Somerset’s most magical town, Minehead can make even the most harried adult feel like a carefree child on holiday at the seaside for the first time. This family-friendly coastal resort has been a favourite for generations, with the fashionable Victorians leaving their mark in the form of elegant buildings and public gardens. There are two beaches, plenty of places to eat, drink and shop, and a wealth of Minehead cottages to rent. Not only is Minehead a fantastic holiday destination in its own right, but it is also close to other popular Somerset attractions. There are lots of things to do both indoors and outside to make Minehead the perfect year-round holiday destination. Read more
Croydon House is a beautiful Edwardian Farmhouse set within the estate grounds of Croydon Hall Country House Hotel. A perfect self-catering hideaway for up to 14 guests with the added bonus of use of the facilities available at the Hotel throughout your stay*. These include an outdoor heated pool, spa, gym, restaurant & bar. It's also pet friendly. *(subject to availability)
Located in the medieval village of Dunster on the Somerset coast, this lovely holiday cottage is positioned in a quiet road standing at the foot of Dunster Castle and ancient church - ideal for an activity packed holiday exploring Exmoor or a relaxing break by the sea.
Milbanke is a characterful seaside holiday cottage in Porlock Weir, sleeping six guests in a rare private coastal setting with uninterrupted views across Porlock Bay. Created from the former stables of Ashley Combe Mansion, this dog-friendly self-catering accommodation sits just above the shore, with a private path leading directly down to the beach. Three bedrooms all enjoy sea views, complemented by a cosy sitting room with an open fire, a well-equipped kitchen, and an enclosed garden. This holiday cottage on Exmoor provides an exceptional base for coastal walking, wildlife watching and exploring Porlock Weir, Dunster and the wider National Park.
Your family will love the chance to stay at Dunkery, which enjoys fantastic views towards North Hill and Minehead Old Town. Dunkery is a spacious bungalow that has been extended and modernised throughout to provide a high standard of accommodation. It has three lovely bedrooms, an enclosed garden and an open-plan layout that works well for families, couples and friends. Minehead's beach, harbour, esplanade and the start of South West Coast Path are a 20 minute walk (or 5 minute drive), as is the border of Exmoor National Park. One well-behaved dog is welcome.
The Pippins is a detached Bungalow, nicely presented throughout and provides the perfect self-catering retreat for couples looking to enjoy everything the Exmoor National Park and Somerset coastline has to offer. Nestling in the grounds of Cedar House on the edge of the Somerset village of Old Cleeve close to Minehead, the cottage has been awarded 4 Star Gold status by EnjoyEngland and provides a home from home and base for exploring the surrounding stunning countryside. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
The Bramleys offers self-catering for four guests in two bedrooms and sits on the edge of the Somerset village of Old Cleeve, close to the popular seaside resort of Minehead on the coast. Perfect for families or friends looking for a seaside holiday and base for exploring the many attractions of the area, including Exmoor National Park close by and the West Somerset Steam Railway. Relax, walk, cycle or explore - the area offers something for everyone. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
This secluded Victorian single storey cottage on the Ashley Combe Estate, the historic Exmoor home of computer pioneer Ada Lovelace, sits across a bridge next to a stream and is surrounded by woodland a mile from Porlock Weir. It combines old world charm with modern living; fully centrally heated, an open fire adds a special glow to cooler days. Lovelace is a good base for local walks. Peace and tranquillity in the sheltered woodland encourage relaxation and are the perfect ingredients for forest bathing. Free wifi serves to stay in touch with a less enchanted world. Lovelace can accommodate three guests with two people occupying the main King bed and one the single bedroom. Alternatively, one guest could use the main bedroom and two guests can be accommodated in the second bedroom by making up the second single (truckle) bed.
Pretty as a picture, this lovely self catering cottage used to be part of the old village forge and today provides romantic holiday accommodation in the tranquil rural village of Wootton Courtenay. A walkers paradise with direct access onto Exmoor's stunning National Park.
Minehead is a fantastic seaside resort with something to offer everyone at any time of the year. Located at the quiet end of the beach, close to the Old Ship Aground Pub, Harbour Cottage was built 300 years ago to house the Harbour Master and his family and has fantastic waterfront views. There is lots of space for up to six people to stay in three bedrooms, and the holiday home retains its original warmth and features like an inglenook fireplace and exposed beams. All of Minehead's beach and other attractions are within walking distance, and you can easily reach Exmoor, Porlock Weir, Watchet Harbour and many other Somerset attractions.
Popular towns in and around Exmoor:
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Minehead Beaches and the West Somerset Coastal Path - Minehead has not one but two gorgeous beaches to lay your towel down on. The main beach is The Strand. It is mostly sand with a little bit of shingle for stone skimming and rock pools to investigate. Minehead is a favourite choice for holidaymakers as well as day-trippers. However, there’s always enough space to set up your deck chair and settle in for the day, conveniently close to cafes, shops and the traditional sort of entertainment you would expect from the British seaside. Minehead’s second beach is the Terminus. Its name comes from its proximity to the West Somerset Railway. Terminus beach is north facing and, being breezier than its neighbour, is a popular sport for surfing, windsurfing and kiteboarding.
The West Somerset Coastal Path starts at Terminus beach and hugs the coastline past Dunster, Watchet and Blue Anchor beaches along its 58-mile route to the Steart Peninsula. It is a beautiful long-distance footpath with fantastic views, so whether you walk a small piece of it or the entire distance, make sure you schedule some holiday time to blow the cobwebs away.
Minehead Attractions and Activities - Minehead is a family-friendly seaside resort with plenty to keep people occupied regardless of the weather. If it’s sunny, walk up North Hill for far-reaching views over the town and surrounding Exmoor National Park. Wander through the town and browse the shops and boutiques, stopping for a restorative pub lunch or tea and cake in a friendly cafe. Minehead’s excellent golf course is a draw for many visitors, as is the heritage West Somerset Railway with its steam engines and vintage carriages that draw sightseers through glorious countryside. Minehead has an indoor skate park, a Butlins holiday park which offers day passes for non-residents, a market every Friday morning, and lovely parkland.
Nearby attractions include the Exmoor Owl and Hawk Centre, Haynes Motor Museum, the Torre Cider Farm in Watchet, Rich’s Farmhouse Cider in Highbridge, and fun activities for the whole family at the Somerset Adventures and Wimbleball Lake. Within an hour are Arlington Court and the National Carriage Museum, Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park and the colourful market town of Barnstaple with its historic pannier market.
Day Trips from Minehead - If all that is not enough, here are some more suggested day trips from Minehead:
