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 2021!
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.
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 traquility.
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.
Walking
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. There is a regular bus service bringing you back to base!
From Minehead, you can also head east and join the England Coast Path. This section, which joins up to Brean Down runs for 58 miles, covering the beautiful and diverse coastline of Somerset. You can of course do shorter point to point sections from Minehead, heading out to Blue Anchor and Watchet and hoping on the West Somerset Railway to return to base!
Attractions & Activities
Enjoy a magicial trip back to the great days of steam train travel on the West Somerset Railway - England’s longest heritage railway. Join WSR for a magical steam train ride through the countryside and along the coast. The railway is full of fascination whether you are looking for a nostalgic ride back in time through lovely countryside or to study the railway and industrial heritage which the line preserves. A great day for all the family!
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 Butlins can be visited for 3, 4 or 7 night breaks. 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 & 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. Take a look a our Eat Minehead article featured in our Eat Exmoor Guide 2020-2021 for inspiration on where to visit.
To help you on your food and drink journey through Minehead, the town has just launched a new Eating and Drinking Map which includes all of the towns fabulous providers.
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.
Minehead Information Centre
The Beach Hotel, The Avenue, Minehead, Somerset. TA24 5AP
Tel: 01643 702624
Email: minehead.visitor@hotmail.com
Opening Hours
Image credits: Joanne Davies (Minehead Beach & North Hill), Channel Adventures (Water Activities) and Richard Robbins (Wellington Square) and Richard Robbins (Blenheim Gardens).