Discover hidden treasure in Minehead! With a range of things to do for all ages, Minehead is a fantastic seaside holiday destination for families, couples and those with a sense for adventure.
Minehead, on the edge of Exmoor National Park is the largest town in West Somerset. It is also the starting point of the South West Coast Path, England's longest waymarked footpath and a National Trail, stretching for 630 miles.
Nestling 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 as you approach, you’ll begin to fall in love with our town.
Minehead offers the perfect destination for a family seaside holiday. It boasts a wonderful long flat sandy beach, a charming harbour, a bustling town with Independent shops and cafes and heritage attractions.
Just a short stroll from the seafront you’ll find Blenheim Gardens, Minehead’s largest park. These beautiful gardens, which first opened in 1925, are open all year, with a bandstand and wide variety of free entertainment during the summer months. The historic 14th century St Michael's Church and charming cottages on North Hill give an olde world charm to the town, coupled with a bustling shopping area with a range of independent shops, high street stores and regular markets. Together with a busy West Somerset events calendar, there is always something to see and do in Minehead!
Across from the promenade and the gardens is the western terminus of the West Somerset Railway which was originally opened in 1874 as The Minehead Railway. A short walk leads you to The Avenue - Minehead’s main shopping street which is just off the seafront and offers a variety of shops, bars and restaurants.
The Minehead Visitor Centre can be found in The Beach Hotel alongside the West Somerset Railway station, a stone’s throw from the seafront. Here you will find a wide range of leaflets and brochures about places to visit and things to do in and around Minehead and the surrounding area. There is also a great selection of maps and guidebooks to help you explore the area on foot, by bicycle and in the car, plus bus timetables if you want to use public transport. There is also a range of locally-made gifts and crafts for sale.
The Centre offers a free accommodation booking service on behalf of a number of the accommodation providers in Minehead and the surrounding area. All you have to do is get in touch with the team with the dates of your visit and the type of accommodation you would like and they’ll do the rest for you.