Minehead

Minehead is where Exmoor meets the sea. Sitting on the very edge of the National Park, Minehead is ideal for lovers of the coast and the countryside. Minehead offers traditional seaside fun, with its promenade and long, sandy beach, and pebble beach near the harbour, which stretches for a mile and gives views across the Bristol Channel to Wales. The South West Coast Path begins on the quayside in Minehead and winds its way around the coastline to Poole in Dorset: the start is marked by a huge sculpture of a pair of hands holding a map.

Take a walk up The Parade to admire the vibrant floral displays and sample the cafes, pubs and restaurants. There is a wide range of guest houses and small hotels, as well as camping and caravan sites. North Hill, where Exmoor National Park begins, dominates the town and its green slopes can be seen for miles around. It is just a short walk from the centre of town, so without venturing far you can enjoy the countryside and even spot red deer and Exmoor ponies.