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!
Things to Do
Blenheim Gardens can be found just off the main town centre, enjoy the beautiful 6-acre landscaped gardens, find shade under a leafy tree 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.
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 relaxing trip back to the great days of steam train travel on England’s longest heritage railway. The 20 miles of line take you on a trip between Minehead and Bishops Lydeard along the Bristol Channel Coast and through the Quantock Hills.
Fancy heading out and trying Stand Up Paddleboarding or Kayaking? Channel Adventure offers a full range of activities from their seafront centre in Minehead. You can also hire bikes to head out and explore the beautiful Exmoor countryside.
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 good and drink journey through Minehead, the town has just launched a new Eating and Drinking Map which includes all of the towns fabulous providers. Take a look!
Minehead holds regular food markets and events. The weekly Farmers Market is held in The Parade each Friday between 9am and 2pm, the Country Market takes place in Bancks Street each Friday between 9am and 11.30am.
Shopping
Minehead has retained its Victorian architecture and adapted to the present day with an excellent selection of independent shops, galleries and traditional seaside souvenir gift shops alongside banks, building societies, chemists, convenience stores and other well-known retail outlets.
Accommodation
Minehead is a perfect base to explore Exmoor. There is an excellent variety of accommodation to suit families, couples or solo travellers, from budget to luxury break options. You’ll find many self-catering apartments, cottages, hotels, B&B’s, caravan parks and campsites in the local area.
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).