You could get wet – go walking/singing in the rain or puddle jumping -or watch the storms roll in from one of the cosy cafes and inns along this stretch of coast. But if you prefer to stay dry read on.
Year Round Activities
Photo Credit: Butlin’s
Butlin’s Minehead offers a day pass giving you access to a range of bars and restaurants. You’ll also get access to Splash Waterworld with pools, a Space Bowl and flumes. Enjoy unlimited rides in the fairground, their indoor Little Stars Fairground and live shows in the Skyline Pavilion. Children can explore soft play areas, outdoor playgrounds and their Skypark too.
Minehead Eye is a skatepark and activity centre that offers activities and events for all ages. Every day there is something different, from skateboard taster sessions to street art workshops, Nerf battles, roller discos and toddler groups. The centre also features a climbing wall, bouldering cave, recording studio and café.
Attractions
*Allerford Museum is home to the West Somerset Photographic Archive and the West Somerset Rural Life Museum, with artefacts dating from the early 1800s. Children can dress up and play with the toys of bygone days in the Victorian Schoolroom.
*Dovery Manor Museum, Porlock, is housed in a late 15th Century building and provides an insight into the rich history of Porlock and its surrounding communities.
Photo Credit: James Dobson
Dunster Castle and Watermill boasts over 1,000 years of history from a medieval fortress to a family home. Perched high on a hill with panoramic views over the coast, it features rare collections, stunning sub-tropical gardens and a working watermill.
Photo Credit: Mike Lanning
*The West Somerset Railway, Minehead, is Britain’s longest independent heritage steam railway, running for 20 miles through the most beautiful scenery along the coast and through the Quantock Hills.
Tropiquaria Zoo, near Watchet, is totally unique with a Reptile Hall, Nocturnal House and Aquarium housed in a Grade II listed Art Deco BBC Radio Transmitter station. It has play areas, a café, free parking and is also an animal sanctuary, working with others to help rescue and rehome animals.
Free Things to Do (Donations Very Welcome)
Amusement Arcades on Minehead seafront – Merlins Amusements and the Arkade offer a variety of entertainment, from 2p slots to old-school arcade and video games.
Doniford Farm Park has a café, farm shop, brand new children’s indoor Play Barn, plenty of cute animals to admire and cake to eat. The farm is free to enter, with charges applying for the Play Barn.
Libraries in Williton, Minehead, Watchet and Porlock offer books to browse and so much more. Use the internet, Wi-Fi, check out the local history, research your ancestry or simply read the papers, all for free.
Photo Credit: Minehead Museum
*Minehead Museum offers a glimpse into Minehead’s history, the Hobby Horse, Punch & Judy and unique specialist books on the history of the town. Exhibits this year feature Isabella Gifford (Botanist), Samuel Warren and the Turnpike Trust and the Hopcott Hotel Fire.
*The Market House Museum, Watchet, tells the story of the town’s rich heritage and industrial and social history.
The Radio Museum, Watchet, shares the story of radio and broadcasting in Britain since the 1920s. This collection has taken 40 years to curate.
Watchet Boat Museum houses the Flatner, a traditional flat-bottomed boat used along the Bristol Channel’s tidal flats, with exhibits including full-size boats, photographs, scale models, fishing artifacts and interactive displays for children.
Cinemas, Theatres and Arts Centres
East Quay, Watchet – Visit the galleries, artist studios and restaurant, or sign up for their programme of events and workshops. Stunning harbour views.
The Avenue Cinema, Minehead, has three screens showing the latest films in modern comfortable surroundings.
The Backyard Theatre, Watchet, is an intimate 89-seat venue that has recently opened and offers a stage for local talent and touring theatre companies.
The Regal Theatre, Minehead, was built in 1934 and has a varied programme including drama, dance, musicals, film, opera, comedy and children’s shows.
Explore the Towns
Dunster, Photo Credit: Nell Barrington
- Dunster is a beautiful medieval village filled with independent shops including arts, antiques, clothes, jewellery, gifts and historic buildings including the Yarn Market.
- Minehead – Explore the tree-lined avenue of unique independent shops, including clothing boutiques, specialty foods and traditional souvenirs.
Minehead, Photo Credit: Sally Turner
- Porlock and Porlock Weir is a charming village and harbour with numerous galleries displaying arts, photography, ceramics, glass and artisan producers.
- Watchet offers a unique shopping experience with its array of arts, crafts and antiques, traditional hardware store and an impressive selection of vintage goods and gifts.
Make the Most of the Somerset and Exmoor Coast
Visit our friendly local information centres, where expert staff can help plan your personalised day out and recommend the best attractions and events. They can also arrange accommodation, provide maps and brochures, suggest places to eat and drink and offer insights into places off the beaten track. The staff are there to make your visit as memorable, enjoyable and stress-free as possible, so make sure you pop in to make the most of this unique coast.
As all the opening times and days vary, please check the websites or call before visiting. *Indicates seasonal opening.
This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with Somerset Council being the lead local authority for UKSPF in Somerset.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, click here.
