich in fossils, as are the beaches beyond. Amonites, bi-valves and "Devil's Toe Nails" are all to be found here along with rock samples of quartz and alabaster.
Fossil maps are available from the Watchet Tourist Office, and a display of finds can be seen on the Jubilee Geological Wall on the platform of Watchet Station. The Watchet Market House Museum also has exhibits of Watchet's geological past.

An interesting supplement to this is the pebble mosaic next to the side of the library on the Esplanade, which depicts St Decuman crossing over from Wales on a raft, with a cow as companion

Contributed by: Fiona Furguson