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Minehead

England, United Kingdom · Europe

About Minehead

Minehead is worth a stop: 15 minutes from Porlock, 9km from Porlock Hill.

Minehead is a town located in England, United Kingdom. With a population of 11,757, it is an important destination in Europe.

On a road trip, Minehead sits in United Kingdom, where you drive on the left. It's in the Europe/London time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Minehead to your route.

About Minehead

Minehead is a coastal town and civil parish in Somerset, England. It lies on the south bank of the Bristol Channel, 21 miles (34 km) north-west of the county town of Taunton, 12 miles (19 km) from the boundary with the county of Devon and close to the Exmoor National Park. The parish includes Alcombe and Woodcombe,

Read more suburban villages which have been subsumed into Minehead. At the 2021 census, the parish had a population of 11,752. There was a small port at Minehead by 1380, which grew into a major trading centre during the medieval period. Most trade transferred to larger ports during the 20th century, but pleasure steamers continued to call at the port. Major rebuilding took place in the Lower or Middle town area following a fire in 1791. The fortunes of the town revived with the growth in sea bathing, and by 1851 was becoming a retirement centre. There was a marked increase in building during the early years of the 20th century, which resulted in the wide main shopping avenue and adjacent roads with Edwardian-style architecture. The town is the home of a Butlins Holiday Park, which increases the seasonal tourist population by several thousand. There are a variety of schools and religious, cultural and sporting facilities including sailing, windsurfing and golf. An ancient local tradition involves the Hobby Horse, which takes to the streets for four days on the eve of the first of May each year, with accompanying musicians and rival horses. The town is the starting point of the South West Coast Path National Trail, the nation's longest long-distance countryside walking trail. The Minehead Railway, which opened in 1874 and closed in 1971, has since been reopened as the West Somerset Railway.

Read more on Wikipedia

Where to Stay in Minehead

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in Minehead?

Minehead offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.

How do I plan a road trip to Minehead?

Plan your road trip to Minehead with Plan Your Road Trips! Add Minehead as a destination, and we'll help you find the best route and discover more amazing places along the way.

Where is Minehead located?

Minehead is located in England, United Kingdom, Europe. The coordinates are 51.2045 latitude, -3.4828 longitude.

What is the population of Minehead?

Minehead has a population of approximately 11,757 people, making it a town in United Kingdom.

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Quick Information

Population
11,757
Continent
Europe
Country
United Kingdom
Region
England
Timezone
Europe/London
Coordinates
51.2045, -3.4828

Emergency & Services

Essential numbers in United Kingdom

Police
999
Ambulance
999
Fire
999
Non-emergency police
101
Driving side
left

112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.

Full driving guide for United Kingdom

Tags

EuropeUnited KingdomEnglandTown

Worth the detour from Minehead

8 notable places within an hour's drive.

famous road

Porlock Hill

Britain's steepest A-road, where the A39 climbs out of Porlock onto Exmoor at gradients up to 1-in-4 with two severe hairpins. A scenic Victorian toll road offers a gentler coastal alternative.

9 km · about 15 min drive

natural wonder

Cheddar Gorge

Britain's largest gorge with 450-foot limestone cliffs, ancient caves containing the oldest complete human skeleton found in Britain.

51 km · about 60 min drive

scenic viewpoint

Cheddar Gorge Viewpoint

England's largest gorge with 450-foot limestone cliffs, offering jaw-dropping views from several pull-off points along the winding road.

51 km · about 60 min drive

cafe

The Bike Shed Exeter

The original Bike Shed venue in Exeter's historic city centre, blending motorcycle culture with independent food and drink.

54 km · about 60 min drive

cathedral

Exeter Cathedral

Magnificent Gothic cathedral boasting the longest uninterrupted vaulted ceiling in England, dating back to the 12th century.

54 km · about 60 min drive

landmark

Glastonbury Tor

Mystical terraced hill crowned by St Michael's Tower, steeped in Arthurian and early Christian legends with panoramic Somerset views.

55 km · about 65 min drive

cathedral

Wells Cathedral

Exquisite Early English Gothic cathedral with a magnificent sculpted west front displaying nearly 300 medieval figures.

58 km · about 65 min drive

beach

Three Cliffs Bay

Triple limestone peaks guard a sweep of sand where Pennard Pill meanders to the sea on the Gower: repeatedly voted among Britain's best beaches yet reached only on foot past a ruined castle. View from Pennard cliffs is the classic.

60 km · about 70 min drive

Driving roads near Minehead

  • Right herePorlock HillBritain's steepest A-road, where the A39 climbs out of Porlock onto Exmoor at gradients up to 1-in-4 with two severe hairpins. A scenic Victorian toll road offers a gentler coastal alternative.
  • 51 kmCheddar Gorge ViewpointEngland's largest gorge with 450-foot limestone cliffs, offering jaw-dropping views from several pull-off points along the winding road.
  • 66 kmClifton Suspension BridgeIsambard Kingdom Brunel's iconic 1864 suspension bridge soaring 75m above the Avon Gorge at Bristol, still carrying traffic and glowing with lights after dark.
  • 74 kmBlack Mountain Pass (A4069)Exhilarating mountain road through the Brecon Beacons, a favourite of motoring programmes and often called the best driving road in Wales.
  • 76 kmPen y FanThe highest peak in southern Britain at 886 metres, the flat-topped summit of the Brecon Beacons offering sweeping views across Wales.
  • 77 kmHartland QuaySavage stretch of North Devon coast where contorted rock strata zigzag into the Atlantic, reached by a dead-end road down the cliffs to a 16th-century harbour site and pub. Shipwreck country with a small museum.

Driving in United Kingdom

Drives on
the left
Petrol
~€1.73/litre
Motorway tolls
None

When to drive here

April to October

Nearby Destinations

Other places to explore near Minehead.

Porlock

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

8 km awayPop. 1,213

Watchet

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

11 km awayPop. 3,581

Williton

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

12 km awayPop. 2,644

Dulverton

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

19 km awayPop. 1,052

Wiveliscombe

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

22 km awayPop. 2,178

Rhoose

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

22 km awayPop. 6,160

Llantwit Major

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

23 km awayPop. 14,384

Nether Stowey

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

23 km awayPop. 1,373

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Data sources:GeoNames (CC BY 4.0)•Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)•Mapbox•Photography: George Lawrence