Welcome to Minehead
Famed as a Gateway to Exmoor, Minehead has long attracted visitors to its coastal location.
With beaches to explore, a fishing quarter and historic harbour, a 14th Century church and easy access to dramatic moorland and coastal walking paths, there is plenty to explore. Take a look at the brand new Minehead Visitor Guide 2023!
Nestled between Exmoor National Park on one side and the Quantock Hills on the other and with Somerset’s County Town of Taunton just a 45 minute scenic drive away, Minehead is perfectly located for a superb holiday or short break. From that first distant glimpse of the sea and the iconic North Hill on the approach, you’ll begin to fall in love with the town.
Minehead offers the perfect destination for a family seaside holiday or weekend getaway. It boasts a wonderful long flat sandy beach, a charming harbour, a bustling town with Independent shops and cafes and heritage attractions.
Things to Do
Blenheim Gardens can be found just off the main town centre, enjoy the beautiful 6-acre landscaped gardens, soak up the beautiful colours of the season, and enjoy the tranquillity.
Minehead has a sweeping sandy beach with small areas of pebbles and shingle. The bay ends in Minehead harbour with its high harbour wall. A promenade and sea wall runs along the full length of the beach.
The town has its very own museum located in the Visitor Centre. How did Minehead get it’s name? What is the Hobby Horse? What part did North Hill play in both world wars? You’ll find all these answers and more at the Minehead Museum.
Activities
Minehead is the official starting point for the South West Coast Path. The full trail, ending in Poole, is 630 miles long. The Minehead to Porlock section is an 8.9 mile walk and takes you though woodland, along cliff tops, farm tracks and through beautiful wooden coombes.
Take a trip out on the fabulous West Somerset Railway! Enjoy a magicial trip back to the great days of steam train travel on England’s longest heritage railway running from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard. Please see the WSR for more information and to book your tickets.
Fancy getting active? Channel Adventure offers a full range of activities from their seafront centre in Minehead. You can hire bikes to head out and explore the beautiful Exmoor countryside. Take a look at their Christmas offerings.
Minehead Butlin’s can be visited for 3, 4 or 7 night breaks – or as a day visitor. There are plenty of activities for the whole family from an indoor Splash Water World to a traditional fun fair, plus shows all day in the Skyline and indoor and outdoor play areas. If that’s not enough, there is also Adventure Golf, Go Karts, Cinema, Bumper Boats, Jumping Pillow, Aerial Adventure and much more!
Local Food and Drink
Minehead has many a culinary treat, from the fabulous independent cafes serving freshly cooked meals and homemade cakes, to pubs and hotels offering delicious daytime and evening meals, there is something for everyone.
Shopping
Minehead has a thriving shopping area, filled with a mix of national brand shops, and small independent retailers. The town has retained its Victorian architecture and adapted to the present day with an excellent selection of clothing shops, galleries and traditional seaside souvenir gift shops alongside banks, building societies, chemists, convenience stores and other well-known retail outlets.
The Minehead Gift Card ends in March 2024 but until then can be spent in any of the participating businesses, so whilst your recipient is treating themselves to something they can enjoy, they are also helping to support great local businesses in the local area. Everything you spend goes straight to them.
The Gift Cards will be available from the Minehead Tourist Information Centre at the Beach Hotel and can be ordered online using this link.
Accommodation
Minehead Information Centre
The Beach Hotel, The Avenue, Minehead, Somerset. TA24 5AP
Tel: 01643 702624
Email: info@mineheadbay.co.uk
