Minehead Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Minehead featuring modern architecture
A popular seaside holiday destination since the Victorian era, this attractive town is also the gateway to Exmoor National Park. 

Minehead has a sandy beach overlooked on the west by the wooded North Hill. Stroll along the town’s pleasant promenade, ride the West Somerset Railway through picturesque surrounding countryside or head to nearby Exmoor National Park for walking, biking and horseback riding. 

Enjoy gorgeous views across to Exmoor National Park’s North Hill from the flat, sandy Minehead Beach. The waters of Bristol Channel are ideal for swimming and pleasure boat cruises. Stroll along the lovely beachfront promenade lined with cafés, shops and bars.

The terminus of the West Somerset Railway is close to Minehead Beach. The station originally opened in 1874, and you can still see part of the original railway building as well as the goods shed. Ride this restored steam train on a 20-mile (32-kilometre) scenic journey through the Somerset countryside and admire the coast of the Bristol Channel, the lush Quantock Hills and quaint villages and farms.

Look inside the 15th-century St. Michael’s Church, which rises over Minehead on the lower slopes of North Hill. Walk to the church via the Church Steps, a charming footpath lined with thatched cottages with wonderful views over the town. The church is particularly beautiful at night when it’s illuminated against the night sky.

Minehead is a fine base for exploring Exmoor National Park, a beautiful expanse of wooded river valleys, craggy coastlines and deserted moors dotted with lichen-covered trees. The park encompasses more than 700 miles (1,100 kilometres) of walking paths. The South West Coast Path is a highlight. Hike along this 630-mile (1,010-kilometre) path, known as one of England’s longest countryside walking trails. This wonderful trail begins in Minehead and follows a route along Devon’s northern seaboard. 

Minehead is located on the Bristol Channel, 25 miles (40 kilometres) northwest of Taunton. Travel here by train from London or Birmingham. Alternatively, get here using National Express buses. The West Somerset Steam railway runs a seasonal service between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead.

The Beach Hotel
The Beach Hotel
3.5 out of 5
60 The Avenue, Minehead, England
The price is ₹8,550 per night from 22 May to 23 May
₹8,550
per night
22 May - 23 May
Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a beach locale. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews.
9/10 Wonderful! (172 reviews)
Sea view.
"Lovely room with sea view. Large comfortable bed and a good selection of tea and coffee. An excellent full English for breakfast - probably one of the best we’ve ever had! Only one small negative - really cheap and flimsy loo roll! Will definitely stay again."

Reviewed on 28 Apr 2024

The Beach Hotel
Northfield Hotel
Northfield Hotel
3 out of 5
Northfield Road, Minehead, England
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews.
8.8/10 Excellent! (211 reviews)
Lovely stay
"Our 2nd stay . The general condition of the hotel is in need of tlc, but we really enjoyed our stay , bed comfy ,room spacious . Food very good and the staff were friendly and helpful. Not far to walk to the beach ."

Reviewed on 17 Mar 2024

Northfield Hotel
Dunster Castle Hotel
Dunster Castle Hotel
4 out of 5
High Street, Minehead, England
The price is ₹9,659 per night from 17 May to 18 May
₹9,659
per night
17 May - 18 May
Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge) and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the breakfast in their reviews.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (244 reviews)
Cozy
"Great service, great meals, free parking a bonus in this neighborhood, but having skinny car helpful. A reasonable walk from castle."

Reviewed on 7 May 2024

Dunster Castle Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
North Devon Resort
North Devon Resort
3.5 out of 5
Marlborough Rd, Ilfracombe, England
Stay at this 3.5-star beach apartment in Ilfracombe. Enjoy free parking, breakfast and on-site spa services. Popular attractions Ilfracombe Harbour and Woolacombe ...
7.6/10 Good! (65 reviews)
"It was a pleasant experience staying at this holiday park. Nice location, spacious and clean rooms. The swimming pool was fabulous."

Reviewed on 8 Sep 2023

North Devon Resort
The Mole Resort - Lodges
The Mole Resort - Lodges
4 out of 5
The Lodges at The Mole, Chittlehamholt, Umberleigh, England
Stay at this 4-star golf villa in Umberleigh. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and an outdoor pool.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (23 reviews)
Amazing
"The whole experience was amazing from start to finish. Our lodge was perfect, everything you could need and luxury surroundings. All staff were friendly and couldn’t do enough for you. The food at the on site restaurant was beautiful. We can’t wait to go back!"

Reviewed on 12 May 2024

The Mole Resort - Lodges
Westbeach Holiday Apartments
Westbeach Holiday Apartments
4 out of 5
Nelson Rd, Bideford, England
Enjoy free parking, balconies or patios and rainfall showerheads.
9/10 Wonderful! (95 reviews)
"Good communication and lovely apartments"

Reviewed on 9 May 2024

Westbeach Holiday Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Minehead

4.1
Top destination
5 - Excellent
23
" "5 - Excellent 35.9375%
4 - Good
29
" "4 - Good 45.3125%
3 - Okay
10
" "3 - Okay 15.625%
2 - Disappointing
2
" "2 - Disappointing 3.125%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
23 Jan 2020

The beach was clean and the area around had lots of path for walking which is what we went for.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
19 Jan 2020

Quiet time of the year may be busy in the summer as butlins is local

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
24 Nov 2019

Try it for yourself...you will want to return again and again

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
4 Nov 2019

Visit was more focused on visiting general area, rather than specific towns.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
21 Oct 2019

Porlock is beautiful with lots of interesting shops and eating places. The Lorna Doone was a great experience and one well do again sometime.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller
19 Oct 2019

Tainted by our experience at Quay Inn

Cities near Minehead