There are many varied activities that can be enjoyed in and around Minehead. Listed below are the 10 most popular ones we find with our guests. Further afield it is possible to make day trips to Ilfracombe, Cheddar Gorge, Glastonbury, Wells Cathedral, Clarks retail village or even Bath. You will see that a few days stay are needed to fully enjoy this often unexplored area of the country.
Steam Railway
Take a day trip on the West Somerset Steam Railway, the longest Heritage railway covering approximately 20 miles along the Somerset coast and the edge of the Quantock Hills. Perhaps travel to the other end of the line at Bishops Lydeard and then stop off at various stations on the way back. Watchet station has the most to do if you get off there.
Dunster Castle
Spend a day at this interesting National Trust property and its surrounding gardens. The old medieval street of Dunster Village is worth a visit with its former Yarn Market, gift shops and eateries
North Hill
Walk or drive up North Hill for magnificent views across Exmoor and the Bristol Channel towards Wales. You may even see some of the wild Exmoor ponies
Porlock/Porlock Weir
Look around the village of Porlock and visit the coast at the nearby Porlock Weir.
Lynton and Lynmouth
Take a drive across Exmoor to visit Lynmouth with its quaint shops and tea rooms and the memorial to the flooding in 1952. If you are feeling adventurous you can take the scenic walk to Watersmeet.
Tea rooms
There are many excellent tea rooms around Exmoor as well as in Minehead. Try Periwinkle cottage in Selworthy or Horner Tea Gardens in Horner or Kitnors in Bossington.
Tarr Steps
Visit this ancient crossing of the River Barle from where there are many walks that can be taken around Exmoor, including a circular walk through the wooded valley along the river.
Lorna Doone Valley
Drive to Malmsmead in Exmoor and walk along the banks of the Badgworthy Water up the Lorna Doone Valley.
Channel Adventure
For something a bit different Channel Adventure, based on Warren Road (the Seafront), runs safe, fun activities using high quality equipment; all instructed by qualified experienced staff at brilliant venues – whether it’s on the river or on the coast. They offer a wide range of adventurous activities, for all ages and from all walks of life. Sessions range from Kayaking to Tree Climbing. Further details about what is on offer can be found on their website: channeladventure.co.uk
West Somerset coast path
Try walking this path heading east from Minehead along the coast. This is much flatter than the South West Coast path heading across Exmoor and it is possible to walk quite a long way in one day, perhaps as far as Watchet where you can catch a bus back to Minehead.