For centuries, Somerset’s dramatic coastline has fueled the creativity of some of Britain’s most cherished writers and artists. From Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s epic Rime of the Ancient Mariner, linked forever to Watchet Marina, to eerie local legends of ghostly apparitions and shipwrecks, this ever-evolving landscape has captivated generations of residents and visitors alike.
Today, Somerset Council continues this legacy by expanding access to the coast through its digital “accessible coast” initiative, offering immersive virtual tours designed to bring this magnificent terrain to those yet to experience it firsthand.
Now, Somerset’s coastline has become the haunting backdrop for one of the UK’s leading horror podcasts. Apocalypse Players, created by four trained actors—Dominic Allen, Joseph Chance, Danann McAleer, and Dan Wheeler—is renowned for its gripping stories featuring investigators confronting incomprehensible monsters across eras from 1920s Massachusetts to modern Norwich.
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Dan Wheeler, originally from Hampshire but long-time Bristol resident, explains the local ties: “Danann grew up in Weston-super-Mare and both he and Dom trained at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. Our podcast feels deeply rooted in this region.” While many narratives unfold in ‘Lovecraft Country,’ the group is repeatedly drawn back to Somerset’s haunting landscapes.
Their latest installment, As The Waters Cover The Sea, imagines a walking trip in the Quantock Hills that soon descends into a chilling tale of cricket, crustaceans, cults, and the historic Alfoxton House. Joseph Chance, who wrote the scenario, sought to craft “a very English tale” that draws on the evocative place names and deep history of the area—from the Doomsday Book-era Kilve to the Saxon and Celtic roots of the Quantocks, and Alfoxton’s literary connections to William and Dorothy Wordsworth.
The podcast blends fact and fiction by introducing the invented locale of North Kilve, allowing room for imaginative horror akin to Thomas Hardy’s Wessex or Lovecraft’s Arkham. The story also weaves in the Monmouth Rebellion and the Battle of Sedgemoor, reflecting Somerset’s proud and rebellious past with a richly layered narrative.
Somerset’s unique geography, from ancient woods to marshes and limestone gorges, along with its enduring folklore — including Arthurian legends, Glastonbury’s mystical heritage, and enduring cultural celebrations such as wassailing and Morris dancing — makes it an ideal setting for folk horror. Dan Wheeler notes how Somerset “feels like a place where ghosts walk, cults gather, and fairy creatures dance by moonlight.”
Apocalypse Players has previously explored Somerset’s eerie side in episodes like Unland, set in a fictional abandoned theme park between Glastonbury and Wells, touching on themes of isolation and rural deprivation.
Looking ahead, Somerset will continue to feature prominently in upcoming stories and live events, including The Company of Light, set largely in Pensford. The group also hosts “Apoctoberfest,” an annual live event in Bristol featuring improvised podcast performances and gaming, attracting fans worldwide.
For those eager to explore Somerset’s coast virtually, the Council’s ‘accessible coast’ site offers five mapped routes featuring 360-degree views, accessibility details, and practical information to help walkers plan their visits. These immersive tours bring the rugged beauty of Minehead, Watchet, Quantoxhead, Kilve, and beyond right to your fingertips.
Isobel Pring of the Somerset Trail Partnership highlights the initiative’s goal: “A minor change can make a huge difference in opening areas to more visitors. We hope these resources inspire confidence to enjoy Somerset’s breathtaking coast.”
The virtual tours can be accessed at www.somerset.gov.uk/access-for-all or www.nationaltrail.co.uk/en_GB/somersets-accessible-coast, with printed leaflets available at local visitor centers and libraries.
Through their creative storytelling and commitment to accessibility, both the Apocalypse Players podcast and Somerset Council are ensuring this remarkable coastline’s stories—both real and imagined—continue to resonate for generations to come.