Being just 15 miles from the Devon/Somerset border, you can visit the delights of each county with ease, the north Somerset coast around Minehead offers a host of sandy beaches in either direction including Dunster beach which is a mixture of sand and pebble, situated just 2.5 miles from Minehead, Dunster has a small selection of shops and parking is next to the beach, with a station just down the road. The beach at Minehead itself has a wide stretch of sandy beach with all the facilities that you would expect from a thriving seaside town. A selection of sandy bays can also be visited along the coast towards the Devon/Somerset border including Porlock Bay (approx 5 miles) with its intriguing shingle ridge, marsh and village.
The enchanting wonders of Exmoor National Park will keep you occupied for hours; the miles of varied and inspiring landscape are home to the infamous Exmoor ponies, Red Deer and a large population of other wildlife.
Minehead is well served with bars/cafes, takeaways, pubs and restaurants including Chinese, Indian, Italian and seafood restaurants.
The avenues down to the beach are often ablaze with flower and foliage displays making Minehead an attractive place to wonder the many shops. The town centre has a good shopping centre, which is well worth a visit with a good mixture of speciality shops and many recognised high street names. Aquasplash is Minehead’s modern leisure pool with a 25m pool and beach area, slide, wave machine, sauna, Jacuzzi and gym.
The area boasts many parks and gardens that often provide a perfect venue for a wide range of musical events. Minehead is home to Butlins Somerset world, which is located on the seafront and is well known for its family holidays, rides and lively entertainment. The west Somerset Steam railway offers a relaxing journey into the past, visiting nine old time stations along the coast.
Minehead and Exmoor music festival takes place in July each year with a variety of bands and live performers. The Steam Fayre and Vintage Vehicle Rally takes place in August, along with the Dunster show which is an annual event with agricultural classes, entertainment, live bands, arts and crafts and workshops, providing a great day out for all the family. The CAMRA real ale festival takes place in mid September where you will enjoy the chance to taste a variety of ales and locally brewed beers. Towards the end of the year the village of Dunster holds an annual event of ‘Dunster by candlelight’ this takes place every year at the beginning of December with the whole village being lit by candles creating a magical atmosphere for all to enjoy.