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Minehead Hotel Association MiniGuide

Why come to Minehead in West Somerset?

Minehead is a unique resort which has been popular since the railway arrived here in Victorian times. Despite this it remains today relatively unspoilt by commercial developments, retaining buildings and areas of much charm and character and is ideally placed either for seafront activities or exploring the Exmoor National Park and surroundings. Countryside lovers choosing Minehead as an holiday base can be guaranteed continuous interest for up to 2 weeks touring and walking, without taking into account all the special events, attractions and festivals that take place locally. Minehead is a very attractive base for lovers of historic buildings and gardens too, with Dunster and its superb castle and the National Trust land and properties - the Holnicott estate is the Trust's largest holding. Guests who have "just stopped overnight" on the way to their annual vacation in Devon and Cornwall frequently comment that they had no idea West Somerset was so beautiful, uncrowded and so much easier to get to than the "Cornish Riviera"! In any event, North Devon is only 12 miles west of us for day visits! Minehead Hotel Association members now have many visitors who have "seen the light" and no longer sit for hours in their cars trying to get to the extreme South West. Why not give Somerset and Minehead a try?

Minehead Map - click here

(we acknowledge the support of Minehead Town Council & West Somerset District Council for the map)

Attractions in Minehead

• The Harbour (pictured right), Lifeboat Station, sea fishing trips, Bristol Channel cruises, Old cannons on Quayside, launch point for boats and windsurfing. The historic ships, Balmoral and Waverly, run excursions from May to October from Minehead pier. See www.waverlyexcursions.co.uk
• Quay Street Old thatched cottages lining the street, leading to attractive level walking at Culvercliff, then more challenging cliff walking up onto North Hill and into the Exmoor National Park
• St. Michael's Church and Church Steps 14/15th century Church on North Hill and steep footpath between thatched cottages, views over town. Steep walking with breathtaking views of land and seascapes.
• Blenheim Gardens Beautiful gardens open all year. Bandstand and traditional cafe. Summer band concerts.
• Town Centre Compact, but very lively for a small coastal town, with a surprising range of shops in the town and on the trading estate. An exceptionally wide range of electrical, domestic, furnishing and clothing goods is available in addition to the typical gift and souvenir offerings. There are good "bargain" shops here too and with the towns many visitors, there is a good turnover of goods on sale. The regular markets are very popular - including a Farmer's market offering local produce. There are very many places to eat, ranging from well sited pubs and inns to "up market" restaurants.
• Quirkes Almshouses - Market House Lane These were given to the town in 1630. Part of Minehead's historic Heritage which, on North Hill particularly, comprises many grand Edwardian villas and other buildings.
• West Somerset Steam Railway Station Home of the West Somerset Railway. Runs between Minehead & Bishop's Lydiard with connection to Taunton. One of the areas most popular tourist attractions and under continuous development and improvement. Twice Annual Steam Galas, beer festivals and many other major events. Railway shop and carriage cafeteria.
• Aquasplash - Seaward Way - Open all year 25 metre indoor leisure pool with fun features, spa and fitness centre.
• Butlins Family Entertainment Resort Warren Road (seafront) Large entertainment complex open to day visitors. Facilities include funfair, cinema, go-karts, 10-pin bowling alley, leisure pool, live music. Open May to October inclusive and winter weekends.
• North Hill This is in The National Park boundary. Nature reserve with spectacular views of sea and Exmoor. Camp site and picnic area.
• Seafront and Beach Wide sandy beach and seafront. Good access to the beach for disabled visitors and families with pushchairs. Amusements, takeaways and cafeteria. Excellent beach walking from Minehead to Blue Anchor bay, with the steam railway to bring you home!
• The Parks Walk An amazing linear arboretum and shrubbery offering a substantial walk out of Minehead towards Bratton accompanied by a lively stream

Minehead Tourist Information Centre

17 Friday Street, Minehead TA24 SUB. Tel: 0845 3452465 - Fax: 01643 707166. The office is open all year including Summer Sundays. The friendly staff will be pleased to assist you with any aspect of your holiday in Minehead.
Accommodation bookings can be made for personal callers at the office. A wide selection of free leaflets, saleable maps and guides is available at the office or by mail order. Tickets sold for sea cruises, concerts, Blue Motors, National Express coaches,etc.

Trains & Buses from Minehead

Public transport timetables are published twice a year in May and October giving a full range of journeys from Minehead. During the Summer additional services are operated including the coastal Exmoor 300 buses and the Historic open top 400 service which tours Exmoor. Contact Minehead Tourist Information Centre for a copy of the current timetable.

Main local services

High Street Banks (all in The Parade or Wellington Square)

Alliance & Leicester; Barclays; Halifax (Chanin & Thomas Agency); HSBC; Lloyds TSB; NatWest.
There are numerous cash machines available in The Parade, covering all cash cards.

Minehead Post Office (in The Avenue) also Alcombe Post Office (Townsend Road in Alcombe)

Public Library (in Bancks Street)

Minehead Hospital (The Parade) has a walk-in emergency assessment centre

Doctors Guests may be able to use local GP practices - consult your accommodation manager

Public Toilets in the town

Seafront - under K's entertainments and on the seafront itself. Harbour - car park by the lifeboat station. The Avenue - Car park alongside Co-op. In Blenheim Gardens. Irnham Road - in the recreation ground.

Car Parks in Minehead (subject to change in 2006)

Car parking availability in Minehead varies seasonally! There is on-street parking, but please check for the waiting limits! There are quite a few car parks, some currently under discussion for use for other purposes, but the current facilitites are shown in the list below and the map on the right.

1. Seafront - Promenade and Warren Raod

2. Seafront - Vulcan Road

3. Seafront - Harbour & Quay West

4. Seafront - Railway Station

5. North Road

6. The Avenue - Beside Co-op

7. Alexandra Road
   

Eating Out

There will be little difficultly in finding a place for lunch or morning and afternoon refreshments. Mostly visitors will be able to obtain an evening meal in Minehead, as there is a wide range of establishments, mainly in The Avenue and the Parade, with a few places on the Promenade and the harbour area. All the local pubs and inns offer meals - there are pubs in Alcombe and the Townsend Road as well. Note that many places have one closed evening for meals and many close on Monday evenings. On Friday and Saturday nights in the season (from March to September) booking in advance really is necessary to avoid long waits or disappointment. A list is available in the Tourist Information Centre.

Sports & Leisure Guide

 
WEST SOMERSET SPORTS & LEISURE CENTRE at The West Somerset Community College, Bircham Road, Alcombe - Table Tennis, Racketball, Squash, Aerobics, Cricket Nets, Outdoor Pitches, Badminton, Short Mat Bowls, Fitness Suite -
Creche & Playscheme - details Tel: 01643 708815

Entertainment

Participating Bed & Breakfast, Guest House and Hotel establishments

Avondale  | Bactonleigh | Beverleigh | Glendower House | Kenella House | Kingsway Hotel | Marston Lodge Hotel | Montrose | Oakfield House | Parks Guest House | Promenade Hotel | Sunfield | Tranmere House | Tregonwell House