St Audries Bay is well worth a visit if you’re in the tranquil Quantock Hills. This secluded beach has a surprisingly impressive cliff top waterfall which rushes over red rock, before crashing down on the pebbled beach below.
If you time your visit right with the tide, you’ll be able to step into the foot of the fall and feel it’s mist. Or, if you’re feeling brave, take an exhilarating natural shower stood beneath its powerful roar.
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Where is St Audries Bay?
This beautiful waterfall is located near Watchet in the Quantock Hills in Somerset. Its around a 30 minute drive from Minehead, or 40 minutes from Taunton.
You can only reach the waterfall on foot, but to get to the carpark use post code: TA4 4DP or ///steps.cakewalk.exhale
Can you swim at St Audries Bay?
You could go for a swim here, but sadly it’s not the most appealing!
Don’t expect the same crystal clear waters you see in Cornwall, as the sea here is the murky Bristol Channel. Unfortunately it’s pretty brown and undesirable. Instead of swimming, i’d say this unique and secluded beach is better enjoyed from the shoreline.
How tall is St Audries Bay waterfall?
The waterfall rushes over a cliff edge which is around 70 foot high, so its pretty towering!
Much higher than my favourite waterfall in South Wales; Sgwd Yr Eira.
Where can you park?
To reach this beach you’ll need to drive down a pretty track in to a caravan site called; The Home Farm Holiday Centre. Once you’ve made it all the way down, you’ll see a small car parking area for day visitors where you can park all day for £4. There are no other time or price options, its just straight up £4, even if you only want an hour there.
There is roughly enough space for 15-20 cars, and the pay and display machine only takes coins. If you need to pay by card, then you’ll have to walk along to their office/shop to purchase a parking ticket.
Are there any facilities?
There is a small toilet block in the carpark. Word of warning, they aren’t the nicest. Think typical rundown old public toilets – but its handy that they’re there.
How to reach St Audries waterfall
To reach the waterfall, follow the downhill path thats signposted from the carpark. There is a short, but incredibly steep sloped path down the cliff to the beach. A much needed handrail is provided to help you along your way. After a short walk you’ll come to a small gate, which is followed by a set of stone steps that lead you down onto the beach.
Head right and that’s where you’ll find the waterfall, you’ll probably be able to hear the thunder of the crashing water!
Can you take a buggy?
Due to the steep path, stone steps and mostly pebbled beach it wouldn’t be easy, nor practical. If you have little ones coming along for the adventure, a baby carrier would be a far better option.
Is St Audries Bay sand or pebble?
This beach boasts some interesting and unfamiliar geology. Unusual wave-cut terraces are carved into the rock forming long parallel ridges jetting out to sea. I’ve not been to a beach quite like this before!
There are a few patches of sand on this beach, but the majority of it is rock and pebble. Probably making it an ideal place for a spot of crabbing or rock pooling.
Best time to visit St Audries waterfall?
To reach St. Audries Bay waterfall you’ll need to time your visit right with a low tide, I advise you check this prior to arrival so you’re not left disappointed. You can check the tide times on this website.
As with all waterfalls, they are full of power after heavy rainfall. If you manage to time your visit around that, then you’ll be in for a right treat. During the dryer summer months this waterfall can become more of a trickle down the cliff face.
I hope you have a fantastic time here admiring St Audries Bay waterfall. If you’re looking for something else to do nearby, why not tackle the highest point in Somerset at Dunkery Beacon which is around 35 minutes drive away?